One of the best rivalries in sports is set to take the pitch for the first time in the new World Cup cycle.
While the U.S. Soccer Men's National Team will play Mexico in a friendly, there really is nothing friendly about it. The heated rivalry always brings out the passion and intensity for both players and fans, but the focus for the national teams will be laying the foundations for the 2030 World Cup.
Mexico is ranked 10th and the U.S. 16th in FIFA's rankings. Here is what to know as the U.S. and Mexico take the field.
USA, Mexico soccer: When to watch
The U.S.-Mexico game starts at 8 p.m. MT/9 p.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 3.
USA vs. Mexico soccer: Where are they playing?
The game will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. While the game is
being played in the U.S., Mexico fans are expected to outnumber U.S. fans.
Where to watch US vs Mexico?
The game will be televised on TNT and live-streamed on HBO Max in English. It will be broadcast in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo, and streams on Peacock.
Will Christian Pulisic play?
The U.S. Soccer superstar Christian Pulisic was omitted from Mauricio Pochettino's 28-man roster for the USMNT's four matches in September and October. The AC Milan player has not played for the U.S. since his injury during the 2026 World Cup.
Ricardo Pepi, Alejandro Zendejas playing in US, Mexico game?
Ricardo Pepi was originally on Pochettino's 28-man roster, but he was injured while playing for PSV Eindhoven against FC Twente in the Eredivisie in the Netherlands.
Pepi, who is from San Elizario, Texas, in far East El Paso County, played in five matches for U.S. Soccer in the 2026 World Cup.
El Pasoan Alejandro Zendejas, who plays for Club América in Liga MX, was also left off the U.S. Soccer roster. No reason was given for his omission. He played one game as a substitute in the 2026 World Cup.
US's Julian Hall, Mathis Albert, Mexico's Gilberto Mora: players to watch
Both the U.S. and Mexico are leaning on youth movements to carry the teams to the 2030 World Cup.
U.S. player Julian Hall, 18, became the youngest player to score in his first two U.S. appearances. Both goals came this international window against Peru on Sept. 26 and Chile on Sept. 29.
Mathis Albert, 17, is also a U.S. Soccer player to watch out for after becoming the youngest scorer in national team history when he scored against Chile in a 4-2 win on Sept. 29.
Mexico's young star Gilberto Mora, 17, has been battling injuries but is expected to play against the U.S.
Mexico-US history
Mexico leads the all-time series with 38 wins compared to the US Soccer's 24. There have been 17 draws between the two rivals.
US Soccer schedule
After the Mexico game, U.S. Soccer will play one more friendly in this international window. They will take on Canada on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The USMNT began this international window with games against Peru and Chile. They defeated Peru 4-1 on Sept. 26 and Chile 4-2 on Sept. 29.
Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com and @AMartinezEPT on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: USA vs Mexico soccer face off in friendly: When, where to watch
