The United States Men`s National Team (USMNT) returns to the field this Saturday for their first match since their Concacaf Gold Cup final defeat to Mexico. While they may have relinquished their `Kings of Concacaf` title, coach Mauricio Pochettino and the team are focused on moving forward during this international break, which includes friendly matches against South Korea and Japan. Both opponents have already secured their spots in the 2026 World Cup, making these matches crucial tests against high-caliber opposition.
This friendly will also be a reunion for Pochettino, who will face his former Tottenham star, Son Heung-Min, representing South Korea. Pochettino expressed his anticipation for this encounter.
“It`s an amazing opportunity to reconnect. We share a strong bond. Son was incredibly important during my time at Tottenham. I actually tried to sign him earlier when I was at Southampton, but he chose another club. He moved from Hamburg to Leverkusen. When we arrived at Tottenham, we pursued him again and convinced him to join us. A decade later, he remains one of the world`s best players, not just incredibly talented but also an amazing person. It`s going to be truly special.”
A victory for the USMNT would undoubtedly make this reunion even sweeter. South Korea, ranked 23rd in FIFA, presents an opportunity for a significant win. With Japan ranked 17th, this international window promises to be one of the most challenging the USMNT has faced outside of a major tournament. Pochettino plans to utilize an experimental squad, allowing him to evaluate his player pool under pressure and make critical decisions ahead of the World Cup. Success will depend on both his strategic positioning of players and their ability to rise to the occasion.
Under Pochettino`s leadership, the USMNT has faltered in past challenges, suffering defeats to Mexico, Panama (twice), Canada, Turkey, and Switzerland. While these results don`t instill confidence for the upcoming World Cup, a strong performance in this September window could significantly alter that perception.
How to Watch USMNT vs. South Korea, Odds
- Date: Saturday, Sep. 6
- Time: 5 p.m. ET
- Location: Sports Illustrated Stadium — Harrison, New Jersey
- TV: TNT
- Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Odds: USMNT +125; Draw +230; South Korea +220
USMNT Predicted Lineup
Matt Freese, Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Noahkai Banks, Max Arfsten, Tyler Adams, Luca De La Torre, Diego Luna, Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent
Prediction
With a blend of young talent and seasoned players, the United States is anticipated to face early challenges. Son Heung-Min is predicted to continue his strong form in MLS stadiums, scoring for South Korea. While the USMNT is expected to equalize, the match will likely end in a draw, leaving lingering questions about their overall performance. Predicted Score: USMNT 1, South Korea 1
USMNT Roster
GOALKEEPERS (3)
- Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati; 0/0)
- Matt Freese (New York City FC; 7/0)
- Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena/ITA; 0/0)
DEFENDERS (8)
- Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 10/1)
- Noahkai Banks (FC Augsburg/GER; 0/0)
- Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 0/0)
- Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 33/2)
- Alex Freeman (Orlando City; 7/0)
- Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union; 1/0)
- Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 74/1)
- Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 31/3)
MIDFIELDERS (7)
- Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 50/2)
- Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 6/0)
- Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC; 31/1)
- Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 12/3)
- Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo; 11/2)
- Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 37/0)
- Sean Zawadzki (Columbus Crew; 1/0)
FORWARDS (6)
- Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco/FRA; 17/5)
- Damion Downs (Southampton/ENG; 5/0)
- Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 78/32)
- Josh Sargent (Norwich/ENG; 28/5)
- Tim Weah (Marseille/FRA; 44/7)
- Alex Zendejas (Club América/MEX; 11/1)
