United States of America vs Germany; International Match

The co-hosts lose their final pre-World Cup friendly on home turf, as the United States succumb to a 2-1 defeat against Germany in Chicago. Though the away side looked set for a stroll towards victory when Havertz headed them ahead front inside two minutes, their hosts gamely fought back and were on the front foot for much of the first half. A cracking volley from Antonee Robinson deservedly hauled them level before the break, but Die Nationalelf then demonstrated why many fancy them to go far at the upcoming World Cup. Serving a reminder of their attacking threat, Nagelsmann's men struck again through Sane, before the US pressed intermittently for another leveller. Baumann denied both Scally and Aaronson either side of an Amiri effort that nearly secured victory for the visitors by a more comfortable margin. Ultimately, though, they came out on top anyway. Germany's xG of 1.39 from 12 shots certainly suggests they were more clinical than the States, who produced a 0.98 xG from 16 attempts. Next up for Pochettino's side is their Group D opener against Paraguay, while the Germans will face debutants Curacao in their first World Cup contest. That's all from our live coverage today, but please join us again next week when the beautiful game's greatest show finally gets under way!

FULL-TIME: UNITED STATES 1-2 GERMANY

The hosts take a free-kick midway through Germany's half, playing it short and trying to carve out a crossing chance. However, Arfsten can't quite keep the ball in play on the left byline. Surely, that's their final chance gone.

Weah is also yellow-carded, following his foul on Raum.

yellow-card:

Timothy Weah

For his part in the fracas, Schlotterbeck is booked.

yellow-card:

Nico Schlotterbeck

A mass confrontation – featuring both sets of players, plus several subs and coaching staff – ensues when Raum is roughly tackled near the byline. Eventually, the referee restores order, perhaps by reminding everyone this is supposedly a 'friendly'!

There's still hope for the home fans: six minutes of stoppage time have been indicated.

When Germany aren't awarded a free-kick, Beier charges in and upends Weah. That results in a booking for the second-half substitute.

yellow-card:

Maximilian Beier

SUPER SAVE! Baumann to the rescue again! Aaronson nearly seizes a late chance to equalise, racing forward from midfield before driving a powerful shot towards the top-right corner. However, Germany's second-choice goalkeeper leaps up to parry it away! Manuel Neuer, are you watching?

While the United States have actually edged the possession stats since half-time, Germany have produced six more shots following the break (8-2). A lack of cutting edge is costing the hosts here.

SO CLOSE! Not long after leaving the bench, Amiri receives an incisive pass from the right by Anton, then sweeps a quick strike narrowly past the left-hand post. Surely, that would've beaten Freese, but it just curled slightly too far!

SHARP STOP! After chesting the ball down and taking one touch to set himself on the brink of the box, substitute Scally almost finds the bottom-left corner! Instead, Baumann drops down quickly to tip his shot away!

Finally, Amiri replaces Musiala.

sub-on:

Nadiem Amiri

sub-off:

Jamal Musiala

Goretzka adds more experience to the German engine room, taking Nmecha's place for the closing stages.

sub-on:

Leon Goretzka

sub-off:

Felix Nmecha

Beier comes on for Wirtz.

sub-on:

Maximilian Beier

sub-off:

Florian Wirtz

Germany make their next batch of substitutions. First, Pavlovic is replaced by Stiller in central midfield.

sub-on:

Angelo Stiller

sub-off:

Aleksandar Pavlovic

Time is running out if the United States are to avoid defeat in their final World Cup warm-up. The tournament co-hosts will soon take on Paraguay, Australia and Turkey in Group D, facing the former in their opening match on June 13.

Failing to pick out Undav in the centre, Raum's mishit cross from the left wing is safely pouched by Freese. One more goal for Germany would surely finish this friendly contest.

After battling his way through several attempted challenges, Reyna finally manages to release a low shot. It's lacking in pace, though, and Baumann is well-placed to collect the ball without too much trouble.

