Julian Quinones’ absence is due to a muscle injury suffered with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Qadsiah. The forward was substituted during the September 14 AFC Champions League match against Al Wasl, and it was subsequently confirmed that he would be unavailable for Mexico’s fixtures, that includes matchup against USA.

The injury represents a significant loss for Rafa Marquez, as Quinones was one of Mexico’s standout players at the 2026 World Cup. Due to his injury, he missed the opening matches of El Tri’s new era.

Mexico need Quinones

FIFA published its tactical analysis of the 2026 World Cup and highlighted wing play as the Mexican national team’s primary offensive threat during the tournament.

El Tri completed a perfect group stage with 2-0 wins against South Africa, 1-0 against South Korea, and 3-0 against Czechia without conceding a goal. They then eliminated Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 32 before being knocked out in the round of 16 following a 3-2 loss to England. In those five matches, they scored 10 goals, with Julian Quinones directly involved in the build-up of seven.

The FIFA report highlights that Mexico utilized different structures on each flank. On the left, Jesus Gallardo and Quinones constantly swapped depths and positions: the attacker vacated the wing to receive between the lines while Gallardo exploited that movement to attack the outer space and reach the end line.

Quinones was the most productive player in that mechanism. The forward was involved in the sequence for seven of the team’s 10 goals in the tournament and scored four of them, leading the team.

Key takeaways

• A muscle injury keeps Julian Quinones sidelined for Mexico against the USA.
• Zero goals were conceded by El Tri during the World Cup group stage.
• Seven of 10 goals featured direct involvement from the attacker during the tournament.

Two costly mistakes from goalkeeper Raul Tala Rangel opened the door for USA, who took full advantage of Mexico’s errors. Mark Tillman completed the scoring in the 84th minute to seal the 3-0 victory.

The USMNT secured a dominant victory over Mexico in the CONCACAF Classic, completing a convincing 3-0 result. Mexico could not find a response after falling behind in the first half.

The main referee arrives accompanied by an all-Honduran national crew consisting of Roney Salinas, Gerson Orellana, and Jefferson Escobar, who are the referees in charge of the CONCACAF Classic.

Tonight’s match, set to take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (located in the Phoenix metropolitan area), will mark the third preparation match for both sides in this FIFA window.

How the teams enter

The referee has an important and challenging match to direct, but it will be in good hands, consolidating international confidence in Honduran officiating following notable recent performances, such as the match Brown directed between Dominican Republic and Nicaragua at Cibao Stadium (a 3-2 victory for the Antillean side).

Mexico face the match with urgency to secure their first victory under head coach Rafael Marquez. El Tri enter this classic after recording back-to-back 1-1 draws against Colombia and Peru, fixtures in which the Mexican squad had to fight back.

The United States, meanwhile, enjoy a brighter outlook under Mauricio Pochettino. The Americans come off victories in their first friendlies against Peru (4-1) and Chile, in the middle of a generational renewal process aimed at bringing new dynamics to the team.

The matchup will surely feature moments requiring Selvin Brown’s involvement, as both sides look to close out this FIFA window undefeated. Mexico seek to secure a win and put the draws behind them under Rafa Marquez, while Pochettino’s team aims to cap off the window with a perfect three victories.

Key takeaways

• Selvin Antonio Brown Chavarria Jr. was appointed referee for USA against Mexico.
• State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona hosts the international friendly.
• Back-to-back 1-1 draws were recorded by Mexico against Colombia and Peru.

Pulisic does not appear on the call-up list for the friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada. The U.S. Federation did not report an injury or present his absence as a medical withdrawal. For that reason, the distinction is key: Pulisic did not drop off the list during camp, but rather was omitted directly by Pochettino.

The manager decided to begin the new cycle with other attackers and award minutes to less experienced players. As a result, the team loses its main playmaker, set-piece taker, and focal point in attack.

Other major USA absences

Weston McKennie represents the other high-profile absence in the starting lineup. The Juventus midfielder was omitted from the roster as well and, like Pulisic, does not feature among the injury drops announced afterward.

