USMNT Set for High-Profile Friendly Against Ecuador in Austin

Jonathan Turner
1 day ago
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

USMNT Set for High-Profile Friendly Against Ecuador in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas — The United States men's national soccer team returns to action Friday night for a high-profile friendly clash with Ecuador national football team at Q2 Stadium, as both sides continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on TNT and truTV, with Spanish coverage on Universo and Telemundo. Streaming is available on HBO Max (English) and Peacock (Spanish).

Building Momentum for 2026

Friday’s match marks another important step in head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s effort to solidify the team’s core ahead of the World Cup. With matches against Ecuador and Australia scheduled this window, the U.S. is focusing on consistency and identity as a group.

The U.S. enters this match with several key roster questions. Christian Pulisic missed Thursday’s training and is listed as questionable, while Antonee Robinson and Alejandro Zendejas also carry knocks that could limit their availability. Tyler Adams is absent from camp for personal reasons.

Despite the injuries, Pochettino is expected to lean on a 3-4-3 formation, a setup that showed promise in September’s win over Japan.

Projected USMNT XI

Goalkeeper: Matt Freese
Defenders: Tim Ream, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Chris Richards
Midfield/Wingbacks: Alex Freeman, Malik Tillman, Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson (if fit)
Attack: Alejandro Zendejas, Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun

The lineup could shift depending on the status of Pulisic and Robinson, with attacking options like Ricardo Pepi and Brenden Aaronson waiting in the wings.

A Strong Ecuadorian Challenge

Ecuador arrives in Austin in excellent form. Under head coach Sebastián Beccacece, the side finished second in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying despite a points deduction and has allowed just five goals in 18 matches. Known for their defensive structure and dangerous counterattacks, Ecuador will provide a major test for the American backline.

The South Americans will be without stars Piero Hincapié and Moisés Caicedo, but still boast plenty of firepower. Young sensation Kendry Páez is expected to pull the strings in midfield behind veteran striker Enner Valencia.

Likely Ecuador XI:Galíndez; Preciado, Ordóñez, Pacho, Estupiñán; Franco, Alcívar, Vite, Angulo; Páez; Valencia.

Keys to the Match

Breaking Down a Compact Defense: Ecuador is notoriously stingy in its own half. The U.S. will need quick combinations and wide play to create scoring chances.
Squad Rotation: With injuries in key positions, Pochettino will be evaluating depth options.
Set Piece Execution: In a tightly contested match, set pieces could be the difference.
Managing Ecuador’s Counters: Discipline from the U.S. backline and midfield is crucial to containing Páez and Valencia in transition.