The United States men's national team headed into World Cup 2026 with a defeat still fresh in the memory after going down 2-1 to Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday evening. A crowd of 63,636 packed the historic venue on a warm, drizzly afternoon, and while the scoreline will not have been the send-off Mauricio Pochettino's squad wanted, there was enough in the performance to suggest they will not be embarrassed when the tournament proper begins.

Robinson provides the moment of the afternoon

The one moment guaranteed to live in the highlight reel belonged to Antonee Robinson. With the US trailing to an early Kai Havertz header, the Fulham left-back lingered on the edge of the box as a corner kick dropped invitingly. He struck the ball on the volley before it reached the ground, sending a thunderbolt beyond Oliver Baumann to level the scores and silence — briefly — any doubts about the hosts' ability to compete. It was Robinson's fifth international goal and, in terms of execution, one of the finest the USA have produced in recent memory.

Germany had taken the lead through Havertz, who ghosted away from Tim Ream to head home a Joshua Kimmich free kick from inside eight yards. The goal coincided with a shower of rain that dampened the atmosphere, though the crowd quickly found their voice again once Robinson struck.

Sané restores Germany's advantage

The second half saw Germany reassert themselves. A sharp through ball from Jamal Musiala released Leroy Sané into the channel in the 57th minute. A half-step ahead of Tyler Adams, Sané placed his shot to the far post and beyond a diving Matt Freese before Miles Robinson could intervene. From that point the game became a test of the USA's character rather than their attacking ambition.

On that front there were genuine positives. Even when chasing the game, Pochettino's side remained organised and rarely conceded the sort of compounding error that has cost them in previous friendlies. That showed progress compared with March's fixtures against Belgium and Portugal.

Questions remain before Group D kicks off

The evening was not without its concerns. Folarin Balogun managed just 20 touches in 72 minutes as Jonathan Tah kept him on a tight leash, raising questions about how the US will get the ball to their nimble striker against better-organised defences. Christian Pulisic and Sergiño Dest struggled to impose themselves from the wings, though that owed as much to Germany's disciplined closing down as it did to any individual failings.

The physicality of the contest was notable. Tim Ream appeared to take a challenge dangerously close to his neck at one stage, while Pulisic was left on the turf clutching his back after a tackle from behind by Sané. Chilean referee Piero Mazo allowed considerable contact from both sides, something that will concern the coaching staff given the stakes that lie ahead.

Pochettino began ringing the changes around the hour mark, which inevitably disrupted the high press the US had worked to maintain. The identity of those replacements and the combinations Pochettino settles on will be scrutinised in the coming days.

The real test begins in days

Defeat in a warm-up fixture, particularly against a side of Germany's calibre, need not define what follows. The broader picture from Chicago suggested a team aware of what is required and, on the whole, increasingly capable of delivering it. The market has the USA as underdogs in Group D, and Pochettino will not argue with that assessment — but after Saturday's showing, nobody should write them off either.

The United States open their World Cup campaign against Paraguay on 12 June. Group D also includes Germany and Japan, meaning the hosts face a demanding test from the very first whistle.

Frequently asked

When do the USA play their first World Cup 2026 match?
The United States open World Cup 2026 against Paraguay on 12 June. They are in Group D alongside Germany and Japan.
Who scored for the USA against Germany?
Antonee Robinson, the Fulham left-back, scored the USA's only goal with a thunderbolt volley just outside the box. It was his fifth international goal.
What was the final score between USA and Germany on 6 June 2026?
Germany won 2-1. Kai Havertz and Leroy Sané scored for Germany, while Antonee Robinson replied for the United States. The match was played at Soldier Field in Chicago in front of a sellout crowd of 63,636.