With the 2026 World Cup lower than a yr away, Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT enters a defining part of its preparation. The crew faces Ecuador on Friday night time at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, in what could also be described as a pleasant — however the stakes really feel something however informal. On the heart of pre-match hypothesis is Christian Pulisic, Milan’s in-form ahead and the unquestionable heartbeat of the American assault. Will Christian Pulisic play?
The match is anticipated to function atest for the way far Pochettino’s males have come beneath his management. After an inconsistent run of outcomes, together with a 2-0 win over Japan and a 2-0 defeat to South Korea, this fixture presents the U.S. with a chance to ascertain consistency — and confidence — earlier than the World Cup returns to dwelling soil.
When Pochettino took over the USMNT in September 2024, there was pleasure blended with skepticism. A yr later, his file stands at 11 wins in 18 matches, and although progress has been gradual, his philosophy is starting to take form.
The Argentine coach has proven tactical flexibility, experimenting with each the 4-2-3-1 and a 3-4-3 setup, the latter producing encouraging outcomes towards Japan. With out Tyler Adams, who misses this camp attributable to private causes, and Sergino Dest, Yunus Musah, and Gio Reyna all unavailable, Pochettino will depend on new and returning names to take care of rhythm and stability.
Ecuador: Defensive self-discipline meets quiet confidence
On the opposite facet of the pitch, Ecuador arrives with quiet confidence. Underneath the steerage of Sebastian Beccacece, the South American facet has change into some of the compact and defensively organized groups in CONMEBOL.
Since his appointment in mid-2024, Beccacece has recorded only one defeat in 12 matches, main Ecuador to complete second in World Cup qualifying behind Argentina — a marketing campaign that ended with a shocking 1-0 win over the world champions.
Beccacece has instilled a transparent id constructed on self-discipline and tactical consciousness. La Tricolor conceded solely 5 objectives in 18 qualifiers, matching the all-time South American file. Even with out Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie, and Gonzalo Plata, Beccacece’s facet stays formidable, boasting the management of Enner Valencia and the rising brilliance of Kendry Paez.
Will Pulisic play?
Christian Pulisic has been embroiled in controversy about his dedication to the nationwide crew in latest months. Nonetheless, the 27-year-old is now totally dedicated and is delivering top-notch performances for each his membership and nation.
Halfway by way of the week, studies surfaced that Pulisic didn’t prepare on Thursday, and Pochettino confirmed the participant was “being assessed” forward of kickoff. The Milan star, who has been in red-hot type with six objectives and three assists in his final ten appearances, stays a game-time resolution.
Pulisic and Weah
His absence could be felt deeply — not just for his direct influence however for the way he hyperlinks play between midfield and assault. But even when he doesn’t begin, his affect will loom massive over the fixture. Pulisic’s worldwide aim drought, now stretching almost a yr, may finish on Texas soil if he options.
USMNT vs. Ecuador: Projected lineups
USMNT projected XI (3-4-2-1): Turner; Richards, Carter-Vickers, Ream; Freeman, McKennie, Tessmann, Arfsten; Tillman, Pulisic; Balogun.
Ecuador projected XI (4-4-1-1): Galindez; Preciado, Ordonez, Pacho, Estupinan; Franco, Alcivar, Minda, Vite; Paez; Enner Valencia.
