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The U.S. men’s national team closes out 2025 with a high-profile friendly against Uruguay in Tampa, a match that will test Pochettino’s depth and momentum ahead of next summer’s World Cup. After a positive stretch of results, the team must balance player fitness with the chance to fine-tune tactics against one of South America’s toughest opponents.
USMNT form, fitness questions, and recent momentum
The Americans arrive unbeaten in four games, a run that has rebuilt confidence. Recent wins included victories over Japan, Australia and Paraguay, plus a draw with Ecuador.
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Gio Reyna has been a key spark, scoring and creating in recent fixtures. Folarin Balogun has impressed as a central striker under Mauricio Pochettino.
Still, Pochettino has managed minutes carefully. Several core names remain on the mend or being preserved for 2026.
- Out or limited: Antonee Robinson (injury), Christian Pulisic (fitness), Tyler Adams (head issue).
- Rotation: Fringe players are getting opportunities to stake a claim.
- Coach’s focus: Match sharpness, tactical balance, and preserving key players for the World Cup.
Projected USMNT lineup vs Uruguay — formation, roles, and XIs to watch
Pochettino is likely to stick with a flexible back three and wing-backs, while testing midfields that combine grit and creativity.
Probable starting formation: 3-4-3 (subject to change)
- Goalkeeper: Matt Freese
- Back three: Joe Scally, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream
- Wing-backs: Sergino Dest, Max Arfsten
- Midfield double pivot: Tanner Tessmann, Cristian Roldan
- Front line: Diego Luna, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright (options: Brenden Aaronson, Folarin Balogun)
Pochettino could swap Balogun and Pepi depending on the desired link-up play and hold-up presence. The wing-backs must balance defense and width against Uruguay’s narrow structure.
Complete US squad called up for the friendly
- Goalkeepers: Roman Celentano, Matt Freese, Jonathan Klinsmann, Patrick Schulte
- Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, John Tolkin, Auston Trusty
- Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter, Aidan Morris, Gio Reyna, Cristian Roldan, Tanner Tessmann, Timmy Tillman, Brenden Aaronson, Diego Luna
- Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright
Uruguay preview — strengths, recent form, and threats
Uruguay arrive as a compact, well-drilled CONMEBOL side. They are ranked among the top 20 globally and have tightened up defensively.
The South Americans have gone several matches without defeat since a June loss in qualifying. Their recent 0-0 with Mexico showed discipline and defensive focus.
- Defensive record: Only one goal conceded across a multi-match unbeaten run.
- Style: Physical, organized, and lethal on transition.
- Key test for US: Breaking lines and creating quick, incisive chances.
When, where, and how to watch USA vs Uruguay
- Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
- Broadcast: Live in the U.S. on DirecTV and other regional partners
- Recent meeting reminder: USA 0-1 Uruguay (July 1, 2024, Copa America)
Tactical storylines to follow during the match
Watch how Pochettino blends youth and experience. The midfield pairing will be crucial to neutralize Uruguay’s engine room.
Wing-backs must offer width without exposing the back three. The strike partnership will reveal which forward style the coach trusts most for 2026.
- Player to watch: Gio Reyna — creativity and tempo control.
- Defensive key: Tim Ream and McKenzie’s coordination on set pieces.
- Impact subs: Brenden Aaronson, Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi can change the game late.
