USMNT Prepares for World Cup Opener at SoFi Stadium After Slow Start in 2-1 Loss to Germany

U.S. men's national team will play its World Cup group-stage opener against an opponent yet to be confirmed at SoFi Stadium on Friday. Nearly every player has spoken about the emotions of walking onto the field in front of a home crowd.

Germany controlled the opening 15 minutes before defeating the Americans 2-1 in their final send-off match. Midfielder Cristian Roldan said the team must avoid repeating that slow beginning. “It would be nice to score early, but I think if we have a strong start where we’re pressing high up the field, we have momentum going into the 15-minute mark, I think we put ourselves in a good start,” Roldan said Tuesday.

“The first game, the first 15 minutes, really important in the tournament, and we need to be ready. ” Thousands of tickets for the SoFi Stadium match remain available at face value through FIFA and on its resale portal as of June 9-10 2026. FIFA has priced host-nation openers higher than other group-stage games, contributing to the inventory.

The team drew strong crowds in Charlotte and Chicago and attracted 5,500 spectators to a Monday practice session in Irvine. Goalkeeper Matt Turner said he is focused on the support shown at training rather than ticket sales. “I don’t really focus on the ticket sales and all that kind of stuff,” Turner said.

A starting goalkeeper decision between Turner and Matt Freese has not been announced. Turner said the players will respect whatever choice the coach makes. “I think whatever the coach decides, we owe it to each other to respect that decision and support each other till the end,” Turner said.

All 26 players trained together for the first time since camp opened. Roldan addressed reporters during a June 9 press conference in Irvine.