PORTALBERITA.CO.ID - The final preparatory match for the US Men's National Team (USMNT) before the World Cup saw them face four-time champions Germany at Soldier Field on Saturday, June 7, 2026. The contest began under adverse conditions as a sudden downpour coincided with Germany taking an early lead just two minutes into the game.
However, instead of collapsing under pressure, the American starters displayed a determined response once the rain subsided, refusing to allow the four-time world champions to dominate the occasion. This resilience, according to reports, provided a significant positive indicator for the coaching staff heading into the tournament.
Antonee Robinson delivered the emphatic response the team needed, leveling the score in the 37th minute with a powerful volley past Oliver Baumann of Hoffenheim. The manner in which the hosts recovered from the early setback suggested that Manager Mauricio Pochettino’s core messages were beginning to resonate deeply within the squad.
Pochettino himself reflected on the challenging start, noting the value of facing adversity immediately before the major tournament begins. "To see how we react, how we show character, how we show [togetherness], how we start to play under pressure. In the moment, I was upset, of course, but after that, I think it’s lucky. I think it’s good for us to see the reaction of the team. The reaction was amazing, it was really positive," said Mauricio Pochettino, Manager, US Men's National Team.
This reaction contrasts sharply with earlier periods in Pochettino's tenure, particularly in 2025, where the US often struggled to recover after conceding goals. The current competitiveness, however, was evident against both Senegal and Germany in the recent friendlies, with the team's press functioning more effectively than previous outings against Belgium and Portugal.
Defender Tim Ream highlighted the mental fortitude shown by the players immediately following the early concession. "Sometimes when you get punched in the mouth, you gotta stand back up and punch back," said Tim Ream, Defender, US Men's National Team. "All the guys stepped up, flying around [with] tackles, and really getting into the one-v-one duels. Just making life really, really difficult after conceding so early. It was a really, really encouraging response, for sure."
Despite the tactical challenges, such as a sequence where Ream felt he lost his mark due to an unmonitored pick by Nico Schlotterbeck, the team focused on progression. Ream, working in tandem with former teammate Robinson down the left flank, helped transition the ball forward effectively.
While Robinson's goal was spectacular, he emphasized that the team's ability to fight for a result under duress was the most crucial takeaway from the match. "We knew there were going to be tests, but trying to find a way to win a game is going to be crucial in the World Cup," said Antonee Robinson, Defender, US Men's National Team. "[I’m] disappointed that we lost, but [there are] many positives to take. Conceding that early, we could have easily crumbled, and it could have been a very, very bad day to be going into the tournament."
The friendlies offered Pochettino vital minutes to analyze his roster, though difficult decisions remain regarding defensive stability and midfield balance. Even after Leroy Sané secured the match-winner for Germany, the team demonstrated profound unity when Tim Weah was involved in a high-intensity challenge late in stoppage time.
