This Saturday, the United States Men`s National Team (USMNT) returns to action, hosting South Korea at the Sports Illustrated Arena. While Concacaf teams begin their World Cup qualification journey, USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino will use this window to finalize his World Cup squad, as the U.S. has already secured its place as a host nation. South Korea, also qualified for the 2026 World Cup through AFC qualification, provides Pochettino`s experimental squad with a significant test.
Pochettino`s tenure as USMNT coach approaches its first anniversary, marked by mixed results – 10 wins and six losses. The team failed to secure victories in both the Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup, and has struggled against strong international opponents. This current international window offers the USMNT an opportunity to build crucial momentum as future matches promise to be even more challenging. With key players like Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun, and Sergino Dest returning to the squad, Pochettino boasts a deep talent pool. However, a notable lack of experience persists in vital positions, particularly goalkeeper, where Matt Freese, with only seven caps, is currently the most experienced option.
What will be needed for the USMNT to defeat South Korea?
Focus on the right flank
Under Pochettino, Antonee Robinson previously excelled as an aggressive possession fullback, driving play high up the pitch and interchanging with Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman. Although Robinson is absent from this squad, his dynamic role hints at how Sergino Dest can ignite the attack. Dest, comfortable playing forward, can create dangerous overlaps with Tim Weah, keeping opposing defenses off balance. While the PSV player has defensive vulnerabilities, his significant creative prowess makes them manageable. With defensive cover from Chris Richards and Tim Ream, Dest can venture forward with relative security. This window is crucial for him to regain his top form, which could significantly strengthen Pochettino`s defensive options by October. Strong fullback play has historically been a USMNT asset, and this period marks the first opportunity in a year to see that strength re-emerge.
A striker needs to take the reins
The competition for the starting No. 9 spot at the World Cup is intense. Folarin Balogun, now fully fit and integrated into the Monaco squad, could earn his first start under Pochettino. However, he faces stiff competition. Balogun has only scored once this season and struggled to replicate his impressive form from Reims since his move to Monaco. Meanwhile, Josh Sargent, one of the world`s most in-form strikers, is poised for his chance. Sargent has netted in five consecutive games for Norwich City, accumulating six goals across all competitions this season. Despite a five-year international goal drought, he remains confident in his ability to break that streak during this camp. If Sargent maintains his current momentum, he could potentially start his second consecutive World Cup.
Let Pulisic be Pulisic
This summer, much of the USMNT discussion revolved around key players absent from the Concacaf Gold Cup, most notably Christian Pulisic, who opted for rest after a demanding season with Milan. Even though the Gold Cup typically features the USMNT`s secondary squad, Pulisic faced criticism from former national team players who questioned his commitment. His most effective response now that he`s back in the squad is to deliver strong performances for the national team during this window. Pulisic consistently carries immense pressure whenever he wears the USMNT jersey, and that pressure will only intensify if the team`s results don`t improve quickly.
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