Nagelsmann replies with a single change: Leweling comes on for potential matchwinner Sane.

sub-on:

Jamie Leweling

sub-off:

Leroy Sané

Finally, Aaronson replaces Tillman.

sub-on:

Brenden Aaronson

sub-off:

Malik Tillman

Pepi will take Balogun's place up front.

sub-on:

Ricardo Pepi

sub-off:

Folarin Balogun

Adams makes way for Roldan.

sub-on:

Cristian Roldan

sub-off:

Tyler Adams

Weah will take Dest's spot on the right flank.

sub-on:

Timothy Weah

sub-off:

Sergiño Dest

Freeman makes way for Scally.

sub-on:

Joe Scally

sub-off:

Alex Freeman

Pochettino also uses the break to send on some more subs. First, Ream is replaced by Arfsten.

sub-on:

Max Arfsten

sub-off:

Tim Ream

Raum's foul creates the stoppage that heralds another hydration break. Fortunately for Pochettino, it also gives the hosts' head coach a chance to discuss tactics with his team, who are trailing 2-1 on home turf.

Soon after his introduction from the bench, Germany substitute Raum arrives late into a challenge on US danger man Tillman, costing him a yellow card.

yellow-card:

David Raum

Midway through this second half, the United States have just a 4% chance of turning the game totally around, while they've got a modest 18% chance of securing a draw. That's according to Opta's live win predictor, which unsurprisingly makes Germany strong favourites now.

After breaking forward from midfield, Pavlovic is presented with the ball around 20 yards from goal. However, he again comes up with a wayward finish, blazing high over the crossbar.

Finally, United States goalscorer Antonee Robinson makes way for Trusty.

sub-on:

Auston Trusty

sub-off:

Antonee Robinson

Berhalter will replace all-action US midfielder McKennie.

sub-on:

Sebastian Berhalter

sub-off:

Weston McKennie

McKenzie comes on for Miles Robinson at centre-back.

sub-on:

Mark McKenzie

sub-off:

Miles Robinson

Pochettino also turns to the bench. First, Pulisic is replaced by Germany-based Reyna.

sub-on:

Giovanni Reyna

sub-off:

Christian Pulisic

Anton will replace Germany captain Kimmich.

sub-on:

Waldemar Anton

sub-off:

Joshua Kimmich

Undav is sent on to take the place of Havertz, who was directly involved in both German goals.

sub-on:

Deniz Undav

sub-off:

Kai Havertz

Here come the changes! First, Germany replace Brown with Raum at left-back.

sub-on:

David Raum

sub-off:

Nathaniel Brown

So, Germany are back on course to beat the States once again, having won five of the last seven meetings. Nagelsmann's side have improved since the break, having faded badly towards the end of the first half.

Confirming himself as the top contender to spearhead Germany's attack at the World Cup, Havertz deftly plays in Sane to shoot with a short pass inside the box.

assist:

Kai Havertz

GOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!!! GERMANY SEIZE THE LEAD! From 15 yards out, Sane strikes into the bottom-left corner! German pressure pays off, as Havertz adds an assist to his early goal, laying off a short pass for Sane to drill home! It's now 2-1 to the away side in Chicago!

goal:

Leroy Sané

Quelling their hosts' building momentum, Germany are now keeping the ball and starting to apply more attacking pressure. Ever ready, US captain Ream is on hand to make a vital block.

After a long build-up, Sane ultimately steps up to the free-kick, but balloons it high over the bar and into the stand behind Freese's goal.

A protracted spell of German pressure finally results in Pulisic felling Kimmich around 25 yards from his own goal, conceding a dangerous free-kick.

SAVE! It's opening up again in Chicago! Havertz tees up Nmecha with a neat layoff on the edge of the area, before the midfielder lashes a low drive at the target. Freese gets down quickly to stop it!

TRIPLE CHANCE! The US quickly counter after Tillman steals the ball from Pavlovic, shortly before he releases Pulisic on the left side of the area. The latter sees two close-range shots replled by Baumann, then Tillman fires over! Seconds later, the assistant raises his flag to indicate a tight offside.

When a corner-kick is cleared to the edge of the area, Sane reaches the loose ball first. However, under pressure from fast-closing defenders, he can't get over his shot. As a result, it flies well high and wide.

The United States kick off, and we're back under way at Soldier Field!

Despite their spirited response to falling behind, the US should still beware Germany's potential powers of recovery: Die Nationalelf have scored at least twice in seven of their last eight fixtures. Meanwhile, Pochettino's side have conceded in both halves of their last three matches – against Portugal, Belgium and then Senegal. This game is still finely poised.

