The USMNT heads into the matchup with Uruguay carrying something rare in the team’s recent cycle, a stretch of stability showing up right as the final phase of World Cup preparation begins. The 2–1 win over Paraguay in Chester extended an unbeaten run of four games against World Cup opponents, something the team hadn’t managed in ten years. And this moment takes on even more meaning with Mauricio Pochettino on the touchline as he crosses paths with Marcelo Bielsa in Tampa, a chance to see his former coach again, someone who shaped his career and the way he views the game.
The USMNT’s form and the weight of this matchup
The United States beat Japan, Australia and Paraguay and drew with Ecuador, all of them already qualified for the World Cup. Recent performances also brought meaningful milestones, like Gio Reyna’s first career header, which pushed him past his father’s goal tally with the national team, and Balogun’s third straight goal as a starter. Within the squad, the focus has leaned more toward performance than results, something midfielder Tanner Tessmann pointed out when he said that “the way we play, the way we do things, is the most important thing.” He added that stats like duels won, possession and corner kicks help explain the team’s level since September, when this unbeaten streak started with a 2–0 win over Japan.
Uruguay arrives just as strong, having finished fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers and riding a six game unbeaten run. The history between the two national teams is tight, with almost every matchup decided by a single goal or ending level, including the most recent one, when Mathías Olivera scored in the 66th minute to give Uruguay the win at the Copa América.
Tampa, history and opportunity
Tampa returns to the team’s schedule for the first time since 2018 and becomes the stage for the last test before a four month break. With only two FIFA match windows left before the World Cup, this friendly turns into a real chance to confirm the progress players and staff have pointed out. The matchup with a competitive Uruguay coached by Bielsa could close the year by showing exactly where the United States stands in the race toward 2026.