With next summer’s World Cup fast approaching, the USMNT will hope to build on their growing unbeaten streak as they meet a difficult opponent in Uruguay on Tuesday in Tampa, their final match of the 2025 calendar year.
The U.S. has not been beaten since a 2-0 loss to South Korea back in September, now on four straight matches without defeat. That stretch includes three victories, coming against Japan, Australia, and Paraguay, plus a 1-1 draw with Ecuador.
The latest in that run was a 2-1 victory over Paraguay on Saturday, which saw Gio Reyna score the opening goal before he assisted Folarin Balogun’s winner later on.
None of those opponents have been as stout as Uruguay, however, as the CONMEBOL giants ranked 15th in the world pose a formidable challenge. They themselves have not lost since a 2-0 qualifying defeat at Paraguay back in early June, a jaunt of six straight unbeaten extended by a 0-0 draw with Mexico on Saturday. They have conceded just a single goal across that run of form, coming late in a 2-1 October friendly win over Uzbekistan.
As they were for the weekend win over Paraguay, the U.S. are still without a number of international stars, as Mauricio Pochettino prioritizes fitness for his most important personnel while allowing fringe players a chance to impress.
USA lineup vs. Uruguay: Projected starting XI, team news
The win over Panama saw Gio Reyna, Joe Scally, and Sergino Dest return to the national-team fold for the first time since the CONCACAF Nations League in March. However, Antonee Robinson is still out injured, meaning Max Arfsten is continuing at left wing-back.
With the withdrawal of Tyler Adams due to a head injury, it means Tanner Tessmann and Cristian Roldan will likely continue in midfield. Christian Pulisic is also out nursing a fitness issue, meaning either Brenden Aaronson will get another start, or the likes of Diego Luna or Haji Wright could come in for a shot to impress.
Folarin Balogun has excelled at the No. 9 position under Pochettino, but the coach could give Ricardo Pepi a chance to shine after he missed a glorious opportunity to score late against Paraguay.
USA projected starting XI (3-4-3, right to left): Freese (GK) — Scally, McKenzie, Ream — Dest, Tessman, Roldan, Arfsten — Luna, Pepi, Wright
Full USA roster
Goalkeepers: Roman Celentano, Matt Freese, Jonathan Klinsmann, Patrick Schulte
Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, John Tolkin, Auston Trusty
Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter, Aidan Morris, Gio Reyna, Cristian Roldan, Tanner Tessman, Timmy Tillman, Brenden Aaronson, Diego Luna
Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright
USA vs. Uruguay match details
- Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
- Location: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL, USA)
- Last meeting: USA 0-1 Uruguay (July 1, 2024 | Copa America)
