The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) is set to face Australia tonight in a friendly match in Colorado, marking the second and final friendly of the October international break. This encounter represents the fourth friendly match for the USMNT against a team that has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, following previous outings against South Korea, Japan, and Ecuador.
In their last match under coach Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT secured a 1-1 draw against Ecuador at Q2 Stadium. Despite trailing after an Enner Valencia goal, the team managed to equalize with a goal from Folarin Balogun. Notably, Christian Pulisic, who had missed a training session leading up to the Ecuador match due to concerns about his fitness, played approximately 20 minutes after coming on in the 73rd minute as a substitute for Timothy Weah.
Looking ahead to the friendly against Australia, Pochettino addressed Pulisic’s fitness during a press conference. He confirmed that Pulisic completed a full training session with the team and expressed optimism about the forward’s availability for the match. “Christian participated in the whole training session. I think the reaction after the 20 minutes played was good, and he reacted very well,” Pochettino stated. He indicated that Pulisic might be in a position to start, which would bolster the USMNT lineup.
With Pulisic’s enhanced participation and the team’s resilience displayed in their previous match, fans are hopeful for a strong performance against Australia. The USMNT continues to build momentum as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup, showcasing the depth and talent within the squad.