USMNT Hosts Two-Time World Cup Champion Uruguay in Tampa Friendly

November 7, 2025 | Tampa, FL

The United States Men's National Team will host Uruguay in an international friendly on Tuesday, November 18 at 7:00 PM EST at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, as both nations continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT enters the match looking to build momentum as tournament hosts. The 53-year-old Argentine tactician, who took charge in September 2024, has posted an 11-10-1 record while developing squad depth ahead of next summer's World Cup. The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager led a relatively inexperienced side to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final, where they fell 2-1 to Mexico.

Uruguay presents a formidable challenge as the two-time World Cup champions (1930, 1950) secured fourth place in CONMEBOL qualifying with 28 points. La Celeste is managed by the eccentric and highly respected Marcelo Bielsa, whose intense pressing style and tactical innovation have revitalized the South American giants. Bielsa, considered one of football's most influential coaches, ended Uruguay's winless streaks against both Brazil and Argentina during qualification.

Pochettino has named a 25-player roster featuring a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent. The squad includes Premier League regulars Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), and Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven). Forward Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven) leads the team with 13 international goals in 33 caps, while Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach) provides creativity in midfield with eight goals in 32 appearances.

The defensive corps features veteran Tim Ream (Charlotte FC) with 78 caps and Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), while goalkeeper Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew) continues to compete for the starting position. Rising stars Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake) and Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew) have impressed during Pochettino's tenure, earning significant playing time in recent matches.

Uruguay's squad is expected to feature top European talent, though Bielsa has gained notoriety for controversial selection decisions, occasionally omitting star players to give opportunities to younger prospects. The team's high-pressing system under Bielsa demands exceptional fitness and tactical discipline.

The friendly marks an important test for the USMNT against World Cup-caliber opposition. With the 2026 tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Pochettino continues emphasizing the importance of facing top-tier opponents to prepare his squad for the global stage.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.