Doug McIntyre
Football journalist
The US men’s national team has sharpened its focus ahead of the World Cup.
The US Soccer Federation announced that manager Mauricio Pochettino’s squad will play Australia and Ecuador in October exhibition matches. The game against Ecuador will take place on October 10 in Austin, Texas, followed by a match against Australia in Commerce City, Colorado, on October 14.
In addition to the previously scheduled friendlies against South Korea and Japan in September, the US will face four teams ranked in FIFA’s top 25 this fall. All four have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The US will also utilize two more FIFA match windows in November and next March before Pochettino finalizes the 26-player World Cup roster. Further pre-World Cup training matches are expected to occur in Los Angeles on June 12, just before the tournament starts.
Ecuador, currently ranked 25th, is one of three South American teams, alongside Brazil and defending champions Argentina, that has already secured a spot in the next World Cup, thanks in part to midfielder Moises Caicedo of Chelsea. The US and Ecuador have played each other 15 times, with both teams holding a record of 5 wins, 5 losses, and 5 draws; their last encounter was at the Copa America quarterfinals in 2016.
The US last faced the 24th-ranked Australia in 2010, securing a 3-1 victory during a World Cup in South Africa.
This match marks the sixth visit for the US team to the Texas capital since 2021; they are undefeated there with a record of 6-0, including a recent 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the Gold Cup group stage.
The US also boasts a perfect record at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, with 3 wins in the home of the MLS’s Colorado Rapids. Tickets for the match against Australia start at $35, while prices for the Ecuador game begin at $45; both matches have been available to the public since July 18.
Doug McIntyre is a football journalist for Fox Sports, covering both the US men’s and women’s national teams across five continents. Follow him @byDougMcIntyre.
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Fan Take: This news is significant as it showcases the US men’s national team’s proactive approach in preparing for the World Cup, emphasizing their readiness to compete at the highest level. These matches not only provide crucial experience but also build anticipation and excitement among fans as they rally behind their team, making every game a pivotal step toward success in the tournament.
