USMNT
USMNT possible lineup in the friendly against Mexico
Here’s how Mauricio Pochettino’s side may start against Mexico.
The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) are back in action, visiting a Mexico side desperate for a win. Although the Americans began the Pochettino era with a victory over Panama, they now face a tougher challenge in their second match.
The squad has been hit hard by the ‘FIFA Virus,’ with up to five players ruled out for the upcoming game at Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Guadalajara. These players have been released and will return to their respective clubs shortly. However, the biggest blow was the loss of Christian Pulisic, the heart and soul of the team. ‘Captain America’ has been released due to fatigue from an intense season, with the heavy minutes taking their toll.
The players departing camp, as well as the Milan man, include goalkeeper Zack Steffen, defender Marlon Fossey, midfielder Weston McKennie, and forwards Ricardo Pepi. Pulisic, who started against Panama and assisted Yunus Musah’s game-winning goal, has been sent back to AC Milan for load management.
Mexico under pressure against USA
Although Mexico are the current CONCACAF Gold Cup champion, the USA have dominated El Tri throughout the 2020s, with a record of 5 wins, 0 losses, and 2 draws in their last seven encounters. This marks the USMNT’s longest unbeaten streak in the 90-year history of the rivalry. Mexico haven’t defeated the USA since a friendly in East Rutherford, NJ, in 2019.
The most recent meeting between the two teams was the 2024 Nations League final on March 24 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna scored in the USA’s 2-0 victory.
Coming into this game, the packed schedule has put Pochettino in a tough spot, forcing him to rely on his second-string squad to face Javier ‘Vasco’ Aguirre’s Mexico. El Tri are under pressure, coming off a draw against Spain’s Valencia amid mounting criticism of Aguirre’s management.
USMNT possible lineup:
Turner; Scally, Ream, McKenzie, A Robinson; Busio, Morris, Musah; Wright, Sargent, Tillman
Mexico possible XI:
Rangel; Sánchez, Orozco, Montes, González; Álvarez, Romo, Rodríguez; Vega, Herrera, Jiménez
The former Mallorca player is fighting to keep his job, but he’ll face a USMNT that no longer fear their southern rival. Recent encounters between the two teams have seen the Americans close the gap.
The match will take place this Tuesday, October 15, at 8:30 p.m. ET. at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. The game will be broadcast on TNT and will be available to stream on MAX. You can also follow it live on FuboTV.