Categories: 2026 World CupGermanyUSMNT

USMNT drop final warmup before World Cup

Photo by Leslie Smith

USA 1-2 Germany

CHICAGO, IL– It was the final game for both the United States and Germany to fine-tune any adjustments ahead of the World Cup next week. Labeled as a friendly, the match was anything but, as both teams fielded strong lineups and tensions boiled over late in the game. After a back-and-forth first half, it was Germany who claimed control of the second half and left Chicago with a victory.

Germany wasted no time getting on the scoresheet as, in just the second minute, Joshua Kimmich floated a free kick into the box where Kai Havertz rose unmarked and headed home past United States goalkeeper Matt Freese. It was the fastest goal the U.S. had conceded since 2024 against Jamaica.

After the opening 20 minutes were mostly controlled by constant German pressure, the U.S. slowly grew into the match and began forcing Germany onto the back foot with a string of dangerous set pieces. Their breakthrough finally came in the 37th minute when Antonee Robinson produced a moment of brilliance. Following a partially cleared corner, the U.S. defender met the loose ball with a first-time volley from outside the box that flew past the German goalkeeper and into the net. The strike energized the crowd and pulled the United States level heading into halftime.

Photo by Len Cederholm

The U.S. was unable to carry that momentum into the second half as, just like the first, Germany found themselves on the front foot for the majority of the opening 10 minutes. Then, in the 57th minute, Germany worked the ball quickly through the penalty area before finding Leroy Sané, whose shot took a slight deflection off Miles Robinson and nestled into the back of the net. Once Germany regained the lead, they controlled the final stages of the match and secured a 2-1 victory in Chicago.

What’s next for Germany?

Germany will now turn their attention toward Sunday, June 14, as they’ll start their World Cup campaign against Curaçao at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, at 1:00 p.m.

What’s next for the United States?

The U.S., coming off a loss, will now have six days to regroup and focus on its World Cup opener. The host nation will face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, at 1:00 p.m. on June 12.

Photos by Leslie Smith and Len Cederholm