USA have lost just one of their last eight meetings with Ecuador, winning each of the last three. This includes a 2-1 victory in Seattle in the quarter-finals of Copa América Centenario, while their most recent encounter saw the US win 1-0 in a friendly in Orlando back in March 2019.
United States vs Ecuador preview
Fair to say, Mauricio Pochettino has endured mixed results as United States manager, but can his side start to build some momentum ahead of the World Cup? So far under Pochettino, the U.S. have lost to, pretty much, ever high-level opponent they've faced. In competitive fixtures, they were beaten by Panama in March's CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals at SoFi Stadium, before reaching the Gold Cup Final over the summer, but losing 2-1 to fierce rivals Mexico in Houston.
Meantime, in friendlies, USA were defeated by both Türkiye and Switzerland in early-June, the latter an ignominious 4-0 annihilation in Nashville, all the goals coming in the first 36 minutes. Last month, it looked like being more of the same when the Stars and Stripes were easily swatted aside 2-0 by Korea Republic in New Jersey. However, three days later, there were green shoots of recovery, as USA beat an admittedly heavily-rotated Japan team 2-0 in Columbus; Alejandro Zendejas and Folarin Balogun the scorers in Ohio.
So now, the World Cup co-hosts need to build on that victory and create some momentum. After this, USA will also face Australia in Denver on Tuesday, before taking on Paraguay in Pennsylvania and then Uruguay in Tampa next month. So, can Pochettino's team claim another confidence-boosting win?
As for Ecuador, they too are preparing for next summer's World Cup, their fifth appearance at the tournament, after an impressive qualification campaign. La Tricolor came second in the CONMEBOL table, losing only two of 18 fixtures, only beaten by Argentina in Buenos Aires and and Brazil in Curitiba. Last time out, they concluded qualifying with a memorable 1-0 victory over table toppers Argentina; Enner Valencia's penalty in first half injury time the only goal of the night in Guayaquil.
Sebastián Beccacece's team's success has very much been built on defence, given that they conceded just five goals in 18 qualifiers, a ridiculous tally, equalling the all-time South American record. Eight of their outings did end 0-0, including four on the spin prior to that win over Argentina, so la Tri are unlikely to deliver a goal-fest. Thus, who will prevail at Q2 Stadium on Friday night?
United States vs Ecuador head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 15.
- United States Wins: 5. Draws: 5. Ecuador Wins: 5.
United States team news
Mauricio Pochettino is without key figures Sergiño Dest and Tyler Adams, while Joe Scally, Johnny Cardoso, Yunus Musah, Gio Reyna and Josh Sargent are among the high-profile exclusions.
In goal, Matt Freese has started the last eight internationals, having very much usurped Matt Turner as number one. Out-field, Pochettino switched to a back three for last month's win over Japan, so it will be fascinating to see if he does so again in Austin.
Antonee Robinson is yet to start a Premier League match this season, easing his way back in after injury, so will be hoping for some valuable minutes. James Sands could earn his first cap since June 2023 following an ankle injury, while Folarin Balogun's goal against Japan will see him lead the line.
United States predicted lineup vs Ecuador: (3-4-2-1): Freese; Richards, Carter-Vickers, Ream; Freeman, Tessmann, McKennie, Arfsten; Tillman, Pulisic, Balogun.
United States player to watch vs Ecuador
Despite skying a spot-kick miles over the crossbar against Juventus on Sunday, Christian Pulisic has been excellent for AC Milan this season, scoring six goals already. However, it is now 11 months since his most-recent international goal, on target against Jamaica in St. Louis last November, his longest draught since Covid times, so can he end that barren period in Texas?
Ecuador team news
Sebastián Beccacece is without defender Piero Hincapié, who has played just a solitary minute for Arsenal due to a groin issue, as well as Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo who has suffered a knock.
Pulisic's club team mate Pervis Estupiñán will win his 50th cap, alongside Willian Pacho of PSG in defence, while Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Páez, on loan at Strasbourg, is a danger man.
Ecuador predicted lineup vs United States: (4-4-1-1): Galíndez; Preciado, Ordóñez, Pacho, Estupiñán; Alcívar, Franco, Minda, Vite; Páez, Valencia.
Ecuador player to watch vs United States
Enner Valencia's spot-kick against Argentina took his tally to 47 international goals on the occasion of his 100th cap. He scored against the US in East Hartford exactly 11 years ago to the day of this match, so will Valencia be able to add to his tally in Texas?
United States vs Ecuador prediction
We are backing Ecuador for victory in Austin, given that USA have struggled against pretty much every elite team they've faced recently, but don't expect goals: United States 0-1 Ecuador.
United States vs Ecuador FAQs - International Friendly
How to watch United States vs Ecuador in an international friendly on TV channel?
United States vs Ecuador in an international friendly will be available on the following TV channels;
- USA: TNT USA, truTV USA, HBO Max, UNIVERSO & fuboTV
How to watch United States vs Ecuador in an international friendly on live streaming?
United States vs Ecuador in an international friendly will be available on the following streaming services;
- USA: TNT Sports USA, truTV USA, Peacock, HBO Max, UNIVERSO NOW & Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
What is the date and kick-off time for United States vs Ecuador in an international friendly?
United States vs Ecuador takes place on Friday 10 October 2025, with kick off at 1:30am (BST), 20:30 (EDT) & 17:30 (PDT).