United States reveal pre-Gold Cup plans

Just days away from their first test of the year at the CONCACAF Nations League Final Four, the United States announced on Monday that in June they will face two European teams as part of their preparation for the Gold Cup.

Turkey and Switzerland friendlies for USMNT

Mauricio Pochettino’s side will take on Turkey and Switzerland on June 7 and 10, respectively. Both teams are coming off impressive performances at the European Championship, where they reached the quarterfinals, and will provide a significant challenge for the U.S.

Turkey were eliminated in the quarterfinals after losing to the Netherlands, while Switzerland pushed England to a penalty shootout, only to fall to the eventual runners-up, who lost to Spain in the final.

The Turkish squad, featuring Real Madrid’s Arda Güler and Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, will travel to Hartford, Connecticut, to face the Stars and Stripes on June 7 in the first match.

Three days later, Switzerland, led by Breel Embolo and Granit Xhaka, will head to Geodis Park in Nashville to face Pochettino’s team in what will be the last FIFA date before the Club World Cup.

Tickets for both matches are expected to go on sale between March 11 and 13, with the games set for early June. These friendlies will not only serve as a tune-up for the Gold Cup, but also as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

U.S. faces Club World Cup headache

Although the United States hopes to have a full-strength squad for the Gold Cup, top players like Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, and Giovanni Reyna may miss the CONCACAF tournament due to their clubs' involvement in the Club World Cup, which will also take place in the U.S.

However, Pochettino will still be able to count on Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah, among other stars.

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