U.S. Falls 2-1 to Germany in 2026 World Cup Tune-Up; Lineup Set for Paraguay

The United States lost 2-1 to Germany in a 2026 World Cup tune-up match but played with the energy and composure that could signal a team ready for the global stage. Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic, and Malik Tillman all stood out in a performance that saw the U.S. control possession and create multiple chances. The result was not the goal, finding the right formula was.

Tyler Adams said after the match that these games are not about tactics but mentality. The U.S. showed up with the right mindset, pressing high and holding its ground against one of the world’s top teams. Adams’ leadership in midfield was key, as he made 87 passes with an 89% completion rate while also contributing to the team's pressing action.

The U.S. started with a 4-2-3-1 formation that could well be the blueprint for the Paraguay game. Matt Freese started in goal, with Alex Freeman, Miles Robinson, Chris Richards, and Tim Ream forming a solid defensive backline. Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson were the wingbacks, and the midfield trio of Adams, Tillman, and Weston McKennie dominated the center of the park.

Tillman played as a deep-lying midfielder for much of the match, a role he has experience in at the club level. This allowed McKennie to push higher and bring his energy and attacking flair to the front. The trio of Adams, McKennie, and Tillman, or the MAT midfield, gave the U.S. the physicality and pressure it had been missing since the last World Cup.

Christian Pulisic led the attack with Folarin Balogun as the striker. Pulisic completed 11 dribbles and created three chances, showing why he is the focal point of the U.S. attack. Balogun, who started in his first cap, made six key passes but was substituted in the 75th minute.

Germany took the lead in the 26th minute, but the U.S. equalized in the 43rd through a well-timed counter. Germany scored again in the 68th minute to make it 2-1, but the U.S. kept pressing and had multiple late chances to equalize.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed after the match that the formation and personnel seen against Germany will likely carry over to the Paraguay game. Richards will start if healthy, replacing Robinson, and the midfield trio of Adams, McKennie, and Tillman looks to be the foundation moving forward.

The U.S. will face Paraguay on Friday, June 12 at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. The World Cup kicks off with Mexico versus South Africa on June 11.