Germany continued their impressive preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the United States on Saturday, stretching their winning streak to nine matches.
The four-time world champions made the perfect start, taking the lead just two minutes into the game. A well-delivered free kick from Joshua Kimmich found Kai Havertz inside the box, and the striker rose highest to head home his 22nd international goal.
Despite the early setback, the United States gradually settled into the contest and found a deserved equalizer in the 37th minute. Following a corner from Christian Pulisic, Germany failed to fully clear their lines, allowing Antonee Robinson to unleash a superb left-footed volley from the edge of the area. The Fulham defender’s strike flew past the goalkeeper before he celebrated with an acrobatic cartwheel and backflip in front of the home crowd.
The Americans entered halftime level, but Germany’s quality eventually proved decisive.
Just 12 minutes after the restart, Havertz turned provider. The forward slipped a short pass into Leroy Sané’s path, and the winger drove a low diagonal effort through the legs of defender Miles Robinson. The shot appeared to take a slight deflection before beating goalkeeper Matt Freese and nestling into the far corner, restoring Germany’s lead.
The goal ultimately sealed the victory for Die Mannschaft, who now head into the World Cup full of confidence after extending their unbeaten run and maintaining momentum at exactly the right time.
For the United States, the defeat continues a worrying trend against European opposition. The loss marked the Americans’ ninth consecutive defeat to European teams since 2022, a statistic they will be eager to improve upon before their World Cup campaign begins.
As hosts of the tournament for the first time since 1994, the United States will open their World Cup journey against Paraguay on Friday before facing Australia and Turkey in the group stage. Notably, this is the first time since 2002 that the U.S. has entered a World Cup following a defeat in its final pre-tournament match.
Germany, currently ranked 10th in the world, will begin their campaign against Curaçao on June 14 in a group that also features Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
A sold-out crowd of 63,636 packed Soldier Field in Chicago—the same venue that hosted the opening match of the 1994 World Cup—to witness the encounter. The atmosphere added a fitting World Cup feel to a match that served as an important final test for both nations.
The United States were forced to cope without key defender Chris Richards, who remains sidelined after suffering torn ankle ligaments in May. Germany also had injury concerns, with highly-rated 18-year-old midfielder Lennart Karl ruled out of the World Cup after sustaining a thigh injury in training. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was rested as he continues his recovery from a calf problem, allowing Oliver Baumann to start between the posts.
While there were positives for both sides, Germany will be the happier team heading into the tournament. With nine straight wins and several key players hitting form, they look ready to challenge for another world title. The United States, meanwhile, still have work to do as they prepare for the biggest tournament on home soil in more than three decades.