Another notable absence for Pochettino’s side is Folarin Balogun, who also missed the matchup against Mexico. The forward failed to make the roster after coming off an injury and seeing limited action at the start of the season with Monaco.

The attack faces a complicated situation, as Pepi was called up instead of Balogun. Unlike Pepi, Balogun did not have to leave camp because he was never included on the initial list, and his absence was confirmed from the moment Pochettino made his roster announcement.

Ricardo Pepi’s case is different. The PSV striker appeared on the original roster, but suffered an injury during a match against Twente and was forced to leave camp.

Key takeaways

• Christian Pulisic was omitted directly by Mauricio Pochettino from the roster.
• Weston McKennie was omitted from the roster as another major absence.
• Ricardo Pepi left camp after suffering an injury against Twente.

How to watch USA vs Mexico in the USA

USA vs Mexico will be available live in the United States through TNT and HBO Max in English. Fans can also follow the rivalry in Spanish on Telemundo, Universo and Peacock.

For viewers using streaming services, the game will also be listed through Fubo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo and UNIVERSO NOW.

Can I watch USA vs Mexico for free?

Yes, USA vs Mexico can be watched for free with Fubo‘s 5-day free trial. The platform currently offers a five-day free trial on its eligible plans, giving new subscribers a way to stream the match without paying during the trial period.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

USA vs Mexico will be the 80th meeting between the two national teams, according to U.S. Soccer, adding another chapter to one of the most frequently played rivalries in Concacaf.

The game at State Farm Stadium is also one of the first matches of a new cycle for both sides following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The USMNT is beginning its next phase under Mauricio Pochettino, who signed a new contract through 2030, while Mexico is starting the Rafael Marquez era.

For USMNT, the Mexico game is the third match of a four-game September-October window that began with Peru on September 26 and Chile on September 29 before concluding against Canada on October 6.

Pochettino’s roster includes 28 players, with 13 uncapped players and an average age of 22 years and nine months, as the coach begins evaluating the group that could form part of the 2030 World Cup cycle. Ricardo Pepi withdrew because of injury and was replaced by Damion Downs.

Mexico is going through a similar transition under Marquez, who named a 30-player squad for four friendlies against Colombia, Peru, the United States and Chile. The roster includes experienced players such as Hirving Lozano, Santiago Gimenez, Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes, alongside younger options including Gilberto Mora, Obed Vargas, Hugo Camberos and Santiago Sandoval.

What time is the USA vs Mexico match?

The match kicks off on Saturday, October 3, at 10:00 PM ET. The game will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with local kickoff at 7:00 PM MT. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 10:00 PM
• Central Time: 9:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 8:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 7:00 PM

Mexico enter the match after back-to-back 1-1 draws against Colombia and Peru, still seeking their first win in this new national team cycle. In both contests, Mexico had to come from behind to salvage a draw.

The United States, meanwhile, enter this preparation window following consecutive victories. The squad managed by Mauricio Pochettino defeated Peru 4-1 and subsequently beat Chile 4-2, scoring eight goals across their first two fixtures of this international window.

Mexico confirmed lineup

While Rafa Marquez’s pupils remain undefeated so far, their primary area of concern has been goal-scoring. The attack needs to sharpen up against a tough American defense. Against Peru, the Mexican manager rested a large portion of his starting lineup to deploy them against the USA without Julian Quinones.

Mexico confirmed lineup: Raul Rangel; Diego Campillo, Israel Reyes, Johan Vásquez, Jesus Gallardo; Luis Romo, Erik Lira, Orbelin Pineda, Santiago Sandoval; Roberto Alvarado, Santiago Gimenez.

USA confirmed lineup

The United States enter with momentum following their wins over Peru and Chile. Mauricio Pochettino’s squad combines experienced players with young talent pushing to secure a spot in the new cycle, while Christian Pulisic stands out as one of the major absences for these friendlies.

USA confirmed lineup: Diego Kochen; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Auston Trusty, Antonee Robinson; Tyler Adams (C), Sebastian Berhalter, Malik Tillma, Gio Reyna, Cavan Sullivan; Julian Hall.

