U.S. Versus Germany: A Soccer History

The Germans Hold the Better Record, With the U.S. Having Some Stunning Victories

The United States and Germany have built one of soccer's more compelling international rivalries, meeting 12 times with Germany holding a dominant 8-0-4 (WDL) edge. Their history stretches back to June 13, 1993, when the two nations met at Chicago's Soldier Field—the same venue hosting Saturday's friendly—in a thrilling US Cup match that Germany won 4-3. Notably, German-American Thomas Dooley scored twice for the Americans that day. A rematch later that December ended in a more comfortable 3-0 German victory.

The rivalry took on greater stakes at the 1998 World Cup in France, where Germany dispatched the US 2-0 in the group stage with goals from Andreas Möller and Jürgen Klinsmann. Four years later came perhaps the most painful meeting of all—a 1-0 quarterfinal defeat in 2002, decided by a Michael Ballack goal and forever shadowed by a controversial, uncalled handball by Torsten Frings on the goal line.

The Americans have had their moments, though. A pair of wins in 1999—including a 2-0 group stage victory at the Confederations Cup—showed early promise. Then came the 2013 centennial celebration friendly, a jubilant 4-3 win featuring two Clint Dempsey goals, a Jozy Altidore strike, and a Marc ter Stegen own goal.

After Germany's 1-0 group stage win at the 2014 World Cup, with both sides advancing, the US responded the following year with a famous 2-1 comeback victory over the reigning world champions, sealed by Bobby Wood in the 88th minute. Germany reclaimed the bragging rights most recently in October 2023, winning 3-1 in Hartford despite a stunning early strike from Christian Pulisic.

Germany in Chicago

After a Friendly Win Over Finland at Home, Germany Comes to the U.S. For Its Final Friendly

Germany arrives in Chicago as one of the tournament favorites, carrying both immense talent and a few notable question marks into their final warm-up match against the United States at Soldier Field on Saturday.

Julian Nagelsmann's side is stacked with attacking quality. Kai Havertz comes in riding high after scoring Arsenal's lone goal in the Champions League Final against PSG in Budapest, while Florian Wirtz has netted three goals in international friendlies dating back to the March window. Deniz Undav matches that tally across just two appearances, giving Germany a genuinely dangerous forward line heading into the tournament.

Bayern Munich's fingerprints are all over the squad, with Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and others forming the spine of Nagelsmann's setup. However, questions linger about whether that Bayern core can truly deliver. Musiala has been below his best in recent months, and Kimmich will be deployed at right back rather than his preferred central midfield role—an arrangement that carries risk.

The bigger uncertainty heading into Saturday is in goal. Veteran Manuel Neuer, who came out of international retirement to play in a fifth World Cup at age 40, has been sidelined with a calf muscle injury and was unable to train fully with the squad as recently as Thursday. A final call on his availability is expected Friday, with Oliver Baumann ready to step in if needed.

Tactically, Nagelsmann favors fluid systems and emotional intensity, though his tenure has drawn criticism for inconsistency. Germany will need their star players, particularly Wirtz, to perform against top-tier opposition if they are to go deep in the tournament.

Ready for Another Strong Performance

The USMNT Needs to Keep the Momentum Heading into the Match Against Germany

With one week to go before the 2026 World Cup kicks off on home soil, excitement is building rapidly around the U.S. men's national team as they prepare for their final pre-tournament tune-up against Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday.

Coming off a confidence-boosting 3-2 friendly win over Senegal, the mood in camp is upbeat. Sergino Dest, who opened the scoring in that match, described it as a "great start" and called the Germany clash "a really important test." Despite the positive result, Dest was quick to keep expectations measured, noting that friendly matches carry a different kind of pressure than tournament football and that lineups and tactics often remain experimental.

One of the more encouraging signs from the Senegal game was the atmosphere. Dest expressed genuine surprise at the level of fan support inside Bank of America Stadium, saying a packed, pro-American crowd helps the team and even unsettles opponents. It offers a tantalizing preview of what awaits when the tournament begins in earnest.

Defender Joe Scally echoed the growing sense of anticipation, noting that excitement is building daily across social media and beyond. Still, the squad appears grounded. Midfielder Malik Tillman summed up the team's mindset simply: focus on the present, give everything, and leave no room for regret.

With a favorable group draw and home advantage in their corner, the USMNT head into their Germany matchup with momentum, clarity of purpose, and a fanbase that is finally, fully tuning in.