Germany edged out the USA 2-1 in a tightly contested friendly at Chicago's Soldier Field, marking their final preparation match before the 2026 World Cup. The victory showcased moments of brilliance but also revealed areas needing improvement for coach Julian Nagelsmann's squad. RIA Novosti+2
Kai Havertz opened the scoring with a clinical finish, while Leroy Sané secured the win despite a sluggish first-half performance. US defender Antonee Robinson managed a consolation goal, keeping the match competitive until the final whistle. The game served as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the North American-hosted World Cup. China.org+2
Germany's offensive play showed promise with creative midfield combinations, but defensive lapses nearly cost them the lead. The USA pressed aggressively in midfield, exposing gaps in Germany's backline that better opponents might exploit. Coach Nagelsmann experimented with rotations, giving fringe players valuable minutes before tournament selection. Tagesschau.de+2
The victory came at a cost as young talent Lennart Karl suffered a tournament-ending injury. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also appeared shaky, raising questions about Germany's defensive reliability. These developments complicate Nagelsmann's final squad decisions with the World Cup opener approaching. Deutsche Welle+2