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<figure><img src="https://media.zenfs.com/en/hitc_articles_832/4a716962b334fe48bdbdee8c39db53a0" /></figure>
<p><strong>The United States wrapped up their World Cup preparations with a 2-1 defeat to Germany, a result that set an unwanted record ahead of the tournament on home soil.</strong></p>
<p>The loss at Soldier Field came in the USMNT&#8217;s final friendly before the 2026 World Cup, adding pressure to a campaign already carrying high expectations.</p>
<p>There were encouraging moments, but the result capped off a send-off period that has raised more questions than answers.</p>
<figure><img src="https://media.zenfs.com/en/hitc_articles_832/f44f28cb734b5f8dc37d9ccc1ef15c0b" /></figure>
<h2>USMNT set unwanted record with final World Cup send-off loss</h2>
<p><a href="https://x.com/ESPNInsights/status/2063408809595265259">ESPN Insights</a> posted on X when the USMNT became the first team to lose their final two home send-off friendlies before hosting a World Cup.</p>
<p>That is the part that stings. Losing narrowly to Germany is not embarrassing on its own, but doing it as part of a historically poor send-off run changes the mood.</p>
<p>The U.S. also entered June carrying scars from earlier high-profile defeats, including a 5-2 loss to Belgium and a 2-0 loss to Portugal in March.</p>
<p>For a team with major home expectations, that pattern matters. The USMNT does not need to win every friendly, but they do need to look stable enough to survive World Cup pressure.</p>
<h2>Germany exposes USMNT errors ahead of World Cup opener</h2>
<p>Germany struck early. Tyler Adams gave away a free kick, Joshua Kimmich delivered, and Kai Havertz finished at the far post inside two minutes.</p>
<p>To the Americans&#8217; credit, they responded well. Antonee Robinson equalized with a superb strike from outside the box after a deflected corner, giving the crowd a real lift.</p>
<p>Germany still found the winner after halftime. Leroy Sane&#8217;s shot took a deflection and beat Matt Freese at the far post in the 58th minute.</p>
<p>Tempers flared in stoppage time when Tim Weah and Nico Schlotterbeck were both booked after a heavy challenge.</p>
<p>Mauricio Pochettino can point to fight, chances created and a strong Soldier Field atmosphere, but the scoreboard still leaves the USMNT needing to reset fast. The opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles is now close, and the mood has shifted from celebration to concern.</p>
<p><strong>Read more:</strong></p>

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