As the United States Men’s National Team cUSMNTc gears up for the upcoming 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, they have a vital test ahead as they face Türkiye in a friendly match taking place in East Hartford, Conn. The game will unfold on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, with broadcasting available on TNT, truTV, Max, Universo, and Peacock in Spanish, as well as through Westwood One Sports on the radio.
This clash against Türkiye marks the first of two friendlies scheduled for the USA before the Gold Cup kicks off in just over a week. These preparatory matches not only serve as a warm-up for the Gold Cup but also as a stepping stone in the USMNT's journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted on home soil.
Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the USMNT, is thrilled about the challenge that Türkiye presents. He expressed his sentiments, stating, “I think it's an amazing opportunity for us, to test ourselves and to have the opportunity to play with a team that did great last year.”
The friendly against Türkiye comes as a crucial moment for the USMNT, who last played together in the Nations League where they finished fourth. The team is aiming to perform strongly in the upcoming Gold Cup and potentially secure their eighth Concacaf trophy.
Pochettino emphasized the significance of the time the team will spend together, mentioning, “I think now it's a great opportunity to be together nearly one month, one month and a half… The important thing now is to trust in this roster and try to compete, believing that we can win.”
For the friendlies, the USMNT has introduced six new players to the roster, including goalkeepers Matt Freese and Chris Brady, defenders Alex Freeman and Quinn Sullivan, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, and forward Damion Downs. All of these debutants have also been listed on the Gold Cup roster.
Additionally, the current roster comprises 12 players with five or fewer caps, offering a fantastic opportunity for emerging talents to make their mark. Historical data shows that in the year leading up to a World Cup, at least one player from every U.S. Gold Cup roster with five or fewer caps has later secured a spot in the final World Cup squad, highlighting the importance of these friendlies for the budding stars.
One standout player to watch in this match is Patrick Agyemang, who recently made his debut for the National Team and scored his first international goal. Agyemang, a local talent from East Hartford, expressed his excitement about playing in front of his hometown crowd, emphasizing the significance of his journey.
Moreover, the USMNT features the Aaronson brothers, Brenden and Paxten, on the roster for the friendlies and the upcoming Gold Cup. While both brothers have earned caps for the team, they are yet to play together. Paxten’s inclusion in the squad came as a late addition due to player injuries, showcasing the competitive nature of the team selection process.
It has been over a decade since the last encounter between the USMNT and Türkiye, with the Mediterranean country aiming to qualify for the upcoming World Cup. The history between the two nations has seen a total of four matches, with the USMNT holding a slight edge with two wins, one loss, and one draw in their previous encounters.
As the matchday unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate the duel between the USMNT and Türkiye, with both teams seeking to make their mark in this crucial phase of preparation for upcoming tournaments. With the Gold Cup on the horizon and the 2026 World Cup beckoning, this friendly match serves as a pivotal stepping stone for both teams in their respective journeys towards international success.