This World Cup warm-up has provided plenty of entertainment, with the United States recovering from an early setback to restore parity with Germany: it's 1-1 at half-time at Soldier Field. It seemed the visitors were set to take full control when Havertz headed home from a simple set-piece within two minutes of kick-off, as their hosts struggled to get a foothold. Yet, Pochettino's energetic side gradually grew into the contest and more than merited their equaliser when it finally arrived – and what a strike it was! With the interval approaching, Antonee Robinson fired home a rocket from the edge of the box, leaving Baumann with absolutely no chance. Becoming ever more influential, Pulisic then saw a couple of late attempts blocked, as Germany wilted in the warm Chicago sun. By the half-time whistle, they trailed on xG, with 0.74 to the States' 0.82 from 11 shots.

HALF-TIME: UNITED STATES 1-1 GERMANY

Another run by Pulisic ends with a more optimistic shot being deflected well wide for a corner. Tillman takes this one, and he cuts back a low pass to Antonee Robinson on the brink of the box. In a move from the training ground, the latter then switches it to Pulisic, whose thunderous drive is blocked behind.

At the end of an entertaining first half, there will be at least three minutes added for stoppages. It's been a pretty free-flowing encounter.

CLOSE! The US are really purring now! Pulisic is again allowed to drift inside from the right, and he lines up a 20-yard shot. Only a part-block by Tah prevents him from finding the target, as his fierce strike zips over the top-left corner!

CHANCE! A real livewire today, Dest picks up a pass from goalscorer Antonee Robinson, then wriggles away from his marker. However, he then blazes an angled shot over the crossbar from just inside the box!

Having drifted inside from the right, Pulisic lofts an inviting cross into the box, where Baumann struggles to see it over the byline. It initially looks like he's conceded a corner, but the referee then signals a Germany goal-kick.

The hosts are full of confidence now, with Germany looking increasingly stretched. McKennie sends Balogun away down the left, but the latter's low cross is once again wayward, failing to find another run forward by Dest.

GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!! THE UNITED STATES ARE LEVEL! What a hit! After Pulisic wins a corner, he delivers the dead ball himself. Though Tah rises highest to head it away, the ball falls perfectly for Antonee Robinson. Without hesitation, the left-back then lashes a superb first-time finish into the roof of the net! Baumann had no chance, and it's now 1-1 in Chicago!

goal:

Antonee Robinson

Ream recovers to stop Sane shooting from the edge of the area, after the latter is slipped through by Wirtz. Moments later, Pavlovic is first to a loose ball, but scuffs a hopeful 25-yard shot straight at Freese.

Dest's corner-kick from the right is nodded down by Tillman, but Germany manage to swiftly clear up any danger. Nonetheless, set-pieces could offer the United States' best route back into this match.

Germany now have a huge 73% chance of victory, according to Opta's live win predictor. That would serve as the perfect preparation for their attempt to safely negotiate the World Cup group phase – something they've failed to do at the past two tournaments.

Relying on all his vast experience, Kimmich recovers from a dangerous slip on the edge of his own area, seeing off the advancing Balogun. The USA striker would've been clear through on goal!

Amid warm conditions in Chicago, the tempo has slowed. Both teams will take their chances to recuperate with the ball, as going full gas for 90 minutes is simply not an option.

The action resumes with a US goal-kick, as the hosts continue their quest to level this match. So far, they've only produced two off-target shots, while touching the ball in Germany's box just three times.

Coming into this clash, the United States were winless in 10 meetings with European nations, and that drought is set to continue as things stand. It's also eight straight games since they kept a clean sheet, which must cause Pochettino some concern.

Having raced to the right byline to reach a hopeful throughball, Sane then overhits his cross and the ball sails harmlessly over the crossbar, with Havertz clearly showing his disappointment in the centre. That stoppage prompts a mid-half drinks break.

At the end of a promising move driven forward by Nmecha, a wayward pass from Kimmich sends the ball straight out of play. Germany have lost a little momentum over the past 10 minutes.

Sane's driven cross from the right is headed clear of immediate danger, but Germany build again following the subsequent throw-in. By applying pressure, the US then manage to force their visitors back. Pochettino will surely be pleased with how his team have responded to their early setback.

The home side are clearly improving, as Tah has to recover well just to concede another corner. Pulisic then whips it in, but the set-piece ultimately comes to nothing.

When the US catch their German counterparts asleep with a short corner-kick, McKennie has some space to tee up Dest. However, from around 20 yards out, the latter then fires high over the top.

For the first time, the US are keeping controlled possession in midfield, with Germany dropping back. The visitors can afford to conserve some energy now, having made such a rapid start.

