The U.S. Men’s National Team will cap off March training camp against Portugal on Tuesday, March 31 following its 2026 opener against Belgium on March 28. The set of matches are the final fixtures for the USMNTbefore head coach Mauricio Pochettino announces the roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Here’s everything you need to know about Portugal ahead of the match:
When is the USMNT vs. Portugal match?
The USMNT hosts Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Tuesday, March 31 at 7 p.m. ET. The match will be broadcast on TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, Telemundo, Universo and Peacock.
What is the all-time history between the USA and Portugal?
The USA holds a 2W-2L-3D record against Portugal. The sides last met in November 2017 in a 1-1 draw in Leiria, Portugal, when midfielder Weston McKennie scored in his USMNT debut against the reigning European champions. The only time the teams competed on U.S. soil was in the U.S. Cup on June 3, 1992, in Chicago with the home side winning 1-0.
The teams have met twice in FIFA Men’s World Cups in two thrilling group stage matches. In a stunning upset in the 2002 World Cup, the USMNT built a three-goal lead before halftime and held off a Portuguese comeback to win 3-2. When the sides played in Brazil in 2014, it ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Portugal took an early lead, but second half goals from Jermaine Jones and Clint Dempsey put the Americans on top until a stoppage-time equalizer by Silvestre Varela, assisted by Cristiano Ronaldo, split the points.
What is Portugal’s world ranking?
Portugal is currently ranked sixth in the Coca-Cola FIFA Men’s World Rankings.
What is Portugal’s recent form?
In 2025, Portugal accrued a 7W-2L-1D record, most notably winning the UEFA Nations League title after defeating reigning European champion, Spain 5-3 on penalties in the final. For comparison, the U.S. compiled an 8W-2L-2D record in its final 12 matches of the year, going 4W-0L-1D in the fall capped by a 5-1 rout over two-time World Cup winner Uruguay.
Seleção das Quinas qualified for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup last year by finishing atop UEFA Group F ahead of Ireland, Hungary and Armenia. Portugal was drawn into Group K for the World Cup with Uzbekistan, Colombia, and either Jamaica, Democratic Republic of the Congo or New Caledonia.
Who is Portugal’s head coach?
Former Spanish player Roberto Martínez has been the head coach of the Portugal national team since January 2023. Martínez competed for over 15 years as a player across Europe before becoming a club manager in 2007. He previously managed the Belgium national team from 2016-2022, becoming the winningest coach in program history.
Who are key Portugal players to watch?
Five-time Ballon d'Or award-winner and Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo was not named to Portugal’s March roster and will not appear in the match against the U.S. due to a muscle injury. Leading the attack in Ronaldo’s absence will be his Al-Nassr teammate João Félix and Serie A forward Rafael Leão, who is teammates with USMNT forward Christian Pulisic. Félix has tallied 15 goals and 11 assists for Al-Nassr this season, while Leão has scored nine goals in 18 appearances for AC Milan. Both players competed for Portugal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, 2024 UEFA European Football Championship and were a part the squad that won the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League.
The most-capped player on the roster is midfielder Bruno Fernandes with 85 international appearances. Fernandes is having another strong season with Manchester United, tallying seven goals and 16 assists in 27 league matches. The 31-year-old netted a hat trick in Portugal’s last match, a 9-1 win over Armenia in World Cup qualifying.
