USA vs. Portugal live score, results, highlights for 2026 USMNT international soccer friendly

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• USA vs. Portugal score
• USA vs. Portugal highlights
• Where to watch USA vs. Portugal
• USA vs. Portugal team news
• USA and Portugal upcoming fixtures

After a heavy defeat to Belgium stoked fears of a World Cup disappointment, Mauricio Pochettino will hope for a more positive result as the USMNT meets Portugal in Atlanta on Tuesday.

The friendly match will mark the final 90 minutes before Pochettino must name his 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, a final opportunity for players to gain form before the competition and prove they belong in the side.

Saturday's result was highly disappointing, having taken a lead midway through the first half only to completely fall apart early in the second half against a more talented side. The U.S. players know they must look competitive against these quality opponents if they are to impress at the World Cup this summer.

Portugal are even a step up from Belgium, ranked fifth in the world by FIFA, but are without superstar Cristiano Ronaldo who is out of the March international break due to injury.

The Sporting News is following the USA vs. Portugal match live, providing score updates, commentary, and analysis.

USA vs. Portugal live score

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)

Starting lineups (predicted):

USA (4-2-3-1, right to left): Freese (GK) — Weah, Trusty, Ream, A. Robinson — Roldan, Tessmann — McKennie, Tillman, Pulisic — Balogun.

Portugal (4-3-3, right to left): Silva (GK) — Cancelo, Araujo, A. Silva, Mendes — J. Neves, B. Fernandes, Vitinha — Neto, Ramos, Felix.

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

USA vs. Portugal key moments

Prematch: The disappointing defeat to Belgium left the USMNT squad knowing they have to improve, without much time to do so. Christian Pulisic said after the match that the players are well aware these are the kind of opponents they must rise up against if they wish to reach their goals at the World Cup this summer.

While he was in good club form earlier this year, Pulisic is beginning to lose sight of his best performances. The 27-year-old has not scored for the United States national team since 2024, and has not found the net for AC Milan since the start of the current calendar year.

The U.S. superstar must recover his form if the USMNT is to excel this summer. 

USA vs. Portugal talking points, analysis

Following the game, this section will be updated with analysis of the USA vs. Portugal match.

USA vs. Portugal reaction

Following the game, this section will be updated with post-match reaction from Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto Martinez.

Where to watch USA vs. Portugal

What channel is USA vs. Portugal on today?

• TV channel: TNT, truTV
• Live stream: HBO Max, DIRECTV

This match will be televised on TNT and truTV, with streaming on HBO Max. These channels are available through DIRECTV.

What time does USA vs. Portugal start?

• Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET, 4 p.m. PT

This international friendly clash takes place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia and kicks off on Tuesday, March 31 at 7 p.m. local time.

Here's how that time translates across the United States:

USA vs. Portugal team news

USA team news

MORE: An in-depth rundown of the USMNT roster for this March international window

• Missing for this international break due to injury are Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest, Haji Wright, and Diego Luna, while Miles Robinson was part of the squad but has been ruled out for both matches after picking up an issue in training.
• Chris Richards missed the first match against Belgium after arriving at camp with a knee injury, but has not been ruled out of this game just yet. Johnny Cardoso was sent back to Atletico Madrid after picking up "leg discomfort" after his 45 minutes against Belgium.
• It remains to be seen how Mauricio Pochettino will rotate the squad, and whether he will stick mostly with the XI that started the game against Belgium or if he will give players who did not make the lineup, like Gio Reyna, Ricardo Pepi, or Austin Trusty, a chance to shine.

Portugal team news

• Superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo is not with the Portugal squad as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
• Also not included were Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias who remained with Man City to rest nagging injuries.
• Named to the squad but forced to withdraw due to injury were Rafael Leao and Rodrigo Mora, as they were send back to their clubs, as was goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

USA, Portugal upcoming schedules

USA upcoming fixtures

MORE: A full look at the schedule for the USMNT in 2026

Portugal upcoming fixtures

Portugal have yet to confirm their pre-World Cup friendlies, but are likely to contest at least one (likely two) games prior to the start of the competition.