Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium play host United States Men's National Team friendlies in lead up to FIFA World Cup 2026

In preparation for welcoming the world this summer, Atlanta got a chance to practice playing host. 

The city's way of warming up came in the form two friendly matches as the United States Men's National Team faced two top 15 ranked opponents at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The U.S. took on Belgium Saturday, March 28 and Portugal Tuesday, March 31, two huge fixtures for learning and development ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Players competed for World Cup roster spots, coaches tweaked tactics, and fans got to witness a sneak peak of what's to come when the tournament comes to Atlanta this summer. Nearly 140,000 fans attended the two matches in total, bringing soul to the stadium and energy that will have the city reverberating until the World Cup begins in June.

"Atlanta is a great city for us to play in," USMNT defender Auston Trusty said Tuesday night. "To play here, to play in this atmosphere, it's really good. To see the Red, White and Blue, even the National Anthem, you just get hyped."

USMNT vs Belgium: Learning to do after a hot start

After the first 45 minutes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it looked like the U.S. had a real control over a quality opponent in Belgium. The second half, though, was an unraveling, one that U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino said.

The U.S. struck first from a set piece in the 39th minute when Weston McKennie found a pocket of space to finish an Antonee Robinson cross. A Belgium equalizer in the 45th minute sent the teams into the break level, but it was the traveling side who exploded for four goals in the second half.

Patrick Agyemang got one back in the 89th minute, but the Red, White and Blue fell 5-2. Pochettino and his side knew changes would have to be made. Still, the U.S. found some moments to hang their hats on.

"It was a game that, of course, 5-2 is always difficult to accept," Pochettino said after the Belgium match Saturday night. "It's painful, but at the same time, we need to take so many positive things ... For many moments of the game, we played at the speed that the game required, playing a very good team."

USMNT vs Portugal: Some improvements in face of quality opposition

The U.S. made major strides over the course of their second match against an equally dangerous Portugal side but ultimately fell 2-0. 

One huge difference maker was the Stars and Stripes' relentless pressing, which forced Portugal into some untimely turnovers throughout the night. 

Both teams had their fair share of chances in the first half, but Portugal capitalized after Christian Pulisic nearly scored on a longshot in the 35th minute. Francisco Trincão slotted away a chance just a minute later after a backheel pass from Bruno Fernandes.

The return of Chris Richards to the backline added needed defensive stability. The Crystal Palace center back was well-positioned and definitive in clearing the ball to stop Portuguese attacks.

Portugal made it two with a sweet strike from João Félix in the 59th minute, a half volley from outside the box directly off a corner kick. Fernandes once again assisted as the Manchester United midfielder showed his class on the evening.

The final score stayed at 2-0, though the Stars and Stripes still had their moments, particularly in the first half. Overall, they couldn't find the same success in the attacking third but played a fairly confident 90 minutes in defense, not conceding within their defensive structure and instead faltering on the counterattack and off a set piece. 

Taking on the challenges of playing sides of World Cup caliber is something that Pochettino believes, regardless of results, will benefit his side. 

"It's the only way to improve, it's the only way to learn, it's the only way to see how these top players and teams compete," Pochettino said after the Portugal match Tuesday night.​

June can't come soon enough

With two games under their belts against serious competition, the U.S. have the study materials they need in order to get things right come the real thing. They'll break down the sore spots and the highlights, knowing they have an opportunity to forever shift the landscape of soccer in the States. 

"When you start to show that you feel, you care, you're frustrated, it's because you want to win, you want to fight, want to score and help the team," Pochettino said Tuesday night. "It's good to have these type of games when you are building something." ​

Meanwhile, the city of Atlanta proved just how much it loves the sport, totaling 139,164 in attendance over the two matches. The magic of the moments was evident with each goal, each well-timed tackle, each save elicited a roar from the crowd. If this was just the warmup, imagine the real thing. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host eight World Cup matches, including a semifinal match, over the course of the tournament. 

Though the U.S. will not play a group stage match in Atlanta, the warm support the players received didn't go unnoticed. 

"I thought it was great," Pulisic said Tuesday night. "Almost a full stadium, looked like a lot of support. It's a great city to play [in]."

The Stars and Stripes will play their first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at 9 p.m. ET Friday, June 12 against Paraguay. Atlanta's first match will feature Spain taking on Cabo Verde at 12 p.m. ET Monday, June 15.