Portugal too strong for US as Christian Pulisic's scoring struggles continue

The U.S. lost to Portugal by 2-0 in a friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

It’s the second loss in a row and the eighth straight defeat against any European competition.

The latest defeat sent fans frustrated, showing no signs of going deep in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 that it co-hosts in just 2 months ahead.

After Belgium handed the U.S. a thrashing defeat by 5-2, in the same venue on Saturday, March 28, now the Americans suffered another defeat by 2-against sixth ranked Portugal in a buzzing crowd of over 72,000.

Francisco Trincao scored the first goal in the first half and Joao added another in the second half with a well-placed volley from the edge of the penalty area off a free kick.

Mauricio Pochettino, head coach for U.S. is set to make the World Cup squad announcement on May 26, 2026.

The head coach made six changes to the team that conceded defeat to Belgium, with Christian Pulisic starting as the focal point of Pochettino’s attack.

However, Pulisic remains scoreless, and was substituted at halftime in his eighth straight game for the U.S.

For context, Pulisci's goal drought continues even for AC Milan since December 28, 2025.

Pochettino has left two more games with the U.S. before the FIFA World Cup kicks off, against Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6, 2026.

The U.S will open their World Cup run in Group D against Paraguay in Inglewood, California on June 12.