With Mauricio Pochettino still waiting in the wings, the United States men’s national team hosts northern rivals Canada in an international friendly in Kansas City on Saturday.
Both teams return to the spotlight after Copa America results that could not have been more polarizing. The United States, the tournament host with high expectations, was eliminated in the group stage, which spelled the end for head coach Gregg Berhalter.
There have been plenty of rumours that Pochettino is set to take over as head coach, but he has not been installed in time to take charge of the September international window, leaving Mikey Varas in charge on an interim basis.
Canada, meanwhile, is riding high after a surprise run to the semifinals of the Copa America. American coach Jesse Marsch was named to lead the team just a month before the tournament began, but he managed to put together a quality performance that caught the attention of the North American confederation.
Which channel is suitable for USA and Canada?
- Date: Saturday September 7, 2024
- Time: 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT
The USMNT friendly against Canada in Kansas City will be televised in the United States on TBS, as part of Turner’s long-term rights agreement with US Soccer.
TBS and other Turner channels are available for streaming on Slingwhile the match can also be streamed on Turner’s dedicated platform, Max. Subscription service Peacock is also an option for Spanish language broadcast.
In Canada, this match is televised on OneSoccer, which is available for streaming on Fubo Canada.
What time is the kick-off for the USA vs Canada match?
The international friendly will kick off at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday, September 7 at 3 p.m. local time in Kansas City.
Here’s how this time translates across time zones in North America:
| Date | Kick-off time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat. 7 Sept. | 4 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sat. 7 Sept. | 3:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat. 7 Sept. | 2:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat. 7 Sept. | 1:00 p.m. |
USA vs Canada Team Lineups and News
The USMNT is without a few key players due to injuries. Sergino Dest continues to recover from his torn ACL and will be out for some time, and Antonee Robinson is not on the list to rest. Tyler Adams is still recovering from a back injury and has missed significant time with various fitness issues in recent years, while Tim Weah is also out with a hamstring injury suffered in Juventus’ season opener.
Some, meanwhile, have been left out due to the club’s form, including Weston McKennie who is not a starter at Juventus at the moment. Others include defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers And Miles Robinson who both spend time at their various clubs but have sometimes struggled.
There are questions at the goaltending position, but Matt Turner should start giving him minutes given he is the backup at Crystal Palace at the moment.
USA’s predicted starting lineup (4-3-3): Turner (GK) — Scally, Richards, Trusty, Lund — Musah, Cardoso, Reyna — Pulisic, Balogun, Wright.
Head coach Jesse Marsch has called up a full squad for these September friendlies as he looks to continue establishing his tactical influence on the Canadian team. Alphonso Davies, Jonathan DavidAnd Stephen Eustaquio are all in the running, as are most of their other Copa America starters.
Full back Sam Adekugbe was forced to withdraw from the squad due to a slight groin strain, after also missing the Copa America with a calf problem.
There are some young talents scattered around, with uncapped midfielders Niko Sigur And Nathan Saliba called as well as the Sporting KC striker Stephen Africa during his first training camp with the national team.
Canada’s projected starting lineup (4-4-2): Crépeau (GK) — Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies — Laryea, Kone, Eustaquio, Shaffelburg — David, Larin.
USA vs Canada Prediction
- Score prediction: United States 2-2 Canada
Canada has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in CONCACAF, and it brings a strong team to this friendly. But this summer’s drone scandal has cast doubt on its recent rise, and Jesse Marsch is now tasked with proving it can win without any apparent unfair advantage in its own half.
American football is going through a period of transition, with the loss of Gregg Berhalter and the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino, and the inconvenience caused by this international break will create some confusion within the team.
Still, Team USA has the better team overall, especially in terms of depth, and there are plenty of holes on Canada’s side. An entertaining draw could be in store for two teams that both have weaknesses along the backline as well as in-form forwards.
