The U.S. men's national team won its first competitive match of the new World Cup cycle, defeating Haiti 6-0 in the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal in Miami on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Mauricio Pochettino, in his penultimate match in charge of the team, named a mostly first-choice lineup with youngsters Julian Hall and Diego Kochen getting the nod as well. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun all returned to the fold to reunite the strong core of the team.
It didn't take long for the Americans to get on the scoresheet as Sebastian Berhalter set up Auston Trusty via a free kick for the opening goal of the game. The Middlesbrough midfielder has earned his spot as the team's most effective set-piece specialist.
After the halftime break, the U.S. continued its dominance with three more goals in the opening 20 minutes. Hall finished off a flowing counter-attack to make it 2-0, then Pulisic added goals three and four. McKennie would pretty much seal the tie by scoring a fifth off a corner kick soon after. Balogun came off the bench to wrap up the match with a sixth goal.
The U.S. and Haiti conclude this quarterfinal tie on Tuesday, Nov. 17 in Cincinnati.
Let's take a look at how the U.S. players performed in the win:
USMNT player ratings
GK: Diego Kochen - 6.5
It was a big chance for the youngster, who showed some good things and some bad. His one-on-one save was the highlight of the first half. However, he almost gifted Haiti a goal in the second half being overzealous on a long ball and getting caught out of position. Luckily, VAR saved his embarrassment but it was still a worrying moment.
RB: Alex Freeman - 8
He's turned into one of the most consistent performers in the player pool. Going forward and defending, he rarely puts a foot wrong. It was another stellar showing here.
CB: Chris Richards - 7
There wasn't a ton to do for the American defenders as they dominated Haiti. Richards was his usual calming influence along the back line.
CB: Auston Trusty - 7.5
Defensively, no one in the player pool has set themselves apart to win the job next to Richards. However, Trusty's propensity for being a threat on set pieces has to give him an advantage in that race. He once again found the net for the opening goal to get this rout started.
Bent in by Berhalter.
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 14, 2026
Tapped home by Trusty!#USMNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/3fBaZ6oDrH
LB: Antonee Robinson - 7.5
Jedi scored an assist on Hall's lovely counter-attack goal to start the second half. He is simply irreplaceable on that left side of the field.
CM: Tyler Adams - 7
Dictated play, got under the skin of the opponent, set the tempo. It was a typical Tyler Adams showing and another demonstration of why he's the captain.
CM: Sebastian Berhalter - 7.5
A beauty of a set piece on the opening goal. He delivers a deadly ball on the majority of his chances. No matter how he does from the run of play, he's always a candidate for minutes for that trait alone.
CM: Weston McKennie - 8.5
Wes picked up right where he left off in the World Cup. The only difference is, he was able to find the back of the net. He was everywhere.
MALIK TO MCKENNIE! ☄️#USMNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/yAwYscXMeE
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 14, 2026
RW: Malik Tillman - 7.5
For someone with two assists on the day, it wasn't exactly a dominant showing for the midfielder. But you cannot argue with the results.
LW: Christian Pulisic - 8
He looked like a ghost in the first half, not getting involved at all. The second half flipped a switch and he was causing Haiti all kinds of problems. With Pochettino's departure, it will be fascinating to see what his role in the team will be going forward.
THAT'S ✌️ FOR #️⃣🔟!#USMNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/QMEzNmAtPA
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 14, 2026
ST: Julian Hall - 7
Scored one goal, but could've had a couple more. Hall is extremely dynamic with his movements, but needs to improve his finishing when the chances come. The good news is, the dual-national panic can end now and he can focus on the USMNT.
JEDI TO JULES! #USMNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/Y65Zi7CbYo
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 14, 2026
Sub: Bryan Reynolds - 6
It's good seeing him back after more than three years away from the team. He didn't have a ton to do off the bench but did his job just fine.
Sub: Folarin Balogun - 7.5
He unfairly had a goal ruled out due to a questionable VAR decision. But it took him just a few minutes to rectify that and get on the scoresheet. There may be some competition for his job, but it's still his for now.
Flo Time. ⌚️ @balogun #USMNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/L2YhF5HOLS
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 14, 2026
Sub: Adri Mehmeti - NR
Only 10 minutes on the field with little involvement.
Sub: Mathis Albert - NR
Similar to Mehmeti.
Sub: Justin Ellis - NR
Showcased some nifty skills in his few minutes, but unfair to give him a true rating.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USMNT player ratings vs. Haiti: Youngsters, veterans shine in rout
