How To Watch International Friendlies in USA: Streaming Sites, TV Guide & VPN Options

If you are a soccer fan in the States, this upcoming week in March is basically a mini-preview of the FIFA World Cup. Between March 26 and April 1, 2026, some of the biggest names in the sport are landing on U.S. soil for the “Road to 26” series and a few massive USMNT friendlies. We are talking about iconic matchups like Brazil taking on France at Gillette Stadium and the U.S. hosting Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta.

Since these aren’t part of a single tournament, the TV rights are scattered. You’ll find most of the big English broadcasts on TNT and Max, while Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock handle the Spanish side of things. This guide is here to help you figure out exactly how to watch International Friendlies in USA, which stars to keep an eye on, and how to use a VPN if you want to catch the local home-country feeds.

International Friendlies Schedule (USA)

Here are the confirmed games for this window. All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET) to help you plan your viewing.

Watch International Friendlies in USA: Official Broadcasters & Streaming Landscape

Watching these high-stakes international matchups in the United States requires navigating multiple networks since the rights are split between English and Spanish language providers. For those who prefer English commentary, the primary destination for the Road to 26 series and the USMNT fixtures is the Warner Bros. Discovery the family of networks. This means you will find most of the action on TNT, with certain matches potentially appearing on TruTV. If you have moved away from traditional cable then the Max streaming service shall be your best friend, as it provides a live high-definition simulcast of every match broadcast on their linear channels. This is particularly convenient for fans who want to watch on their phones or tablets while away from home.

On the other hand, the Spanish-language broadcasts offer an entirely different level of energy and passion. Telemundo and Universo hold the rights to these major exhibitions, providing extensive pre-game coverage and tactical breakdowns that are perfect for die-hard supporters of teams like Brazil and Colombia. If you are a digital-first viewer, Peacock is the place to go for the Spanish feeds. For fans who want the most comprehensive experience without multiple subscriptions, a service like Fubo is often the best choice because it bundles TNT, Telemundo, and Universo into one package. This ensures that whether you are looking for the tactical analysis of the American squad or the flair of the South American giants, you have every angle covered from the opening whistle to the final highlights.

Global Stars and Key Talent to Follow

The talent on display during this international window is truly staggering because these games represent the final auditions for the 2026 World Cup rosters. For the French national team, the headline is always Kylian Mbappe, whose ability to change a game in a single sprint makes him the most dangerous player on the pitch. He is surrounded by a supporting cast of elite players like Antoine Griezmann and Eduardo Camavinga, who provide the creative spark and defensive stability that has kept France at the top of the FIFA rankings. Watching how they handle the physical pressure of an American crowd will be a major storyline throughout the week.

Brazil brings its own set of superstars under the leadership of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, both of whom have reached new heights in European club football. Their chemistry is the heartbeat of the Brazilian attack, and seeing them operate in Carlo Ancelotti’s refined system is a treat for any tactical enthusiast. With Brazil looking strong and ready, brimming with talent, the return of a ‘fit’ Neymar runs deep as the biggest ongoing question.

Meanwhile, the USMNT is leaning heavily on Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun to prove that the Americans can compete with European powerhouses like Belgium and Portugal. Portugal itself remains a massive draw, not just for the legendary presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, but for the incredible technical skill of players like Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes. Every match in this window is packed with individual battles that could very well determine who lifts the trophy two years from now.

Watch International Friendlies in USA with VPN

Using a virtual private network is a game changer for soccer fans who want to experience these matches exactly as they are broadcast in the participating teams’ home countries. Many supporters find that the local commentary from Brazil on Globo or the French perspective on TF1 provides a deeper level of cultural context and excitement that domestic U.S. broadcasts might miss. However, these international streaming services are typically protected by geo-blocking technology, which prevents anyone with a U.S. internet address from accessing the content. By using a reputable VPN, you can effectively relocate your digital presence to Rio de Janeiro or Paris, allowing you to sign in to your international accounts and watch the games without any restrictions.

Suggested VPNs to Watch International Friendlies in USA

Nord VPN

NordVPN is widely considered the best overall choice for sports enthusiasts because of its consistent performance and specialized features. It utilizes the proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is built on the lightning-fast WireGuard architecture, ensuring minimal speed loss—often as low as 3%. This is critical for watching fast-paced soccer in 4K resolution without the frustration of buffering. With a massive network of over 6,400 servers, including extensive coverage in Brazil and France, it reliably bypasses blocks on services like Globoplay and TF1+. Additionally, its “Threat Protection” feature acts as a built-in ad and malware blocker, keeping your streaming experience clean and secure from intrusive pop-ups.

Express VPN

ExpressVPN is the premium gold standard for reliability and ease of use. Its standout feature is the in-house Lightway protocol, which is engineered to be faster and more stable than traditional VPN protocols, allowing for near-instant connections. It is particularly adept at unblocking a vast range of international streaming services that other VPNs might struggle with. For fans using devices that don’t natively support VPN apps—like certain Smart TVs or gaming consoles—ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature is a lifesaver. While it is priced slightly higher than its competitors, the “set it and forget it” reliability makes it a favorite for those who want a seamless viewing experience without manual troubleshooting.

Surfshark

Surfshark is the undisputed champion of value, primarily because it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This means a single subscription can protect every phone, tablet, and TV in your household at the same time. Despite its lower price point, it doesn’t compromise on speed, utilizing the WireGuard protocol to handle high-definition sports streams with ease. It also includes “CleanWeb” to block ads and trackers and a “Bypasser” (split-tunneling) feature that allows you to run your streaming app through the VPN while keeping your banking or local apps on your standard connection. It is the perfect choice for families or fans who want a high-performance VPN without a high monthly cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the “Road to 26” an actual tournament?

Not exactly. It’s a series of high-level exhibition matches meant to hype up the 2026 World Cup. There’s no trophy, but the FIFA rankings points are real, and the teams play like it matters.

Can I watch these games for free?

There aren’t many legal free streams, but you can sometimes sign up for a free trial of Fubo or YouTube TV to catch a specific matchday.

Will the star players play the whole game?

Probably not the full 90 minutes. Since these are friendlies, you’ll likely see the “A-team” play the first hour, and then the managers will swap in younger players to see how they handle the pressure.

Do I need a ticket for a specific age for kids?

Usually, at stadiums like Gillette or Mercedes-Benz, children under two don’t need a ticket if they sit on a lap, but it’s always worth checking the stadium’s specific site first.

Why use a VPN if I have TNT?

A VPN is perfect if you’re a superfan who wants the pre-game shows and local analysis from Brazil or France that you just can’t get on American TV.

Final Thoughts

This week is a rare treat for soccer fans in the U.S. Having Brazil, France, Croatia, and Portugal all playing here at the same time is something we won’t see again until the actual World Cup kicks off. Whether you’re cheering for the USMNT in Atlanta or watching the heavyweight battle in Foxborough, make sure your apps are updated and your VPN is ready to go. It’s going to be a wild week of football.

The atmosphere across the country is expected to be electric as these matches serve as a massive final test for the host cities’ infrastructure and fan engagement. For supporters, this is more than just a series of exhibitions; it is a chance to witness the tactical evolution of the world’s most elite squads up close before the pressure of the tournament truly sets in. From the high-tech surroundings of Mercedes-Benz Stadium to the historic turf at Gillette Stadium, the “Road to 26” is officially open.

Taking the time to secure your streaming access now means you won’t be scrambling during kickoff when the servers are at their peak. As the global eyes of the soccer world turn towards America, make sure you have your viewing strategy locked in to enjoy every goal, save, and dramatic moment this incredible window has to offer.