Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: USA-Germany, likely lineups

Chicago’s Soldier Field is preparing to serve as the backdrop for one of the most fascinating and indicative friendly tests ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Saturday night 8:30 p.m. The United States and Germany will take the field. For both selections this will be the very last test before their official debut in the rainbow event. The hosts led by Mauricio Pochettino, fresh from their 3-2 success against Senegal, are looking for a prestigious victory in front of their home crowd to send a clear signal ahead of Group D. In front, however, will be Julian Nagelsmann’s battleship, which is flying on the wings of enthusiasm after eight consecutive victories and is a candidate as one of the favorites for the title.

Pochettino chooses a very solid and compact team. Freese in goal, with a four-man defensive line with Miles Robinson and Trusty in the middle, and Freeman and Antonee Robinson on the side lanes. The midfield, will be led by McKennie and Adams, supported by Dest in the forward position. Forward, the offensive trident with Tillman and Christian Pulisic wide on the flanks of central terminal Balogun.

Nagelsmann responds with a very offensive team. Baumann will defend the posts, protected by the solid central pair of Tah and Schlotterbeck, with Kimmich and Raum in the role of full-backs . The midfield will see Nmecha alongside young Pavlovic, while Karl, Musiala and Wirtz will have the task of inventing in the three-quarter and supporting the action of the only forward Kai Havertz.

Probable formations

USA (4-3-3): Freese; Freeman, Robinson M, Trusty; Dest, McKennie, Adams, Robinson A; Tillman, Balogun, Pulisic. Coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Germany (4-2-3-1): Baumann; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Karl, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz. All. Nagelsmann.