With World Cup qualifying looming in 2026, the U.S. Men’s National Team continues its preparations this month with two marquee friendlies against World Cup-bound opponents. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has called in 26 players for camp, with matches scheduled against Ecuador on October 10 in Austin and Australia on October 14 in Commerce City, Colorado.
The camp, which opens October 4, gives Pochettino another opportunity to blend his veteran core with emerging young talent while testing his group against two teams ranked inside FIFA’s top 25. Both Ecuador and Australia have already booked their places at next summer’s World Cup, and each match will be broadcast nationally on TNT, HBO Max, Universo, and Peacock.
Two High-Profile Tests
The USA’s first stop comes at Q2 Stadium, home of Austin FC, for a primetime clash with Ecuador. The October 10 game doubles as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, with U.S. Soccer planning special tributes to the Hispanic community and its long-standing support for the program. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET.
Four days later, the USMNT heads to Colorado for its first appearance at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park since 2017. The venue is remembered for iconic moments such as Christian Pulisic’s brace against Trinidad and Tobago during 2018 World Cup qualifying. This time, the opponent will be 24th-ranked Australia, a team making its sixth straight World Cup appearance. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.
Veterans Lead the Way
The squad features a healthy mix of experience and fresh faces. Christian Pulisic headlines the roster with 80 caps and remains the program’s most reliable attacking force. The AC Milan star is in excellent club form, scoring six goals and adding two assists in just seven matches to help lift Milan to the top of Serie A.
Pulisic is joined by long-time mainstays Tim Ream (77 caps), Weston McKennie (60), Matt Turner (52), Brenden Aaronson (52), and Antonee Robinson (50). Each brings vital tournament experience, with 10 players in the squad having taken part in the 2022 World Cup. NYCFC Goalkeeper Matt Freese was also selected as expected.
Robinson’s return is particularly noteworthy. The 2024 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year missed most of 2025 through injury but now rejoins the fold at a crucial time. His consistency at left back has been a foundation piece for both club and country, and Pochettino will welcome his return.
Young Core Still Rising
Alongside the veterans, a younger crop continues to emerge. Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna has been nearly ever-present in 2025, featuring in 13 of 14 matches this year. Derby County forward Patrick Agyemang and Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten are close behind with 12 caps apiece, reflecting Pochettino’s willingness to trust youth.
European-based midfielders Tanner Tessmann (Lyon) and Malik Tillman (Leverkusen) also return after impressive club spells. Tillman has already scored twice in the Bundesliga since his summer transfer, while Tessmann netted a match-winning strike in Europa League play last week. Both could feature prominently in Pochettino’s plans for the coming year.
Orlando City defender Alex Freeman is another to watch. The 20-year-old has added an attacking edge from the back, tallying six goals in MLS this season — among the best goal contributions from any defender in the league.
Goal-Scoring Momentum Across the Squad
If form at club level is any indication, the U.S. attack arrives in October in strong rhythm. In addition to Pulisic’s Milan exploits, Alex Zendejas has been in fine form for Club América in Liga MX, scoring five goals and adding two assists this fall. He delivered a brace in América’s 4-1 win over Pumas UNAM just days before the call-up.
Meanwhile, Coventry City striker Haji Wright continues to find the net consistently in the English Championship, scoring seven goals in his first eight league matches of the season. Monaco’s Folarin Balogun also remains a consistent attacking option, while Tim Weah and Agyemang round out a frontline with multiple in-form options.
Returnees and New Opportunities
Several players return to national team duty after time away. Weston McKennie, Tanner Tessmann, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and goalkeeper Patrick Schulte all make their first camp appearances since the Concacaf Nations League window in March. Midfielder Aidan Morris also rejoins the group after nearly a year away, while James Sands earns his first call under Pochettino.
Overall, the squad’s average age is just over 26, with an average of 28 caps per player. The balance between seasoned veterans and rising prospects reflects Pochettino’s dual goals: preparing a core group for 2026 while widening the pool to account for injuries, form, and tactical needs.
Setting the Stage for 2026
These October matches are about more than just friendlies. Facing Ecuador and Australia gives the U.S. a window into the types of opponents it could see in next summer’s World Cup, where tactical flexibility and squad depth will be decisive. Both teams are seasoned tournament sides with contrasting styles: Ecuador’s physical, South American rhythm and Australia’s disciplined, high-energy approach.
For Pochettino, who is still shaping the program less than a year into his tenure, the camp is a chance to solidify his tactical identity, test his depth, and build chemistry among his attacking options. With players like Pulisic in peak form, Luna establishing himself, and Robinson returning, the U.S. enters October with confidence and momentum.
Looking Ahead
Kickoff against Ecuador is set for October 10 in Austin, followed by Australia on October 14 in Colorado. Both matches will be broadcast nationally, with English and Spanish language coverage across TV, streaming, and radio platforms. Fans can follow updates via U.S. Soccer’s official social channels.
With the World Cup less than a year away, every camp and every match matters. October provides another valuable checkpoint for a team aiming not just to qualify, but to make an impact on the global stage in 2026.
- NYCFC’s Response Under Jansen: Culture, Control, and a Record in Sight
- Pochettino Stresses Merit and Mentality as USMNT Gathers
- Pochettino Names 26-Man USMNT Roster for October Friendlies Against Ecuador and Australia
- Fly Away FireWolves…to Oshawa
- Cremaschi Hat Trick Powers USA to Record-Setting 9-1 Rout of New Caledonia in U-20 World Cup Opener
