Germany Toppled USA 2-1 in Chicago

In the last preparation match before the 2026 World Cup, Germany beat home team USA 2-1 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Germany under Julian Nagelsmann continued its 8-match winning streak; Mauricio Pochettino's USA closed its last rehearsal before the tournament with a defeat. More than 60,000 supporters filled the stands.

In the first 2 minutes after the match started, Germany opened the score. After the foul by Tyler Adams, Kai Havertz sent the ball into the nets of US goalkeeper Matt Freese from an unmarked header position in the free kick taken by Joshua Kimmich. While USA balanced the game after the initial shock, in the 37th minute, Antonee "Jedi" Robinson sent the ball from Christian Pulisic's corner, after Jonathan Tah's clearance, into Oliver Baumann's nets with a magnificent volley. This shot, the left back's 5th international goal, opened the break with a 1-1 equality. In the middle of the second half, Leroy Sane carried the difference to 2-1 with a quality shot he caught from outside the penalty area. This score became the final picture of the match too.

The USA, which will play the World Cup as the host, ended this defeat but gave its supporters hope with its performance. The USA's last preparation match came after the Senegal victory (3-2) on May 31. Germany, on the other hand, is preparing for the tournament with an 8-match winning streak; Nagelsmann's squad has a strong front with names like Havertz, Sane, Wirtz, Musiala and Kimmich. 4-time World Cup champion Germany is shown among the strong candidates in the tournament.

Image: 90min.com/tr