Key takeaways

• State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona hosts the post-World Cup friendly match.
• Eight goals were scored by the United States across two recent victories.
• Christian Pulisic stands out as a major absence for the upcoming match.

Pulisic was omitted from Mauricio Pochettino’s 28-man roster for the USMNT’s four matches. The 28-year-old’s absence is something of a mystery. Though he was injured at the World Cup and missed much of AC Milan’s preseason, Pulisic has been back in the mix with his club for well over a month.

Pulisic was an unused substitute for the team’s opening three Serie A matches before featuring in the team’s last three games across all competitions. He got his first start and scored his first goal of the season in a 3-0 win against Lecce on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Key figures who must step up for the USMNT

If there is one piece around which the match can be organized, it is Tyler Adams. The midfielder played 87 minutes in the USA’s victory against Peru and proved vital in sustaining American pressure, closing down spaces, and providing balance to a midfield filled with far more attack-minded players.

His role could prove even more critical against Chile. Marcelino Nunez, Vicente Pizarro, and Cesar Perez form a midfield trio that looks to combine through the center before finding space to advance. Adams will have to read those movements, prevent their midfielders from receiving comfortably, and keep the match from turning into a series of constant stoppages.

Who should capitalize on Pulisic’s absence

Pulisic‘s absence represents an ideal opportunity for those stepping in to replace him. Meanwhile, the absence of Gabriel Suazo and Lucas Cepeda leaves Chile with a distinct weakness on their left side, as both are suspended, allowing the USA to target that area.

Here is where Justin Ellis appears, who needed just four minutes to score against Peru. His speed and ability to attack open space could prove especially useful against a defense forced to reorganize. His connection with Alex Freeman can add another dimension to the attack, as the fullback can overlap to create two-on-one situations, while Antonee Robinson provides depth down the opposite flank with his power and low crosses.

Key takeaways

• A 28-man roster omitted Christian Pulisic for four upcoming USMNT matches.
• 87 minutes were played by Tyler Adams in a victory against Peru.
• Four minutes were needed for Justin Ellis to score against Peru.

How to watch USA vs Chile in the USA

USA vs Chile will be broadcast live on TNT, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo and Universo in the United States, with streaming available through Fubo, HBO Max, UNIVERSO NOW and Peacock.

Can I watch USA vs Chile for free?

Yes, eligible new Fubo subscribers can watch USA vs Chile through a 5-day free trial. It currently lists a five-day trial for its featured plans, although the company notes that trial availability can vary by plan and may be discontinued.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

USA vs Chile is the second match of the USMNT‘s new four-game cycle under Mauricio Pochettino, with the friendly coming just three days after the United States faces Peru in Orlando.

The September window continues with Mexico on October 3 and Canada on October 6, giving Pochettino four matches to evaluate his squad as the program begins preparations for the 2030 World Cup. U.S. Soccer described the September-October schedule as the start of a new chapter for the national team.

The USMNT’s roster reflects that transition. Pochettino selected 28 players, including 13 members of the 2026 World Cup squad and 13 uncapped players. The group has an average age of just 22 years and nine months, while 16 players are currently with European clubs. One of the biggest storylines is the inclusion of 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, alongside other young prospects such as Julian Hall, Cole Campbell, Justin Ellis and Peyton Miller.

Chile are also entering a new phase under Nicolas Cordova, who is serving as interim head coach after Ricardo Gareca’s departure following the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

La Roja’s 30-player group for the North American tour includes established players such as Gabriel Suazo, Paulo Diaz, Dario Osorio, Marcelino Nunez, Lucas Cepeda and Ben Brereton Diaz, while younger additions such as Jetzen Lopez and Zidane Yanez are also part of the group.

What time is the USA vs Chile match?

USA vs Chile kicks off at 8:00 PM ET on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The match begins at 7:00 PM local time in St. Louis, and U.S. Soccer officially lists the kickoff as 7 p.m. CT/8 p.m. ET.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
• Central Time: 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

Mauricio Pochettino tried new faces and two of them scored debut goals for the USMNT in Justin Ellis and Julian Hall. The second half in particular was outstanding from the American team.