Anticipating danger, Freese leaves his line to hack away a dangerous throughball, as Germany take a more direct approach. Moments later, at the other end, Pulisic and Balogun link up on the left, but the latter's low cross fails to find Dest near the back post.

Brown does well to shut down a promising run by Dest, who breaks into the box in pursuit of a long throughball. Just when it looks like the wide man can shoot, he's edged out by his fleet-footed opponent.

With a 68% share of the ball, Germany are in full control of this contest, slightly quietening a lively Chicago crowd. The home side are struggling to get a foothold.

Germany almost add another! Havertz rolls the ball home again – poaching once more from close range – but it's clear that Sane ran the ball out of play, before cutting it back into the box.

That's goals in consecutive games for Havertz, who faces stiff competition from Undav and Woltemade to start up front at the World Cup. Following his early strike in the Champions League final, it's an even quicker finish today!

From a free-kick to the right of centre, Germany captain Kimmich curls over an accurate cross for Havertz to head home.

assist:

Joshua Kimmich

GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!! GERMANY LEAD! An early free-kick for the visitors – situated around 25 yards from goal, to the right side of the area – is delivered by Kimmich. His cross beats all the USA defenders, finding Havertz in the centre of the box, and the Arsenal forward powers his close-range header straight through Freese! What a start for Die Nationalelf, who are already 1-0 up in Chicago!

goal:

Kai Havertz

As we get up and running, it's worth noting that Opta’s live win predictor gives Germany more than twice the chance of victory compared to their hosts, with a 52% probability of success. The US have just a 25% chance of warming up for the World Cup with back-to-back wins.

After a very protracted build-up – bearing in mind this is just a pre-tournament run-out – Germany finally kick off. We are under way in Chicago!

The teams are out at Soldier Field, so kick-off in this pre-World Cup friendly is now just moments away. First, the national anthems!

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann selects a strong XI, though 40-year-old goalkeeper Neuer is still benched as he continues to recover from a calf injury; Baumann deputises again. Having arrived late after scoring in the Champions League final, Havertz replaces Undav up front – the latter picked up a knock against Finland, after scoring twice and providing an assist. Assan Ouedraogo has just replaced injured forward Lennard Karl in the World Cup squad, but he’s not involved today.

The US are still without key centre-back Chris Richards, who missed the win over Senegal due to an ankle injury, but they start with a defence led by vastly experienced captain Ream. Bundesliga-based Tillman will earn his 30th cap against familiar opponents, joining star man Pulisic in support of lone striker Balogun.

SUBS: Manuel Neuer, Alexander Nubel, Antonio Rudiger, Waldemar Anton, Leon Goretzka, Jamie Leweling, Nick Woltemade, Pascal Gross, Maximilian Beier, Angelo Stiller, Nadiem Amiri, David Raum, Malick Thiaw, Deniz Undav.

GERMANY (4-2-3-1): Oliver Baumann; Joshua Kimmich, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Nathaniel Brown; Felix Mecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic; Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz; Kai Havertz.

SUBS: Matt Turner, Chris Brady, Auston Trusty, Giovanni Reyna, Ricardo Pepi, Brenden Aaronson, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, Max Arfsten, Haji Wright, Timothy Weah, Mark McKenzie, Joe Scally, Alex Zendejas.

UNITED STATES (3-4-2-1): Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson; Sergino Dest, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson; Christian Pulisic, Mallik Tillman; Folarin Balogun.

Having suffered the embarrassment of group-stage exits at both the 2018 and 2022 editions, Germany will soon begin their bid to become just the second nation after Brazil to win five World Cups. The four-time champions surprisingly lost their first qualifier to Slovakia, but still topped their group quite comfortably. In fact, Die Nationalelf have won their last eight games by an aggregate scoreline of 27-5, including a 4-0 home victory over Finland last weekend. Now, they’ll complete preparations by meeting the US for the first time since winning a friendly 3-1 in October 2023.

World Cup 2026 co-hosts USA are limbering up for the newly expanded 48-team tournament, where they’ll feature in Group D. Having bypassed CONCACAF qualifying, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have posted mixed results from nine friendlies since losing to Mexico in last year’s Gold Cup final. Following four wins, one draw and three losses – including back-to-back defeats against Belgium and Portugal in March – the Stars and Stripes defeated African heavyweights Senegal 3-2 last weekend.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of today’s international friendly between the United States and Germany, as they warm up for the World Cup at Soldier Field in Chicago!