As the United States men’s national soccer team prepares to kick off its October window against Ecuador in Austin, Texas, anticipation is building for what could be a pivotal stretch leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With head coach Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, the USMNT is not only seeking to fine-tune its squad for the immediate challenge but also to lay the groundwork for a historic run on home soil next summer.
This upcoming window, starting October 10, 2025, is more than just a friendly bout. Ecuador, second-place finishers in the grueling CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying cycle, promises to test the mettle of an American team that’s seen both fresh faces and seasoned veterans return to the fold. The stakes? High. The opportunities? Plentiful.
Christian Pulisic, Haji Wright, and Alex Zendejas headline the list of in-form attackers, each bringing a hot hand from their respective clubs. Pulisic, the AC Milan dynamo, has notched six goals this fall, fueling Milan’s strong start in both Serie A and European competition. Wright, meanwhile, leads the EFL Championship with eight goals for Coventry City, making a strong case for the USMNT’s No. 9 shirt. Zendejas, lighting up Liga MX with five goals and an assist in his last five outings for Club America, rounds out a front line that’s brimming with confidence and creativity.
But it’s not just about the attack. The return of Weston McKennie and Antonee Robinson injects experience and energy into the squad. McKennie, despite some ups and downs at Juventus, remains a linchpin in Pochettino’s midfield plans. Robinson, back from a spell away, is eager to reclaim his left-back spot and show why he’s considered one of Europe’s best at his position when fully fit.
Between the posts, Matt Freese is expected to retain the starting goalkeeper role. Freese has impressed since his emergence, and his commanding presence gives the backline a sense of security. Yet, the battle for the long-term No. 1 spot is anything but settled. Matt Turner, the former Arsenal man now with New England Revolution, boasts 52 caps and started at the 2022 World Cup. With both keepers neck-and-neck, Pochettino’s decision in the coming months will be closely watched.
The projected back four for the Ecuador clash features Alex Freeman at right back, Chris Richards and Tim Ream anchoring the center, and Robinson on the left. Richards, a regular for Crystal Palace, continues to impress in the Premier League, while Ream, despite being 38 and nearing the end of his club campaign with Charlotte FC, remains a steadying influence. Freeman, a rising MLS talent, gets a big opportunity in the absence of Sergino Dest and Joe Scally.
In midfield, the absence of Tyler Adams—still recovering from injury—opens the door for Tanner Tessmann, who’s been in fine form for Lyon, and Malik Tillman, who’s started to find his groove with Bayer Leverkusen. McKennie’s leadership will be crucial, especially as Pochettino experiments with tactical tweaks and player rotations to avoid injuries and evaluate depth.
The forward trio of Zendejas, Wright, and Pulisic is expected to start, but options abound off the bench. Folarin Balogun, Patrick Agyemang, and Tim Weah provide different looks and could see significant minutes, especially as the USMNT balances immediate results with long-term roster development.
“Haji Wright leads the EFL Championship with eight goals and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down,” noted one analyst, highlighting the striker’s form. “Christian Pulisic has six goals for AC Milan this fall, helping the Rossoneri enjoy a positive start in both of their active competitions.” Zendejas, too, has been lauded for his “willingness to try things in the final third,” making him a unique weapon on the right wing.
Looking ahead, the USMNT’s ambitions are clear: reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 and ignite a soccer renaissance in the United States. As co-hosts of the 2026 tournament, the pressure and expectation are higher than ever. The projected World Cup roster, assuming FIFA sticks with the expanded 26-player format, is taking shape. Locks for the squad include Freese, Turner, Richards, Ream, Dest, Robinson, Adams, McKennie, Tillman, Balogun, Pepi, Pulisic, and Weah. But competition is fierce, with players like Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Mark McKenzie, and Patrick Schulte all fighting for a place.
Pochettino has also trialed a three-at-the-back system, a tactical wrinkle that could provide more flexibility in big matches. In this setup, Richards and Ream are joined by Carter-Vickers, with Weah and Robinson operating as wingbacks. Adams and McKennie anchor the midfield, while Pulisic and Tillman support a lone striker—likely Pepi or Balogun—up top. This formation could help the USMNT maximize its attacking talent while maintaining defensive solidity against top-tier opponents.
Injuries and roster uncertainties remain. Tyler Adams’ fitness is a lingering concern, while Sergino Dest’s recent injury woes have opened the door for Freeman and others. The depth chart is crowded in midfield and attack, with Brenden Aaronson, Diego Luna, Jack McGlynn, Aidan Morris, and Tanner Tessmann all making cases for inclusion. Up front, Patrick Agyemang and Haji Wright are pushing established names, while Josh Sargent’s national team future remains uncertain despite strong club form.
The goalkeeper situation is particularly intriguing. “Matt Freese has done well in his USMNT appearances to date and I see no reason why Pochettino should change things up,” one observer commented. Yet, Turner’s experience and pedigree mean the conversation is far from over. The coming months will see both keepers tested, with the World Cup starter likely determined by form and fitness as the tournament approaches.
For now, the focus is on Ecuador—a stern test and a valuable measuring stick. With only eight months to go until the World Cup, every match, every training session, and every lineup decision carries extra weight. The USMNT’s mixture of youth and experience, combined with Pochettino’s tactical acumen, has fans daring to dream of a deep run in 2026.
As the Americans take the field in Austin, the journey to the World Cup intensifies. The window against Ecuador isn’t just about the result—it’s about building momentum, forging chemistry, and discovering which players are ready to seize the moment when the world’s eyes turn to the United States next summer.
