The USA Men’s Eagles have named a 23-player matchday squad featuring four potential debutants for Saturday’s opening match of the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup against Portugal at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Denver.
The match is the first of three Nations Cup fixtures for the Eagles this month, with Zimbabwe and Spain to follow in North Carolina over the next two weekends.
Head coach Scott Lawrence’s side opens its 2026 international campaign on Independence Day, taking the field wearing a special commemorative patch celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. MT (6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET), with a fireworks display scheduled following the match.
The fixture also marks the first time Portugal has faced the Eagles on American soil and marks the beginning of an important international campaign as the Eagles continue building toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Four Players Could Earn Their First USA Caps
Chicago Hounds lock Nathan Den Hoedt will make his first Test start after being selected alongside captain Jason Damm in the second row.
French-based winger Perry Mayo also earns a starting berth after an impressive season with USON Nevers in France’s Pro D2, where he scored 11 tries in 22 Matches.
Among the replacements, prop Mason Pedersen and utility back Julian Roberts are both in line to make their international debuts.
Experienced hooker Kapeli Pifeleti also returns to the starting lineup after scoring the dramatic match-winning try in the Eagles’ 21-17 victory over Portugal in Coimbra in 2024, the most recent meeting between the two nations.
Building Towards the Rugby World Cup
After just nine days together in camp in Colorado’s high-altitude conditions, Lawrence believes every international fixture is another step toward the Eagles’ long-term objective.
“It’s important to remember the goal we’re focused on, which is the World Cup. And Portugal is one of the steps toward that goal.”
Lawrence also acknowledged the challenge of bringing together players from clubs around the world in a short preparation window.
“July is always a shotgun start for us as we bring the team together from across the world. The men have been diligent in their detail of the basics we are rapidly putting in place. The nation’s 250th is a special day and we are grateful to have the opportunity to represent our country’s rugby community on Saturday.”
Portugal Arrive as Rugby Europe Champions
Portugal travel to Denver as the reigning 2026 Rugby Europe Championship winners and one of Europe’s most improved Test sides.
The Eagles hold a 3-1-1 advantage in the all-time series, but recent meetings have shown just how evenly matched the two nations have become. Portugal claimed a convincing victory in 2023 before the USA responded with a dramatic 21-17 win in Coimbra last November thanks to Kapeli Pifeleti’s late try.
Saturday’s contest will also be the first-ever Test match between the two countries on American soil, adding another chapter to a growing rivalry.
Productive Week in Camp
The Eagles have enjoyed a busy build-up to their Nations Cup opener.
Preparations included a training scrimmage against Tonga, community events with local youth rugby players and captain Jason Damm throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a Colorado Rockies baseball game.
Representing the United States on Independence Day is a moment Damm says will stay with him forever.
“Wearing the Red, White, and Blue on the 4th is an honor and I definitely will never give away that jersey.”
USA vs Portugal: Previous Meetings
| Year | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Lisbon | USA won 61-5 |
| 2010 | Lisbon | USA won 22-17 |
| 2022 | Dubai | Draw 16-16 |
| 2023 | Portugal | Portugal won 46-20 |
| 2024 | Coimbra | USA won 21-17 |
Overall Record: USA 3 wins, Portugal 1 win, 1 draw.
USA Men’s Eagles Matchday 23
Starting XV
Forwards
1. Jack Iscaro – Stade Francais2. Kapeli Pifeleti – Provence Rugby
3. Tonga Kofe – California Legion
4. Nathan Den Hoedt* – Chicago Hounds
5. Jason Damm (C) – California Legion
6. Benjamin Bonasso – Old Glory DC
7. Cory Daniel – Old Glory DC
8. Paddy Ryan – Seattle Seawolves
Backs
9. Ruben De Haas – California Legion10. Chris Hilsenbeck – Chicago Hounds
11. Perry Mayo* – USON Nevers
12. Dominic Besag – St.Marys College
13. Tavite Lopeti – Chicago Hounds
14. Rufus McLean – Seattle Seawolves
15. Mitch Wilson – New England Free Jacks
Replacements
- Shilo Klein – Zebre Parma
- Ezekiel Lindenmuth – Seattle Seawolves
- Mason Pedersen* – Seattle Seawolves
- Brandon Harvey – Chicago Hounds
- Nafi Ma’afu – Union Sportive Montalbanaise
- Ethan McVeigh – New England Free Jacks
- Luke Carty – Anthem Rugby Carolina
- Julian Roberts* – Anthem Rugby Carolina
Potential USA debut. Official caps will be awarded if the player enters the match.
Match Details
Fixture: USA vs Portugal
Competition: World Rugby Nations Cup – Round 1
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Venue: DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Denver, Colorado
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. MT (6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET)
Broadcast: Paramount+
What’s Next?
The Portugal clash opens a three-match Nations Cup campaign for the Eagles before they travel to North Carolina to face Zimbabwe on July 11 and Spain on July 18.
A strong start against the reigning Rugby Europe champions would provide valuable momentum as Scott Lawrence’s squad continues building toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
