Last test before the start of the World Cup
Lightning goal and good luck: DFB-Elf with a shock win against USA
Updated June 6, 2026 – 10:59 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
National coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team finds its way into the game optimally. But then it becomes a fundamentally different game. In the end, a “problem child” makes the decision.
The German national team narrowly avoided a serious setback in the dress rehearsal before the start of the World Cup. National coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team narrowly won 2-1 (1-1) against co-hosts USA.
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Kai Havertz (2nd) and Leroy Sané (57th) scored on Saturday evening German time to win against the USA, who were at times intoxicated, but were unable to convert their numerous chances into goals. Antonee Robinson (37th) scored with a fantastic long-range shot to equalize.
That’s how the game went
63,636 fans in the sold-out Soldier Field saw a real endurance test – also in terms of the weather: at kick-off at 1:30 p.m. local time it was warm, humid and raining. “This is a good introduction to the climatic conditions,” said national coach Nagelsmann. Although Chicago is not a tournament location, it “felt a bit like the World Cup” for him. Also, as far as the typical American show was concerned, including a slightly late flying squadron over the arena.
At the beginning of the game, Germany got off to a better start: Havertz, who joined the team late after the Champions League final, scored with a header from a free-kick cross from Joshua Kimmich.
Just four minutes later, the supposed 2-0 was made by Havertz, but the ball had previously been out of the goal from Sané’s cross. Then the sun came back, but the DFB fire only smoldered, burning in the German penalty area again and again.
The biggest eye-catcher for the time being was Nagelsmann’s T-shirt change – until Robinson struck. After Jonathan Tah cleared a corner in the middle, the American volleyed the ball under the crossbar from 18 meters. Driven by Christian Pulisic, the hosts became stronger and stronger, Tah (44th) prevented the 1:2 against the former Dortmund player.
“Too many errors in the construction”
“Change of time, weather – after three or four days it’s not possible to get into the rhythm,” said RTL expert Lothar Matthäus graciously, but criticized “too many errors in the setup”. Sané, who had not been convincing until then, at least created a chance, which Nmecha missed (49th). Sané’s free kick (54th) went over the goal. “It suits his game,” said Matthäus sternly, “but maybe he’ll still come.”