# Germany Edges United States 2-1 Before World Cup Kickoff

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/germany-edges-united-states-2-1-before-world-cup-kickoff/
- Published: 2026-06-06T10:04:50-04:00
- Author: Hyun Choi

 

The United States closed out its World Cup preparations with a hard-fought 2-1 loss
to Germany before a sellout crowd of 63,636 at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday.

Germany struck early when Kai Havertz headed home a Joshua Kimmich free kick in 
the second minute, but the Americans responded well and controlled stretches of 
the match. Their efforts were rewarded just before halftime when Antonee Robinson
unleashed a spectacular 23-yard volley that beat German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann
and leveled the score at 1-1.

The match remained competitive after the break, but Germany regained the lead just
before the hour mark as Leroy Sané finished off a well-worked attacking move. Despite
several promising chances, the U.S. was unable to find another equalizer.

The result comes on the heels of the Americans’ 3-2 victory over Senegal and provides
encouraging momentum heading into the FIFA World Cup. The U.S. opens Group D play
against Paraguay on Friday at SoFi Stadium in California before facing Australia
and Türkiye.

Germany begins its World Cup campaign on June 14 against Curaçao and will also meet
Ecuador and Ivory Coast in Group E.