The United States vs Portugal in a high-profile international friendly on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. The United States close their March camp against Portugal in Atlanta in one of the biggest men’s friendlies on the March calendar, with both teams using the game as a key tune-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The USMNT are looking to bounce back after a 5-2 loss to Belgium, while Portugal arrive after a 0-0 draw with Mexico and will be without Cristiano Ronaldo because of a minor muscle injury.
United States vs Portugal – Match Details, Date, Time, Predictions, Lineups & More
- Match: United States vs Portugal.
- Tournament: International Friendly.
- Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
- Time: 7:00 PM ET.
- Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia.
- Broadcast: TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Peacock, Telemundo, and Universo.
Team News and Analysis
United States
The USMNT head into this game trying to reset after the Belgium defeat, but they still have reason for confidence at home. U.S. Soccer says this is the final match of the March camp before Mauricio Pochettino names his 2026 World Cup roster, so the intensity should feel closer to a competitive game than a normal friendly.
Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie remain central to the conversation, while Matt Turner got minutes against Belgium and may again be part of the goalkeeper battle.
Tactically, the U.S. will likely try to stay compact, win second balls, and use pace in transition. If the Americans can protect the middle and keep Portugal from settling into long spells of possession, they have enough attacking quality to threaten on the break.
Portugal
Portugal come into the match with plenty of quality even without Ronaldo. MLSsoccer notes that Roberto Martínez still has elite options such as Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves, and Gonçalo Ramos, while U.S. Soccer points to João Félix and Rafael Leão as the main attacking figures in Ronaldo’s absence. That makes Portugal dangerous across the front line and in midfield.
Their biggest strength is balance. Portugal can control the ball, press in waves, and create chances from wide areas or through central combinations. Against a U.S. side trying to regain confidence, Portugal should feel comfortable dictating large parts of the match.
Head-to-Head Statistics
U.S. Soccer says the all-time series stands at 2 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws for the USA. The teams last met in November 2017, when they played out a 1-1 draw in Leiria, and the Americans’ most famous win in the series was the 3-2 World Cup victory in Suwon in 2002.
| Total Matches | 7 |
| USA Wins | 2 |
| Portugal Wins | 2 |
| Draws | 3 |
| Total Goals | 8 (USA) – 8 (Portugal) |
United States vs Portugal Starting XI
- USMNT stating XI vs Portugal (4-3-3): Matt Freese; Sergiño Dest, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson; Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso; Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Timothy Weah.
- Portugal Starting Xi vs USMNT (4-3-3): Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes; João Félix, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto.
Key Players to Watch
United States: Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson. Pulisic and McKennie remain the headliners, while Balogun and Robinson add pace and direct threat.
Portugal: Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão, João Félix, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes. Even without Ronaldo, Portugal still have top-level creators and finishers who can decide the game quickly.
Match Prediction
This looks like a fast, entertaining friendly with chances for both teams, but Portugal’s midfield control and attacking depth give them the edge. The USA should compete well at home, yet Portugal look slightly more polished in the final third.
- Prediction: United States 1-2 Portugal.
How to watch the USWNT vs Portugal game on TV and stream it online?
Fans can catch Thursday’s match streaming on HBO Max with English commentary or on Peacock with Spanish commentary, starting at 7 p.m. ET.
Where to Watch United States vs Portugal?
In the U.S., the match will air on TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Peacock, Telemundo, and Universo. Kick-off is set for 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, March 31, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
| Region | TV Channels & Streaming Platforms |
|---|---|
| United States | VIX and Fox Sports – English TNT, truTV, and streaming on HBO Max – Telemundo, Universo, and streaming on Peacock – Spanish Westwood One Sports – Radio |
| United Kingdom | Amazon Prime Video (Pay-Per-View) |
| Italy | RaiPlay (Free live stream) |
| India | SonyLIV |
| Australia | Stan Sport |
When is United States vs Portugal?
Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
What time does it kick off?
7:00 PM ET.
Where is the match being played?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Where can I watch it?
TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Peacock, Telemundo, and Universo.
Who is the favorite team?
Portugal are the slight favorite on paper because of their deeper squad and stronger midfield control, though the USA will have home advantage. That is an inference based on the official previews and current squad context.
Is Ronaldo playing in the USMNT friendly Match?
No, Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in the friendly match against the United States on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
