With the 2026 World Cup inching ever closer, the United States Men’s National Team will wrap up their 2025 calendar with a high-profile challenge against Uruguay on Tuesday in Tampa. It’s the final opportunity of the year for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad to test their depth, extend their unbeaten run, and sharpen their tactical identity before competitive preparations intensify next spring.
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The USMNT enter this friendly in excellent form, riding a four-match unbeaten streak. Since their 2–0 defeat to South Korea in September, they’ve stacked up wins over Japan, Australia, and Paraguay, along with a gritty 1–1 draw against Ecuador. Tuesday provides their toughest test of the fall against a Uruguay side known for physical defending, relentless pressure, and an always-dangerous transition attack.
USA vs. Uruguay Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
- Last Meeting: Uruguay 1–0 USA — July 1, 2024 (Copa America)
- Live Stream: Free with Gamepass
Full USA Roster for November Friendly
Goalkeepers: Roman Celentano, Matt Freese, Jonathan Klinsmann, Patrick Schulte
Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergiño 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
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Rotation Expected as Key Stars Rest
This international window has been less about establishing a first-choice lineup and more about managing workload. Pochettino has opted to rest several high-usage players and those returning from early club-season injuries. As a result, Tuesday’s match could feature significant rotation.
That means potential bench starts — or limited minutes — for players like Gio Reyna, Folarin Balogun, Tanner Tessmann, Joe Scally, and Sergiño Dest. The friendly win over Paraguay, however, eased concerns about depth. Emerging contributors such as Ricardo Pepi, Mark McKenzie, and Sebastian Berhalter impressed in expanded roles, giving the coaching staff a clearer picture of the squad’s second-unit quality.
Tactical Preview: Will the Three-CB Setup Hold?
Pochettino has remained committed to a three-center-back structure throughout the fall fixtures, even experimenting with Joe Scally in a hybrid center-back role. That system has provided defensive stability while enabling dynamic wingback play, though Tuesday’s opponent poses a far steeper challenge.
Uruguay’s intense pressing can disrupt slow buildup sequences and force mistakes in midfield. To manage that pressure, the U.S. will likely need to move the ball quicker through the lines or lean heavily on the speed and directness of its young attackers in transition.
Expect Pepi, Aaronson, and Luna to have key roles in breaking Uruguay’s press, while the backline — especially Ream, McKenzie, and Robinson — must stay compact and avoid being stretched by Uruguay’s vertical counters.
What to Watch For
- Depth under pressure: Can the rotated U.S. squad replicate their strong performance from the Paraguay match?
- Midfield control: How Berhalter, Morris, and Tessmann (if used) handle Uruguay’s physical midfielders.
- Attacking sharpness: Whether Pepi or Wright can provide a reliable goal-scoring spark.
- Structural adjustments: If the U.S. sticks with three center backs or shifts shape mid-match to respond to Uruguay’s press.
The final USMNT match of 2025 offers a meaningful test before the program shifts into full World Cup preparation. A strong performance — especially with a rotated squad — would further validate the team’s depth and tactical clarity heading into a massive World Cup year.
