The US Men's National Team cUSMNTc is gearing up to face South American national teams in two crucial tests on their road to the 2026 World Cup. With a team in the process of rebuilding, emerging stars, and the need to regain confidence before the global tournament, the stakes are high for the American squad.
On November 14, 2025, the USMNT will kick off their preparations by hosting Paraguay at the Subaru Park in Philadelphia, the home of the Union. This match is a part of their build-up towards the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted on home soil. Following this, the team will also take on Uruguay on November 18 at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. These games will serve as the final camp of the year for the USMNT, with both their South American opponents set to compete in the World Cup next summer.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has called up a total of 11 Major League Soccer cMLSc players to his 24-man squad. This includes standout performers such as Orlando City's defender Alex Freeman, Vancouver Whitecaps' midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, and Seattle Sounders FC's Cristian Roldan. Freeman, in particular, was named the Young Player of the Year for MLS in 2025, while all three players featured in the MLS Best XI for the same year.
Additionally, players like Matt Freese cNew York City FCc, Tim Ream cCharlotte FCc, Max Arfsten cColumbus Crewc, and Diego Luna cReal Salt Lakec will aim to solidify their roles as key components under Pochettino's leadership. The USMNT will enter these matches carrying a three-game undefeated streak against World Cup-bound teams, having secured a victory over Japan in their previous September fixtures, followed by a draw against Ecuador and a loss to Australia in October.
On the other side, Paraguay, also known as the Albirroja, recently qualified for their first World Cup since 2010. Securing the sixth and final direct qualification spot for South America, alongside powerhouses like Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay, Paraguay boasts a talented squad. The likes of Miguel Almirón cAtlanta Unitedc, Andrés Cubas cVancouver Whitecapsc, and Braian Ojeda cReal Salt Lakec – all plying their trade in MLS – add quality and experience to their roster.
Paraguay's connection to MLS goes beyond just current players, with former Inter Miami CF player Diego Gómez and ex-New York Red Bulls midfielder Kaku also featuring in their footballing landscape. While Gómez now plies his trade at Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League, Kaku competes in the UAE Pro League for Al Ain FC.
This upcoming clash between the US and Paraguay marks their first encounter since a friendly match back in November 2018. The two teams previously faced off during the Copa América Centenario in 2016, adding a layer of history and rivalry to their upcoming showdown. Football fans can stay updated on the match and follow the teams via various social media platforms such as X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
In addition to the men's fixtures, both the US men's and women's national teams are set to play friendly matches in the coming days, all of which will be broadcasted on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and TeleXitos. The action kicks off on Saturday, November 15, with the men's team taking on Paraguay at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. This game will be aired on Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock.
Following that, the US men's team will face Uruguay on Tuesday, November 18, in a match broadcasted on Universo, Peacock, and TeleXitos. Simultaneously, the US women's team will square off against Italy on Friday, November 28, with the game broadcasted live on Universo, Peacock, and TeleXitos. Football enthusiasts can catch all the excitement across these platforms, bringing the best of American soccer to screens everywhere.
