USA and Portugal clash in Atlanta on Wednesday with both nations hoping to pick up some vital momentum heading into the 2026 World Cup.
USA were soundly beaten by European opposition in Belgium at the weekend, while Portugal were held to a 0-0 draw with Mexico. With both sides looking to bounce back with a win, it’ll be interesting to see how this one plays out.
Best Bets & Predictions
Goals have certainly been prevalent in games featuring these two nations recently, and we’re confident in back the 2.5 goal line being beaten in this one. Portugal in particular have been in fine form recently and we’re backing them to score in both halves at an enhanced price with Bet365.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal to score in both halves | 13/8 @ Bet365 (38.1%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Portugal average goals in both halves in two of their last five matches. They also score frequently overall and USA tend to concede goals across 90 minutes, conceding in both halves in two of their last three defeats. |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 8/13 @ Bet365 (61.9%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | The U.S. have seen four of their last five matches exceed 2.5 goals, scoring and conceding often, while Portugal’s matches see 3.4 goals per game in the same period with two over 2.5 outcomes. The H2H record also suggest goals are likely, with 66% of ties between these two ending with over 2.5 goals |
Odds correct at the time of writing.
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets with Bet365
Not signed up to bet365 yet? Here's how to claim one of the best bookmaker welcome offers around...
- Open an account (here's a link)
- Make a qualifying deposit of between £5* and £10*
- Claim the offer to receive three times your deposit in 'Free Bets'.
- To release your 'Free Bets', place qualifying bets to the value of your qualifying deposit and allow those bets to settle.
- Your 'Free Bets' will become available shortly after your qualifying bets have settled
- To use your 'Free Bets', select 'Use bet credits' in the bet slip.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Recent Form
Over their last six matches, the USA Men’s National Team have shown mostly positive results: four wins, one draw and only one defeat, averaging 2.33 goals scored per game and BTTS in five of six fixtures, underlining attacking intent but defensive leaks. However, in their most recent match they suffered a heavy 5‑2 loss to Belgium, conceding five unanswered goals after taking the lead, exposing defensive vulnerabilities and disrupting their momentum ahead of the World Cup.
Earlier results include 5‑1 vs Uruguay, 2‑1 vs Paraguay and 2‑1 vs Australia, showing consistent scoring, while their only earlier loss in that period was 0‑2 to South Korea.
Statistically, the USMNT often feature open, high‑scoring games but need defensive improvement, as they’ve kept just one clean sheet in their last six and conceded multiple in recent friendlies.
Portugal’s recent form across their last six matches shows attack‑driven but inconsistent results. They’ve scored freely, averaging 2.5 goals per game, with three wins, two draws and one loss, but have kept just two clean sheets in that run, underlining occasional defensive lapses.
Their most recent outing was a 0‑0 draw against Mexico in a friendly, where Portugal dominated possession and created chances but couldn’t convert, highlighting a slight drop in finishing without Cristiano Ronaldo. Earlier fixtures include a 9‑1 thrashing of Armenia in World Cup qualifying, showing their firepower, and mixed results in other internationals.
Across those games, BTTS and high‑scoring outcomes have been common given their offensive mindset but leaky defence, with Portugal often involved in open contests. Their form suggests potent scoring ability, though slight dips in consistency and finishing can influence outcomes ahead of competitive fixtures.
USA team news
Patrick Schulte replaced Roman Celentano after a late withdrawal, while several regulars like Haji Wright and Tyler Adams were absent through injury, thinning attacking and midfield options.
In defence, injuries to centre‑backs such as Chris Richards and Miles Robinson have reduced options at the back, forcing tactical adjustments and experimentation in the lineup.
Despite recent struggles, Pochettino is using the friendlies to assess depth and build cohesion, with key players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and new talents in the squad aiming to step up ahead of the summer’s tournament.
Portugal team news
Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in the United States friendly due to a hamstring injury sustained late February as Roberto Martínez manages his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Portugal recently drew 0‑0 with Mexico, with Martínez rotating his squad and giving starts to key midfielders like Bruno Fernandes. Other senior figures such as Rúben Dias are also absent, pushing younger attackers into more prominent roles in Atlanta.
Head-to-Head: Last 3 Meetings
There have been three meetings between these two nations over the years, with two matches ending in draws and USA winning the first meeting between the sides.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 14/11/17 | Portugal 1-1 USA | Friendly |
| 22/06/14 | USA 2-2 Portugal | World Cup |
| 05/06/02 | USA 3-2 Portugal | World Cup |
Conclusion: Who will gain momentum in key friendly?
With both sides hoping to experience a big summer at the 2026 World Cup, this could be a key contest in the build up to the tournament. We’re backing over 2.5 goals at 8/13 with Bet365 but, when looking for a little more value on prices, we like the look of Portugal to score in both halves at a boosted price of 13/8 with Bet365.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Read more:
- Latest football news
- Football betting tips
- Best betting sites
- Best free bet offers
- Football accumulator tips
