Newly appointed head coach Mauricio Pochettino is set to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) in his inaugural competitive matches as they face Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. The two-legged affair will commence with the first match in Kingston on Thursday, November 14, providing an opportunity for the U.S. to establish an early advantage.
As the reigning champions of the Nations League—having secured victories in all three editions since it began in 2019—the USMNT aims to begin this qualifying round on a strong foot. Following a challenging start under Pochettino during friendly matches against Panama and Mexico in October, the team is at a pivotal point in their development, striving to recover from last summer’s disappointing Copa America performance as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup hosted in the U.S.
The match will be broadcast in English on TNT and truTV at 8 p.m. ET, with streaming options available on platforms like Sling and Max. Spanish-language coverage can be accessed on Universo and its streaming service Fubo, which is offering a promotional discount for new subscribers.
Both teams have notable updates regarding their rosters. Jamaica welcomes back key player Leon Bailey, who returns after a period of absence from the national team. However, they will miss seasoned forward Bobby Decordova-Reid due to his club performance issues, while the absence of defender Ethan Pinnock has sparked some surprise among fans.
For the USMNT, while some stars are returning, they still cope with significant injury setbacks. Chris Richards is back after a hamstring injury, but others like Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun, Josh Sargent, and Gio Reyna remain sidelined. Tyler Adams’ first start of the season raises hopes, but the coaching staff is being cautious with his fitness.
Pochettino is keen to instruct a well-prepared lineup as the USMNT faces the challenge of an away match, which could prove complex given the conditions and tactics commonly employed in the region. The general sentiment is optimistic, forecasting a victory for the U.S. with a predicted scoreline of 2-0.
This matchup marks an important milestone, not just for the upcoming games but also as Pochettino begins to lay the groundwork for a renewed US soccer ethos leading up to the World Cup, inspiring hopes of a revived chapter in U.S. soccer history.
In summary, the stakes are high for both teams as the USMNT seeks to assert their dominance in defense of their title, with the added pressure of a new coaching era and the important road match ahead.