Peru is still developing a new project under Mano Menezes, but it showed this team has still ways to go. The Brazilian took charge in January 2026, but there is a crisis. The team lost focus quickly, couldn’t adapt to USA’s speed, and there’s a reason. The best three players from Peru are all 36 years of age in Pedro Gallese, Yoshimar Yotun, and Gianluca Lapadula.

Christian Pulisic won’t be playing either vs Peru. McKennie has been nursing and injury that has had him sidelined from Juventus games in the Serie A in Italy. That paired with the fact that Pochettino selected a very young group of players for this international window, made him a prime candidate to not play today vs Peru.

Folarin Balogun will also not play vs Peru. After all, Pochettino wants to see new blood start to become important for the USMNT. It’s very relevant for him to see new generations start to earn their place on the national squad.

McKennie is the engine for the USMNT

Weston McKennie serves more as the emotional heart, box-to-box engine, and chaos agent for the USMNT rather than its traditional “metronome” midfielder. He doesn’t dictate tempo, he disrupts the tempo of the rivals.

McKennie thrives when he is allowed to cover ground vertically. Rather than sitting deep to orchestrate passes, his strength is disrupting opponent builds, winning duels, and immediately transitioning the ball forward, as well as timing his ‘late‘ arrival to the box.

Who will play instead of McKennie for USMNT vs Peru?

Yunus Musah or Sebastian Berhalter are projected to fill the central midfield role in place of the absent Weston McKennie for the USMNT vs Peru friendly. Musah has similarities with McKennie due to his box-to-box prowess.

Meanwhile, Berhalter is more of a metronome. A traditional deep-lying playmaker with great technical range and precise long-range passing. Berhalter has more composure and dictates the game, while Musah is more of a ‘run-first, make play-second‘ kind of player.

Key takeaways

• Weston McKennie will miss the USMNT friendly against Peru while recovering from an injury.
• Head coach Mauricio Pochettino prioritized selecting a young squad for this international window.
• Yunus Musah or Sebastian Berhalter are projected to replace the missing midfielder in central midfield.

How to watch USA vs Peru in the USA

USA vs Peru will be available across several TV and streaming options in the United States. The English-language broadcast will air on TNT USA, while HBO Max will provide the streaming option for the TNT Sports coverage.

The match is also available through Fubo and Peacock. For Spanish-language coverage, the game will be televised on Telemundo and Universo, with streaming available through UNIVERSO NOW and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo.

Can I watch USA vs Peru for free?

Fubo currently offers a 5-day free trial on its eligible plans, and its official listing for USA vs Peru shows the match on Telemundo. That means eligible new subscribers can use the trial to watch the game.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

USA vs Peru marks the start of a new USMNT cycle after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Mauricio Pochettino beginning his first full cycle as head coach. The United States reached the Round of 16 at the World Cup and will now use this four-match international window to evaluate its player pool ahead of the road to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Pochettino’s 28-man roster includes a mix of established players and young prospects, with several players receiving their first senior call-up. The friendly against Peru is therefore an opportunity for Pochettino to test different combinations and give younger players valuable international experience.

Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun are among the notable absences, while 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan headlines a group of emerging talents. The U.S. will then face Chile, Mexico and Canada during the same September-October window, making the Peru match the first of four tests in the team’s new chapter.

For Peru, the match represents another step in a rebuilding process after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup. La Bicolor finished 12th in CONMEBOL qualifying and has appointed Brazilian coach Mano Menezes to lead the team into the next cycle.

They have already played four friendlies in 2026, losing to Senegal and Spain, drawing with Honduras and beating Haiti, so the meeting with the USMNT gives Menezes another opportunity to assess his squad against a World Cup team.

What time is the USA vs Peru match?

The USA vs Peru match kicks off on Saturday, September 26, at 4:30 PM ET from Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 4:30 PM
• Central Time: 3:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 2:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 1:30 PM