After cruising through the fall international window with a perfect record—a run Pochettino called “amazing”—the U.S. men’s team now turns to its first competitive test of the new World Cup cycle.
In just six weeks, the Stars and Stripes will drop into the 2026/27 CONCACAF Nations League at the quarterfinal stage.
When does the USMNT enter Nations League action?
Mid‑November sees Pochettino’s squad tackling Haiti in a knockout double‑header as they chase a fourth Nations League title.
The first leg on Nov. 14 will see the Americans away, venue still unannounced due to Haiti’s security concerns; the Grenadiers haven’t played at home since 2021, opting for Jamaica and Curaçao instead. The return match lands on Nov. 17 in Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium.
Because they ranked among CONCACAF’s top four, the USMNT earned a direct berth into the league’s last eight, while Haiti booked its spot as Group A runner‑up, edging the Dominican Republic on goal difference.
Winning the quarterfinal not only secures a place at the March finals in Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, but also guarantees automatic entry to the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Can the USMNT finally put Panama’s pain behind it?
Chasing another league trophy, the USMNT must also erase the sting of Pochettino’s opening campaign, which ended in a shocking semifinal loss to Panama in March 2025 when Cecilio Waterman’s stoppage‑time strike stunned the three‑time defending champions. For my money, the squad’s depth gives them a real edge.
Four straight friendlies saw Pochettino’s youthful side light up the scoreboard, rattling off 12 goals against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. Thirteen debutants—including teenagers Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall, Justin Ellis and Mathis Albert—each found the net.
“That is a starting point”
After a 1‑0 victory over Canada to close the fall window, Pochettino praised his players, saying they “deserve big credit” for both the results and the way they’re building the 2030 journey together.
It was an amazing start, and it sets the tone for what lies ahead.
He added that the squad’s massive effort—four games in two weeks—showed relentless intensity, commitment and passion, qualities the team must keep despite the difficulty.
At a glance: USMNT’s fall results and upcoming fixtures:
International friendlies
- Sep. 26: USMNT 4‑1 Peru, Orlando, FL
- Sep. 29: USMNT 4‑2 Chile, St. Louis, MO
- Oct. 3: USMNT 3‑0 Mexico, Glendale, AZ
- Oct. 6: USMNT 1‑0 Canada, St. Paul, MN
CONCACAF Nations League QFs
- Nov. 14, 4:00 p.m. ET: Haiti vs USMNT, venue TBC
- Nov. 17, 7:00 p.m. ET: USMNT vs Haiti, Cincinnati, OH
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