The most high-profile meeting between these two nations came during the 2002 World Cup, drawing 1-1 in Daegu, as both made it through to the knockout stages.
Since, they've only met once, with the U.S. prevailing 2-0 in a friendly in California in February 2014; Chris Wondolowski bagging a brace.
USA vs South Korea preview
Fair to say, 2025 has not gone to plan for the United States, as the countdown to next summer's World Cup continues. Back in March, the U.S. failed to win the CONCACAF Nations League for the very first time, dumped out in the semi-finals by Panama at an eerily empty SoFi Stadium. Then, to start a busy summer, they suffered two serious reality checks, narrowly beaten 2-1 by Türkiye in a friendly, before being steamrollered 4-0 by Switzerland, all the goals coming before half time.
After that, Mauricio Pochettino's team did reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, ousting Costa Rica on penalties and then Guatemala during the knockout stages, before being beaten 2-1 by Mexico in Houston, despite taking the lead through Chris Richards' towering header. So, now silverware for USA ahead of a World Cup on home soil, and the Stars and Stripes now have just ten friendly fixtures before the big kick off in California on 12 June. The U.S. will face Japan on Tuesday, with games against Ecuador and Australia to come in October, but this Saturday evening encounter in Harrison, New Jersey will be a tough test, so can Pochettino's side claim a morale-boosting victory?
As for Korea Republic, they too have already qualified for next summer's World Cup, the 11th straight edition at which they'll feature. The Taegeuk Warriors cruised through the final round of qualifying unbeaten, winning six of ten matches, most-recently smashing Kuwait 4-0 in Seoul in June.
Overall, South Korea are unbeaten in 14 matches, dating back to last year's AFC Asian Cup, at which they were ousted by Jordan in the semi-finals, a result which saw former USMNT manager Jürgen Klinsmann sacked. This means their 65 year wait for silverware goes on. Now led by Hong Myung-bo, Korea Republic are looking to build momentum and positivity ahead of the World Cup. While stateside this month, the Taegeuk Warriors will also take on Mexico in Tennessee on Tuesday, both of which will be big tests, but can they first upset the USMNT support at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday?
USA vs South Korea head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 7.
- United States Wins: 2. Draws: 2. Korea Republic Wins: 3.
USA team news
Mauricio Pochettino is without Matt Turner, Antonee Robinson, Joe Scally, Johnny Cardoso, Malik Tillman, Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Haji Wright and Patrick Agyemang. In better news, Sergiño Dest, Tim Weah and Christian Pulisic are back, after missing the Gold Cup.
In goal, Matt Freese will once again be donning the gloves, having established himself as the number one during the summer, with Noahkai Banks and Tristan Blackmon hoping to debut in defence. Diego Luna was the star of the Gold Cup, scoring three goals, so is set to keep his place in midfield.
In attack, as already mentioned Weah and Pulisic are both back, which is a major boost, while Folarin Balogun is set to make his first international appearance since last September due to injury.
USA predicted lineup vs South Korea: (4-3-3): Freese; Dest, Richards, Ream, Arfsten; Adams, de la Torre, Luna; Weah, Pulisic, Balogun.
USA player to watch vs South Korea
Christian Pulisic has 32 international goals to his name, chasing down the record of 57 jointly held by Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan.
The Milan winger has scored in 14 different states, Kansas, California, Utah, Colorado, Florida, Texas, Tennessee, DC, Denver, Ohio, Minnesota, Nevada, Missouri and Connecticut, so can he add New Jersey to this list?
South Korea team news
Hong Myung-bo is without Feyenoord midfielder Hwang In-beom due to injury but, him aside, Korea Republic travel pretty much at full strength.
Familiar faces include Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae, Lee Kang-in of PSG and their attacking talisman who now calls the United States home. Striker Oh Hyeon-gyu saw a £24m move to Stuttgart collapse on Monday, but is set to lead the line for his nation in New Jersey.
South Korea predicted lineup vs USA: (4-3-3): Jo Hyeon-woo; Seol Young-woo Kim Min-jae, Kim Ju-sung, Lee Tae-seok; Park Yong-woo, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-sung, Son Heung-min, Oh Hyeon-gyu.
South Korea player to watch vs USA
Captain Son Heung-min scored ten times during World Cup qualifying, taking his tally to 51 for Korea Republic, now just seven behind Cha Bum-kun's record that has stood sine 1978. The new LAFC man has netted against 33 different nations to date, so can he add USA to this list?
USA vs South Korea prediction
We are backing Korea Republic to win this one. The United States have lost to every high-level opponent they've faced this year, a trend we think could continue here: USA 1-2 South Korea.
USA vs South Korea FAQs - International Friendly
How to watch United States vs Korea Republic in an international friendly on TV channel?
United States vs Korea Republic in an international friendly will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: UNIVERSO NOW, fuboTV, TNT USA & HBO Max
- Canada: This match is not being broadcast live in Canada.
How to watch United States vs Korea Republic in an international friendly on live streaming?
United States vs Korea Republic in an international friendly will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo & fuboTV
- Canada: This match is not being broadcast live in Canada.
What is the date and kick-off time for United States vs Korea Republic in an international friendly?
United States vs Korea Republic takes place on Saturday 6 September 2025, with kick off at 22:00 (BST), 17:00 (EDT) & 14:00 (PDT).