In his debut as head coach of the US Men’s National Team (USMNT), Mauricio Pochettino is set to lead the squad in their first competitive matches against Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal. The initial leg of the matchup will take place in Kingston on Thursday, with the U.S. looking to establish an early advantage before the second leg at home four days later.
As the defending champions, the U.S. has triumphed in all three previous editions of the Nations League since its inception in 2019. This year’s efforts come on the heels of mixed performances in recent friendly matches against Panama and Mexico, marking a critical juncture for the team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States.
The match is set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action on TNT or truTV, with streaming options available through Sling and Max. A Spanish-language broadcast will be shown on Universo with streaming on platforms like Fubo and Peacock.
Jamaica’s roster returns some key players, notably Leon Bailey, who is rejoining the fold after disputes with the federation and missing prior competitions. However, they will be without veteran Bobby Decordova-Reid, and Ethan Pinnock is surprisingly absent from the squad.
For the U.S., several notable players are either returning or sidelined due to injuries. Chris Richards is back on the roster after a hamstring issue, while Haji Wright is out following an ankle injury. Additionally, the team will miss the services of Tyler Adams due to caution regarding his fitness, as well as others impacted by injuries, including Tim Weah who is suspended.
Despite the injury challenges, the lineup looks promising with stars such as Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic leading the charge. Predictions for the matchup lean favorably towards the U.S., suggesting they could secure a 2-0 victory against Jamaica.
This upcoming series provides a significant opportunity for Pochettino to set the tone for his leadership and build momentum for the U.S. team as they strive for success against Jamaica.
Overall, the match represents not just a test of talent but also a chance for the USMNT to rally together, overcome challenges, and build a strong foundation as they head into future competitions, all while looking to maintain their legacy as reigning champions in the CONCACAF Nations League.