USMNT to Face Portugal in Atlanta as Cristiano Ronaldo Nears First U.S. Appearance in 12 Years.

Roger Hampel

Image: Portugal FA/Instagram

The United States Soccer Federation and the Portuguese Football Federation are finalizing the announcement of a high-profile friendly between the USMNT and Portugal, scheduled for March 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. According to reporting from The Athletic and The New York Times — the match is agreed, signed off, and awaiting only public confirmation.

The fixture forms part of the USMNT’s preparation programme ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host alongside Mexico and Canada.

Ronaldo Expected to Play First Match in the U.S. Since 2014

A major storyline surrounding the match is the prospective return of Cristiano Ronaldo to the United States. As highlighted by both The Athletic and The New York Times, the event would mark the end of an almost 12-year absence for the Portuguese forward from U.S. pitches.

Ronaldo last played in the country in August 2014, coming on as a substitute for Real Madrid against Manchester United in front of 109,318 supporters at Michigan Stadium. His most recent appearance for Portugal in the U.S. was also in 2014 during a friendly at MetLife Stadium.

A return in 2026 would be both commercially significant and symbolically notable.

Match Confirmed After Portugal Seals World Cup Qualification

Portugal secured direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Armenia 9–1, topping Group F. With no risk of entering the play-offs, the Portuguese federation was able to finalize commitments for its March friendly window. Portugal will also face Belgium in March, another match dependent on World Cup qualification.

High-Value Test for the USMNT USMNT Portugal

For the U.S. men’s national team, the match represents one of the most high-level tests before the 2026 World Cup. Portugal are currently ranked fifth in the world; Belgium, also scheduled for March, sit eighth.

Since Mauricio Pochettino took charge, the USMNT has faced opponents from South America (Ecuador, Paraguay) and the Asian confederation (Japan, South Korea, Australia). Matches against top-tier European nations provide a different benchmark as the squad moves toward final roster decisions for the home World Cup.

Announcement Expected Soon

With agreements in place and only formal communication pending, the federations are expected to confirm the match shortly. All conditions related to qualification and scheduling have now been met.

The fixture is likely to be one of the most globally watched friendlies of the USMNT’s pre-tournament cycle and Ronaldo’s most high-profile appearance leading into what could be his final World Cup.