USMNT experimentation comes up short in loss to Portugal

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 31: Christian Pulisic of United States is challenged by Pedro Neto and Goncalo Inacio of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images The United States Men’s National Team suffered a 2-0 loss to Portugal on Tuesday night in Atlanta in their final match before the World Cup roster is named.

Francisco Trincão and João Felix were the goalscorers for Portugal in the final match of the March international window. Making six changes from the lineup that started against Belgium on Saturday, Christian Pulisic began the match operating at the center striker position with Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman, and Tim Weah behind him. It was an experimental formation for head coach Mauricio Pochettino in the final match for the team before he names his World Cup roster.

There was no similarity in kit colors this evening, as the USMNT debuted their Stars jersey, while Portugal revealed their light green away jersey. A capacity crowd of 72,297 gathered inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium despite the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo was left off the Portugal roster due to an injury he sustained a few weeks ago. And the USMNT hoped to make a lasting impression.

The USMNT were aggressive early. Just 90 seconds in, Weston McKennie off a turnover received the ball from Tim Weah, and left a backheel pass for Malik Tillman, who took a shot. His shot was deflected and was calmly collected by Portuguese goalkeeper José Sá.