Germany Tops USA 2-1 in Final Friendly Before World Cup
In their last friendly before heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026, Germany secured a 2-1 victory over the USA, a match that coach Julian Nagelsmann described as “the perfect test.” This win sets a promising tone for the team’s preparations as they gear up for the tournament.
Nagelsmann expressed satisfaction with both the performance and the atmosphere during the game, highlighting the unique challenge presented by a host nation. “It was a perfect test for us in terms of both the conditions and the opponents, who play with a lot of emotion,” he remarked. “Winning nine consecutive matches is no small feat, and we appreciate the significance of this achievement.” He emphasized the electric atmosphere and the importance of securing a positive result.
Star midfielder Kai Havertz echoed his coach’s sentiments, noting, “I think we put in a good performance overall, and the second half was even better. Winning our ninth match in a row gives us confidence as we head into the first group game. While there were moments when we lost a bit of control, we’re in good form and can look ahead with optimism.”
From the USA’s perspective, Anthony Robinson reflected on the lessons learned from the match. “I saw the ball looping and thought ‘commit,’” he said, acknowledging that conceding a goal on the first chance was disheartening. Yet, he balanced that with his belief that the team created several opportunities. “There are a lot of positives to carry into our next match against Paraguay.”
Tyler Adams was equally enthusiastic, comparing the intensity of the match to that of a World Cup final. “We were going at it like it was the World Cup final, and that’s exactly what we wanted to show,” he explained. “To showcase our skill and quality, we needed to be combative. We tested ourselves against the best tonight, and we feel good about our performance and where we’re heading.”
With this spirited encounter behind them, both teams now look forward to their respective challenges in the approaching tournament.
