The U.S. men's national team has announced the first four matches it will play after the 2026 World Cup.
After losing to Belgium in the round of 16 on home soil, the USMNT will take its first steps toward
2030 with friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada in September and October.
The games will also mark the first of Mauricio Pochettino's second World Cup cycle in charge, after the coach agreed to a new contract through the 2030 World Cup on Monday.
The team's first post-World Cup match will be against Peru on September 26 in Orlando, Florida. Three days later, the U.S. will face another South American opponent in Chile in St. Louis, Missouri.
Both CONMEBOL countries are aiming to qualify for the 2030 World Cup after missing out on this year's tournament.
The U.S. will close out the four-match window with games against fellow World Cup host countries. First the USMNT will face Mexico on October 3 in Glendale, Arizona, then it will take on Canada on October 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
“We are so excited to start this new phase of our journey with matches in front of our home fans. Their amazing energy during the summer has set the standard,” Pochettino said.
“We expect our players to compete with the mentality that every game is critical, and they must show the passion and commitment our fans deserve. Our objective is always to play the best opponents possible, and these matches provide a variety of experiences for this group of players as we begin this new chapter of the U.S men’s national team.”
This year marks the first time the September and October FIFA windows have been merged into one elongated break. The November window will see the U.S. face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in a two-leg Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal.
USMNT September-October schedule
- Sept. 26: USMNT vs. Peru, 4:30 p.m. ET - Inter.co Stadium in Orlando, FL
- Sept. 29: USMNT vs. Chile, 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local) - Energizer Park in St. Louis, MO
- Oct. 3: USMNT vs. Mexico, 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local) - State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ
- Oct. 6: USMNT vs. Canada, 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local) - Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USMNT to face Mexico, Canada among first four post-World Cup matches
