Person

Francisco Trincão

Portuguese winger who scored against USMNT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in March 2026.

Last refreshed: 1 April 2026

Key Question

Will Trincão start for Portugal when they face USMNT again at the World Cup?

Latest on Francisco Trincão

#41 Apr

USMNT Lose Again at Their World Cup Venue

Common Questions

Who scored for Portugal against USMNT?: Francisco Trincão scored Portugal's first goal in the 37th minute and João Félix scored the second on 59 minutes. Portugal won 2-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on 31 March 2026.Source: US Soccer Federation

Background

Francisco Trincão is a winger in the Portuguese national team, known for his pace and direct running on the left flank. He scored Portugal's opening goal in the 37th minute of their 2-0 friendly win over the United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on 31 March 2026, the same venue where the 2026 World Cup opens in 71 days.

The result, combined with a 2-5 defeat to Belgium three days earlier, left USMNT having scored two goals and conceded seven across their two opening-venue preparation matches. Trincão's goal came as the United States struggled to contain Portugal's movement in the first half.

How the World Sees Them

USMNT

Conceding an early goal to Trincão set the pattern for a damaging evening. The result, at their own World Cup venue, intensified pressure on manager Pochettino heading into the tournament.

Portugal

Trincão's goal opened the scoring in a comfortable Portugal win. The result confirmed their readiness for the tournament, with both scorers contributing direct attacking play.

World Cup context

The friendly had additional significance given the hosts' opening matches are at the same stadium. Two straight defeats there raised genuine questions about USMNT readiness.