Mauricio Pochettino faces Julian Nagelsmann on Saturday evening as USA and Germany lock horns in an international friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago.

The two nations meet for the first time since October 2023, when Die Mannschaft overturned a deficit to claim a 3–1 victory in Connecticut.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 1.6

Bookmaker: 1xBet

USA

Expectations are rising for the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which they will co‑host alongside Canada and Mexico. While a repeat of their historic 1930 semi‑final run would be a remarkable achievement in an expanded 48‑team tournament, belief is growing that the current generation can make a significant impact on home soil.

The Stars and Stripes are well accustomed to football’s biggest stage, having appeared in eight of the last nine editions of the World Cup, missing only the 2018 tournament. For head coach Mauricio Pochettino, this summer marks his first experience of leading a national team into the competition, adding further intrigue to USA’s preparations.

With qualification automatically secured as hosts, recent matches have all been friendlies, with mixed results. Since their Gold Cup final defeat to Mexico last July, USA have recorded five wins, one draw and three losses across nine fixtures. Strong victories over Japan and Uruguay demonstrated their attacking potential, though defeats to Belgium and Portugal revealed defensive vulnerabilities.

Their most recent outing, a 3–2 win against Senegal, offered encouragement, with attacking fluency and resilience both on display. That momentum will be crucial as they look to end a long wait for a victory over Germany, last achieved in June 2015.

Team News

Defender Chris Richards remains a doubt after missing the Senegal match with an ankle injury and only participating in individual training sessions during the week. Pochettino must also decide whether to continue with a three‑man defence or revert to a back four, with Tim Ream, Alex Freeman and Mark McKenzie forming the core of the backline if the current system is retained.

Out wide, Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson are expected to provide width in wing‑back roles, while captain Christian Pulisic remains a key attacking figure. The AC Milan winger, who scored in the win over Senegal and also netted in the last meeting between the sides, is set to start alongside Ricardo Pepi and Giovanni Reyna in the final third.

Germany

Germany arrive in Chicago determined to continue their resurgence after disappointing performances at the last two World Cups. Back‑to‑back group‑stage exits in 2018 and 2022 have fuelled a renewed sense of urgency, with Julian Nagelsmann tasked with restoring Die Mannschaft’s status among the world’s elite.

Since taking charge, Nagelsmann has overseen a steady transformation. Germany recovered from an early setback in World Cup qualifying to win their remaining five matches and secure top spot in their group, finishing their campaign with an emphatic 6–0 victory over Slovakia.

Their recent form has been particularly impressive. Germany are currently on an eight‑match winning streak across all competitions, scoring 27 goals and conceding just five during that run. Friendly victories over Switzerland and Ghana were followed by a commanding 4–0 win against Finland last weekend, highlighting both their attacking strength and defensive balance.

Heading into the World Cup, Germany will face Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E and will view this fixture as a valuable rehearsal against a motivated host nation.

There are some selection considerations for Nagelsmann. Striker Deniz Undav, who impressed with two goals and an assist against Finland, is unlikely to be risked after coming off early in that match, despite easing concerns over a serious injury. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a calf strain, meaning Oliver Baumann is set to continue between the posts.

Midfield minutes may also be managed carefully. Jamal Musiala played the full match last time out and could see reduced involvement, potentially allowing Florian Wirtz to operate in the number 10 role. On the flanks, Jamie Leweling is in contention to start, providing additional width and creativity.

Further forward, Kai Havertz has rejoined the squad after featuring for Arsenal in the Champions League final and could be available, though Nagelsmann may opt to start Nick Woltemade or Maximilian Beier as the central striker.

Conclusion

This contest has all the ingredients for an open and competitive encounter, with both teams in good form and eager to build momentum ahead of the World Cup. USA possess the attacking tools to unsettle Germany, particularly with Pulisic and Reyna in advanced areas, but defensive uncertainty could be a concern against such high‑quality opposition.

Germany, meanwhile, appear further along in their preparation and benefit from greater depth and cohesion across the pitch. Even with some rotation and injury management, they carry a level of consistency and attacking efficiency that sets them apart.

While the hosts should remain competitive, Germany’s superior structure and recent form make them favourites to prevail in this high‑profile warm‑up clash, continuing their strong run ahead of the tournament.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 1.6

Bookmaker: 1xBet