USMNT to Face Ecuador and Australia in October Friendlies

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) will compete against Ecuador and Australia in two friendly matches scheduled for October 2023. This announcement was made by U.S. Soccer on Monday as part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The first match is set to take place on October 10 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. The USMNT will then face Australia on October 14 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. These matches will provide valuable experience against two teams that have already secured their spots in the World Cup.

Ecuador will be making its fifth appearance in the World Cup next summer, while Australia prepares for its sixth consecutive tournament. Both teams have demonstrated their competitive abilities, making these friendlies crucial for the USMNT as they continue their buildup to the prestigious event, which begins on June 11, 2026.

The U.S. team, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, recently finished in second place behind Mexico at this summer’s Gold Cup. Earlier in March, they experienced disappointment by finishing fourth in the Nations League finals. With no competitive matches scheduled between now and the World Cup, these friendlies offer a vital opportunity for the team to refine its strategy and cohesion.

Prior to these October matches, the USMNT has also arranged friendlies against South Korea on September 6 in Harrison, New Jersey, and Japan on September 9 in Columbus, Ohio. Following the October fixtures, the team plans to engage in additional exhibitions in both November and March, further enhancing their preparation for the World Cup.

As the USMNT gears up for these important matches, the focus will be on building momentum and fostering team synergy ahead of one of the world’s largest sporting events. The outcomes of these friendlies will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s overall performance when they take the field in June 2026.