With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) aims to continue its impressive unbeaten run as they take on a challenging Uruguay side this Tuesday in Tampa, Florida. This match marks the final USMNT fixture of the 2025 calendar year, and with momentum on their side, coach Mauricio Pochettino looks to test fringe players while maintaining the fitness of his star performers ahead of next summer’s global tournament.
Building Momentum: USMNT’s Unbeaten Run
The U.S. enters the Uruguay clash on a four-game unbeaten streak, following their last loss, a 2-0 defeat to South Korea in September. Since then, the team has secured three victories against Japan, Australia, and Paraguay, and a 1-1 draw with Ecuador. Most recently, the squad overcame Paraguay 2-1 on Saturday, with Gio Reyna opening the scoring before assisting Folarin Balogun’s decisive goal. While these results have been promising, none of these opponents present the same level of challenge as Uruguay, the South American powerhouse currently ranked 15th globally.
Uruguay has been similarly strong, unbeaten in six matches since a 2-0 qualifying loss to Paraguay in June. Their defense has been particularly resilient, conceding just a single goal in that period during a 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan in October. Their recent 0-0 draw with Mexico underscores the team’s defensive solidity and the level of challenge awaiting the USMNT.
Squad Updates: Who’s In and Who’s Out
Pochettino continues to prioritize the health and readiness of key players, leaving several international stars out of the squad while giving opportunities to other talent. Gio Reyna, Joe Scally, and Sergino Dest returned to the squad following the win over Panama, while Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, and Christian Pulisic remain unavailable due to injury or rest.
The manager has made extensive changes from the previous match, with nine rotations from the Paraguay victory. Only Dest and goalkeeper Matt Freese retained their starting spots. Alex Freeman, like Scally before him, is being tested as a hybrid center-back in the 3-4-3 formation Pochettino has implemented. Haji Wright starts as striker, with Ricardo Pepi likely to feature as a substitute.
USA Starting XI (3-4-3): Freese (GK) — Freeman, McKenzie, Trusty — Dest, Morris, T. Tillman, Tolkin — Luna, Wright, Berhalter
Substitutes: Klinsmann (GK), Schulte (GK), Celentano (GK), Scally, Arfsten, M. Robinson, Ream, Roldan, Tessmann, Aaronson, Reyna, Pepi, Balogun
Match Details and Key Context
The USA faces Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. Their last encounter ended in a 1-0 defeat for the U.S. during Copa America on July 1, 2024. This friendly not only offers the team a final test before the winter break but also provides insights into Pochettino’s tactical adjustments and squad depth as the USMNT gears up for the 2026 World Cup.
The full USMNT roster features a balanced mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent:
Goalkeepers: Roman Celentano, Matt Freese, Jonathan Klinsmann, Patrick Schulte
Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, John Tolkin, Auston Trusty
Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter, Aidan Morris, Gio Reyna, Cristian Roldan, Tanner Tessman, Timmy Tillman, Brenden Aaronson, Diego Luna
Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright
This matchup provides fans a glimpse of the USMNT’s evolving tactics, player development, and readiness as they look ahead to the World Cup on home soil next summer.
