The United States, one of the co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will take on Germany in a high-profile international friendly at Soldier Field, Chicago, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 01:30 WITA (Lombok time).
With the World Cup just days away, this final warm-up fixture plays a crucial role in fine-tuning tactics and final preparations before the tournament begins.
The United States enter this match on a confident note after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Senegal in a friendly on Sunday.
Goals from Sergiño Dest and Christian Pulisic for the US were canceled out by a brace from Sadio Mané, but Folarin Balogun’s second-half strike sealed the win for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The US national team is placed in Group D of the World Cup alongside Paraguay (June 13), Australia (June 19), and Turkey (June 26).
With the pressure of performing on home soil, the US will view this clash against a strong German side as an ideal test to prepare for the intensity of the World Cup.
Germany, on the other hand, come into the fixture full of confidence after thrashing Finland 4-0 in a friendly at Mewa Arena, Mainz, on Sunday.
Die Mannschaft dominated proceedings in terms of possession and chances created, with Deniz Undav netting twice, while Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala added one goal each to complete a convincing win.
Germany remain perennial contenders at every World Cup, having lifted the trophy four times. They will seek another strong showing in North America, starting their campaign in Group E alongside Curaçao (June 14), Ivory Coast (June 20), and Ecuador (June 25).
Germany hold the upper hand in the head-to-head record between the two nations, winning eight of their twelve encounters, while the US have claimed four victories. None of the matches have ended in a draw.
Their last meeting in October 2023 ended 3-1 in Germany’s favour at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Christian Pulisic opened the scoring for the US in the 27th minute, but goals from Ilkay Gündogan, Niclas Füllkrug, and Jamal Musiala turned the game around for Germany.
In the latest FIFA World Rankings, Germany sit 10th, while the United States are placed 16th globally.
US defender Chris Richards missed the win over Senegal due to an ankle injury and remains doubtful, having only participated in individual training sessions this week.
Pochettino must decide whether to revert to a four-man defence or stick with three centre-backs, likely featuring captain Tim Ream, Alex Freeman, and Mark McKenzie, with Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson operating as wing-backs.
Captain Christian Pulisic, who scored against Senegal and also netted in the 2023 defeat to Germany, is expected to start. The AC Milan forward could line up alongside Ricardo Pepi and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Giovanni Reyna in attack.
For Germany, striker Deniz Undav has eased fears of a serious injury after being substituted early during the 4-0 win against Finland, in which he scored twice and provided an assist.
Undav is unlikely to feature against the US, while veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, 40, remains sidelined with a calf issue, meaning Oliver Baumann will continue in goal.
After scoring and playing the full 90 minutes against Finland, Jamal Musiala’s minutes may be managed this weekend. Florian Wirtz could take his place in the No. 10 role, opening a spot for Jamie Leweling on the left wing.
Kai Havertz, who scored for Arsenal in the Champions League final loss to PSG last week, joined Germany’s national team training on Tuesday and could be available to face the US. However, Nick Woltemade or Maximilian Beier may get the nod to start as the central striker.
United States: Turner; Freeman, Ream, McKenzie; Dest, McKennie, Adams, Robinson; Reyna, Pepi, Pulisic
Germany: Baumann; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Goretzka, Pavlovic; Karl, Wirtz, Leweling; Woltemade
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann employs a high-pressing approach and effectively utilises creative players like Musiala and Wirtz, relying on rapid transitions to generate goal-scoring opportunities.
The US are expected to maintain a compact defensive block while using pace on the wings through stars like Pulisic to trouble Germany’s backline on the counter.
This should be an intense and competitive contest, but Germany are tipped to edge out a narrow victory.
Predicted Score: United States 1-2 Germany
This encounter between two in-form nations promises excitement and intensity, though Germany are regarded as the favourites heading into the weekend.
The US have the ability to breach Germany’s defence, but Nagelsmann’s side possess greater overall strength, making them favourites to win this pre-World Cup tune-up.
Predicted Score: United States 1-2 Germany
While most predictions favour Germany, final friendlies before major tournaments often produce unexpected outcomes. Both managers are likely to prioritise player fitness, tactical experimentation, and injury prevention over chasing victory.
The United States will enjoy home advantage, with a passionate crowd at Soldier Field eager to see their team ready for the World Cup. This atmosphere could provide a valuable boost to Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
Individually, Germany have a superior squad. Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Jamal Musiala bring creativity and experience that are hard to match. However, Die Mannschaft may opt for rotation after their comfortable win against Finland, given the proximity of the World Cup kickoff.
The US, meanwhile, boast a dangerous front line. Christian Pulisic is in fine form, while Giovanni Reyna, Ricardo Pepi, and Folarin Balogun can exploit the spaces behind Germany’s high defensive line. Their speed in transition could create serious problems for Nagelsmann’s side.
Germany are expected to dominate possession and create more chances, but the US have enough quality to respond through quick counterattacks and home support. With both teams aiming to maintain rhythm without risking injuries, a high-scoring draw seems a realistic outcome.
Predicted Score: United States 2-2 Germany
