The United States men's national rugby team, the Eagles, will face Portugal and South Africa in July 2026, as part of their preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The matches were announced by USA Rugby on Friday, with the Eagles set to host Portugal on July 11 in Washington D.C., and travel to South Africa on July 18 to face the Springboks in Pretoria.
Match Details and Significance
The test against Portugal will be the first meeting between the two sides since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where Portugal defeated the Eagles 24-14 in a pool stage match. The Eagles will be eager for redemption on home soil at Audi Field. The match against South Africa, the reigning world champions, will be a historic first-ever test between the two nations, providing a stern test for the developing American side.
USA Rugby CEO Ross Young said: "These matches are crucial for our growth as we build towards the 2027 World Cup. Facing a team like South Africa, the best in the world, will show us where we stand and what we need to improve."
Coaching and Squad Updates
New Eagles head coach Mike Friday, who took over in January 2026, will use these tests to evaluate his squad. Friday has emphasized a more expansive style of play and has been integrating younger players from Major League Rugby. "We have a talented pool of players, and these matches will give them invaluable experience," Friday said.
The Eagles squad is expected to feature several players from the MLR, including flyhalf AJ MacGinty, who recently returned from injury, and captain Bryce Campbell. The team will also look to its overseas-based players, such as Joe Taufete'e and Samu Manoa, to provide leadership.
Impact on World Cup Preparation
The matches are part of a broader plan to increase the Eagles' competitiveness. USA Rugby has scheduled 10 tests in 2026, including matches against Canada, Chile, and Uruguay. The goal is to improve the team's world ranking, currently 18th, and secure a favorable pool draw for the 2027 World Cup.
Portugal, ranked 13th, will provide a measure of the Eagles' progress since their World Cup defeat. South Africa, ranked first, will offer a benchmark against the world's best. "We want to be tested at the highest level," Young added. "These games will be tough, but they are exactly what we need."
Broader Context for US Rugby
The Eagles' development is part of a larger push to grow rugby in the United States, with the 2031 Rugby World Cup set to be hosted in the country. USA Rugby has invested in grassroots programs and professional leagues, aiming to build a competitive national team. The July tests are a key step in that journey.
