Germany 2-1 USA at Soldier Field, Chicago — Final Pre-Tournament Warm-Up; Havertz 2', Sané 60'; USMNT Fall in Last Friendly Before Group D Opener

Germany defeated the host nation United States 2-1 in their final pre-tournament friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago on June 6, delivering a sharp competitive test ahead of the World Cup opening on June 11. Kai Havertz struck in the 2nd minute to give Julian Nagelsmann's side the early initiative. The USA equalized through a Robinson goal before Leroy Sané restored Germany's lead around the 60th minute to seal the 2-1 win. The result will provide Germany — in Group E vs Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador — with a confidence boost after their preparation period, while the USMNT heads into their June 12 Group D opener vs Paraguay (SoFi Stadium, LA) having now lost their final warm-up to a top-class European side. Nagelsmann's Germany side features Manuel Neuer (40) as first-choice goalkeeper and key attacking threats in Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasized that the friendly result is irrelevant to tournament preparation — the coaching staff prioritized fitness and squad rotation over the result. Christian Pulisic, who captains the USMNT and broke his five-month scoring drought against Senegal on May 31, featured in the game alongside key squad members. 5 days to World Cup kickoff at Estadio Azteca.