USA vs Mexico – News and Probable Lineups

This Saturday, another episode in the storied rivalry between the USA and México will unfold as the two sides meet for a friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The US team heads into this fixture following a strong 4-2 victory over Chile, while El Tri could only manage a 1-1 draw against Peru.

Match overview

A fresh wave of American players is making a notable early impact with the senior team after a pair of friendlies this autumn.

Mauricio Pochettino’s squad has emerged victorious in both of their friendlies during this window, scoring four goals in each match, and they have the opportunity to equal their longest winning streak in friendlies from 2025 (three) this Saturday.

With just five players called up for this window being over 25, it highlights the advancement of this program and the depth of talent that Pochettino has available.

They have rarely had difficulty finding the net; the Americans have scored in 10 of their 11 international matches this year.

This upcoming contest will mark the fifth occasion they face a CONCACAF opponent in Glendale, with the US team having remained unbeaten in the previous four encounters.

On Saturday, they can put an end to a four-match losing streak against North American rivals, with their last victory over the Mexicans happening in the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League final (2-0).

The beginning of the Rafael Marquez era with México has been somewhat inconsistent so far, as his squad seeks to establish a steady flow early in his tenure.

Although they remain undefeated in his initial two matches in charge, only glimpses of the team that performed so effectively during the summer’s World Cup have been evident.

At the same time, the Mexicans have not lost any friendlies this year, dropping points in only four of those matches so far.

In their last 11 international encounters, they have failed to secure victory only once after scoring first, though they have conceded the opening goal in their last three outings.

Since enduring a 2-0 defeat against Honduras in a Nations League match in November 2025, México has gone nine games without a loss against CONCACAF teams.

A win this weekend would provide them with a third consecutive victory over the US, equaling their longest winning streak against their main rivals in this century.

Team News

Injuries will prevent Alejandro Zendejas from participating in the US lineup, while Folarin Balogun is being rested due to an early-season issue at Mônaco. Christian Pulisic was excluded from the squad for the same reason, and Ricardo Pepi is dealing with a muscle strain.

Chris Brady made his first appearance as a starter for the senior team on Tuesday, while Adri Mehmeti became the latest teenager to earn a starting spot for the Americans, making his debut at 17 years and 176 days.

Sebastian Berhalter, Julian Hall, Chris Richards, and Matthis Albert all found the back of the net in their match against Chile, marking the first international goals for the latter.

A gluteal strain will see Cesar Montes sidelined for the Mexicans this weekend, while teenage sensation Gilberto Mora might also miss out as he recovers from a sprained ankle. Raul Jimenez and Julian Quinones are unavailable due to injuries.

In their draw with Peru, Hugo Camberos, Santiago Sandoval, and Oscar Garcia all earned their first senior caps.

Victor Guzman scored the equalizer in that match, marking his first goal for El Tri in his seventh international appearance.

USA probable starting XI:

Schwake; Freeman, Campbell, Trusty, Miller; Musah, Adams; Albert, Berhalter, Reyna; Hall

México probable starting XI:

Rangel; Sanchez, Vasquez, Reyes, Gallardo; Lira, Romo; Alvarado, Pineda, Lozano; Gimenez

Both teams will be eager for this matchup, and a fiercely contested affair is anticipated, as they rarely hold back when competing against each other, regardless of whether it is a friendly or a competitive match.