Scouting The Match: USA vs. Germany In Final World Cup Tune-Up Friendly

I’ve played in a World Cup and understand how the U.S. national team is preparing — and what matters most. There’s one more game until the Americans’ tournament is underway against Paraguay on June 12, and it's important to go in with confidence.

This time around, I have a different challenge. I’ll be breaking down the USA throughout its journey through the 2026 World Cup, starting with a final tune-up game against Germany.

Here are my keys to the game and a preview of what to expect from Germany and the USA.

Winger · Germany

When looking at the German national team, the first names that come to mind are probably Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz or Joshua Kimmich. The player I'm watching out for in this game, though, is someone who can exploit a potential weakness in the U.S. defense.

Sane is the player I’m highlighting because it ties into what I’m worried about with the United States. The former Manchester City star is a fast, left-footed winger who generally plays on the right side. He can dribble in either direction, cut in on his left foot or drag the ball toward the touchline.

Tim Ream and Antonee "Jedi" Robinson on the left side of the U.S. defense will be defending Sane. When Robinson is high up the field and Germany gets the ball in transition, there’s a chance you’re going to have Sane against Tim in open space. After watching the friendly against Senegal, that wouldn’t be ideal for this U.S. team.

Leroy Sané will pose a unique threat to the United States defense. (Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

This will be less of an issue in the group stage of the World Cup for the United States against Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye. As you get into the knockout rounds, though, you’re going to face