USA lineup vs. Portugal: How USMNT starting XI works out in final match before 2026 World Cup roster decided

The USMNT is hoping to bounce back from a heavy defeat to Belgium over the weekend as it hosts FIFA's fifth-ranked side, Portugal, in Atlanta for an international friendly on Tuesday.

A 5-2 loss to Belgium stoked fears of a summer struggle to come as the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears, set to begin just months from now in mid-June.

This game against Portugal represents the final match before Mauricio Pochettino must name his World Cup roster — a last chance for players to impress the coaching staff as they hope to be included.

The Sporting News brings you a look at the USMNT lineup for the game against Portugal, which will present a massive test against one of the world's most proficient sides. 

MORE: Follow along with updates, highlights, and more from USA vs. Portugal friendly

USA lineup, starting XI vs. Portugal

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)

Starting lineups:

USA (4-3-2-1, right to left): 24. Freese (GK) — 16. Freeman, 2. Trusty, 3. Richards, 5. A. Robinson — 23. Morris, 14. Berhalter, 8. McKennie — 17. Tillman, 21. Weah — 10. Pulisic.

Portugal (4-3-3, right to left): 12. Sa (GK) — 20. Cancelo, Araujo, 14. Inacio, 2. Dalot — 5. S. Costa, 8. B. Fernandes, 23. Vitinha — 18. Neto, 9. Ramos, 16. Trincao.

MORE: Look back at the USMNT's heavy defeat to Belgium in their last match

Mauricio Pochettino elects to start no striker vs. Portugal

There was quite the quirk as the USMNT starting lineup was announced for the match against Portugal.

Despite the presence of Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Patrick Agyemang on the roster, Mauricio Pochettino does not deploy any of them at the head of the attack. Will Christian Pulisic play at the No. 9, or will the versatile Weston McKennie end up in the striker spot as he has on occasion for Juventus recently?

In other news, Matt Freese returns in goal, while Chris Richards is healthy enough to start at the back alongside Auston Trusty. Richards was a big miss as the U.S. collapsed defensively in the second half of the heavy defeat to Belgium just days ago.

USMNT roster for March 2026 match vs. Portugal

Below is the confirmed 26-man roster for the U.S. men's national team in their friendly against Portugal. It was initially released midday on March 17 by U.S. Soccer.

There was a late goalkeeper swap the weekend before the pair of friendlies, as Roman Celentano was withdrawn from the squad " to avoid a potential injury risk," replaced on the roster by Patrick Schulte of Columbus Crew.

It was also confirmed on March 27 that Miles Robinson would miss both games due to a groin injury, while Richards will at least sit out the Belgium match because of knee trouble.

Following the match against Belgium, Johnny Cardoso departed USMNT camp and returned to Atletico Madrid. The midfielder played 45 minutes in the first friendly, but "felt some discomfort in part of his leg" and was withdrawn at halftime, exiting camp the following Monday.

MORE: Projecting the roster for the USMNT at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Caps correct as of the last match on November 18, 2025.

Portugal starting lineup vs. USA

For Portugal in this game against the United States, head coach Roberto Martinez has decided not to rotate much in his lineup from the previous game, a drab 0-0 draw against Mexico in Mexico City.

Vitinha enters the starting lineup after being rested last time out, while Diogo Dalot comes in for Nuno Mendes at left-back and Trincao enters on the wing for Joao Felix who struggled against Mexico.

Martinez does not have superstar Cristiano Ronaldo at his disposal, with the 40-year-old forward recovering from a hamstring injury.