By Tyler Erzberger0ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The U.S. Men's National Team is only days away from kicking off its 2026 World Cup journey in Los Angeles against Paraguay, and they had their official send-off match on Saturday in Chicago against one of the tournament favorites in Germany.
While the game didn't start too hot for the USMNT, Germany's Kai Havertz scored in the opening minutes off a botched defensive setup on a set piece, it was a game whose story was more than just what was shown on the scoreboard.
Here are my three main takeaways from the USMNT's final tune-up before the real deal next week.
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This attack can be lethal
Although the Americans eventually lost the game 2-1 with a second-half goal from Leroy Sané, you could make a strong argument that the USMNT starters outperformed Germany's overall before getting swapped out at the hour mark.
When Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest are unleashed on the sides of the field with Christian Pulisic acting as the engine in the middle, this is a team that can press and overwhelm even a giant like Germany.
If they want to take that next step up, though, to look the likes of Germany in the eye instead of staring up at them as an underdog, they need to do a better job executing when they find their openings.
While Germany had fewer opportunities to score, when they had their build-up in the second half, they scored. When the USMNT broke out, the finishing touch was missing, aside from Robinson's rocket that tied the game.
This team desperately needs Chris Richards
With Dest and Robinson playing so forward, having a pillar at center back is essential for the USMNT if they want to play with so much freedom.
Miles Robinson, for all the potential he might have, is not that pillar. He has been in the crosshairs on a majority of the goals conceded in the past two games against Senegal and Germany, and the Crystal Palace standout, Richards, could make the difference between a successful group stage and a stressful one that comes down to a difficult final game versus Turkey.
...Goalie might be an issue
If Richards can play and is fully healthy, the USMNT's weakest position might be the role that has almost always been its ultimate strength: goalkeeping.
Matt Freese was flatfooted to start the game against Germany and was embarrassed on a set piece he should have come out to stop. Although the second goal was less his fault, he isn't a goalie like Tim Howard or Brad Friedel, who can steal a game with his shot-blocking.
His fellow netminder, Matt Turner, might be a better option, but even then, he has his faults and is prone to massive blunders.
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