United States 0-2 Portugal: Fernandes runs the show in friendly win

Bruno Fernandes assisted both of Portugal’s goals as they ran out 2-0 winners over the United States in their pre-World Cup friendly.

With Cristiano Ronaldo once again not playing through injury, Fernandes set up a goal in either half to get Portugal back to winning ways after their frustrating 0-0 draw with Mexico.

Weston McKennie nodded wide, and Fernandes forced a sharp stop out of Matt Freese as both sides made a fast start to the match.

After Christian Pulisic drilled narrowly wide, Portugal went up the other end in the 37th minute, with Fernandes racing in behind before backheeling it to Trincao, who curled a low finish into the bottom-right corner.

And Fernandes was at the heart of Portugal’s second goal shortly before the hour mark, too, pulling it back to Joao Felix on the edge of the box, and the substitute brought it down on his chest before sending his half-volley in off the post.

The USA were unable to muster a response, with Ruben Neves calling Freese into action with a powerful long-range effort shortly.

Francisco Conceicao almost rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, but his tight-angled effort was kept out by Freese just as it was sneaking into the far corner.

Duas assistências para Bruno Fernandes esta noite #VaiDarPortugal | @B_Fernandes8 pic.twitter.com/3tG3kQIquY

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) April 1, 2026

Data Debrief: Fernandes pulls the strings

For Manchester United, Fernandes has already racked up 16 Premier League assists this season, and he picked up where he left off with his club form on Tuesday.

He got two assists from two chances created against the USA, but also had the most touches (75), played the most passes in the final third (20), and no player bettered his five crosses.

The USA were once again let down by their profligacy, though. They managed 12 shots to Portugal’s 11, but only got three on target as they accumulated 0.68 expected goals (xG), only marginally less than the visitors’ 0.74 xG.