USMNT 2025: Building for the Future - Paraguay and Uruguay Friendlies Preview
The United States will wrap up their 2025 plans with friendly matches against Paraguay and Uruguay this month. The first match will be against Paraguay in Pennsylvania, marking the first meeting between the USMNT and La Albirroja since 2018. The US had a successful double-header in October, drawing with Ecuador and defeating Australia. Coach Pochettino will be looking to build on those performances as he prepares for next year's tournament on home soil. However, he will be missing key players like Pulisic, Weah, Adams, McKennie, Richards, and Robinson this month.
Pochettino's roster for this month's matches is experimental, with a focus on giving opportunities to younger players. The goalkeeper group has limited senior caps, and the team is likely to stick with a back-three formation. Sergino Dest is expected to play at right wing-back, while Max Arfsten could feature on the left flank. Players like Tanner Tessman, Timmy Tillman, Gio Reyna, and Diego Luna will have a chance to shine in the absence of key players. Strikers Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Haji Wright will also look to impress.
The squad for this month's matches includes goalkeepers Roman Celentano, Matt Freese, Jonathan Klinsmann, and Patrick Schulte. Defenders Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, John Tolkin, and Auston Trusty are included. Midfielders Sebastian Berhalter, Aidan Morris, Gio Reyna, Cristian Roldan, Tanner Tessman, Timmy Tillman, Brenden Aaronson, and Diego Luna are part of the squad. Forwards Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Haji Wright complete the roster.
In conclusion, the USMNT will face Paraguay and Uruguay in their final matches of 2025, providing an opportunity for younger players to showcase their talent. Coach Pochettino will be looking to fine-tune the team ahead of next year's tournament, despite missing key players for this month's games. The experimental squad will aim to build on the team's recent performances and stake a claim for selection in the upcoming finals.