The United States and Mexico meet in an international friendly on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (10 p.m. ET). It is the first meeting of the two rivals since the 2026 World Cup, and both teams arrive with new looks: a very young U.S. squad under Mauricio Pochettino, and a Mexico side now led by former captain Rafael Márquez.
Match Facts: Date, Venue and How to Watch
- Date and kickoff: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 7 p.m. local time / 10 p.m. ET
- Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
- Competition: International friendly
- TV and streaming (U.S.): TNT, HBO Max, Telemundo, Peacock and NBC Universo, according to the U.S. Soccer match hub
It is the third of four fall friendlies opening the new cycle; Canada follows in St. Paul, Minnesota, on October 6.
Where Both Teams Stand
United States
Pochettino signed a new contract with U.S. Soccer through 2030 in August, after a World Cup in which the U.S. won its group and beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 before losing to Belgium in the Round of 16. His first post-World Cup squad of 28 players leaned heavily on youth. Several established names were left out, including Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, and Pochettino declined to explain individual omissions this early in the cycle.
The young players have responded. The U.S. beat Peru 4-1 in Orlando and Chile 4-2 in St. Louis. Against Chile, 18-year-old Julian Hall became the youngest player in program history to score in each of his first two caps, and 17-year-old Mathis Albert became the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history, per U.S. Soccer’s match report.
Mexico
Mexico appointed Rafael Márquez after Javier Aguirre’s departure following the World Cup, where El Tri also went out in the Round of 16. Márquez played in five World Cups and was Aguirre’s assistant during the 2026 tournament. Sports Illustrated reports Mexico drew 1-1 with both Colombia and Peru in its first two games under him. Mexico also won the last meeting between these teams, the 2025 Gold Cup final.
Key Players to Watch
- Sebastian Berhalter (USA): The Middlesbrough midfielder had a goal and an assist in each of the first two games.
- Cavan Sullivan (USA): The Philadelphia Union attacker, who turned 17 on September 28, debuted against Peru and is due to join Manchester City after he turns 18. Left-footed and comfortable running at defenders.
- Julian Hall (USA): The Red Bull New York forward scored in both of his first two caps.
- Tyler Adams (USA): Named captain for the new cycle, he sets the tempo and protects the back line.
- Gilberto Mora (Mexico): A 17-year-old playmaker, recently back from an ankle injury, according to SI.
- Santiago Giménez (Mexico): The likely starting striker and Mexico’s main penalty-box threat.
Matchups That Could Decide It
Teen creators: Sullivan vs. Mora
Both teenagers like to receive between the lines and turn. Whichever one finds space more often will likely shape the game.
The midfield battle
Adams and Berhalter against Mexico’s midfield trio will decide who controls possession. SI expects Mexico in a 4-3-3 that presses in numbers. The U.S. pair will need quick, safe first touches to play through that pressure.
U.S. center backs vs. Giménez
Chris Richards, who scored the winner against Chile, and Auston Trusty, the center back pairing SI expects to start, will have to handle a striker who is strong with his back to goal. Watch how early they step in to stop him turning.
A Watching Guide for Young Players and Coaches
Rivalry intensity shows which skills hold up under pressure. Give your players one job each while they watch:
- Count the scans. Pick one midfielder and count how often he checks over his shoulder before the ball arrives.
- Spot the 1v1 moves. When Sullivan or a winger faces a defender, note the move: a step-over, a scissors, a cut inside. Did he attack at speed, or stop and start?
- Watch the first touch. Does the receiving player’s first touch go away from pressure, or into it?
Practice it the next day: 1v1 Rivalry Gates (15 minutes)
Set up a 15 x 20-yard grid with two small cone gates at each end. One attacker starts with the ball, one defender starts five yards away. The attacker must beat the defender with a move and dribble through either gate. Play 30-second rounds, then switch roles. Coaching points: attack the defender’s front foot, change speed after the move, and keep the ball close. For more ideas, see these Coerver moves to beat any opponent. In Coerver Coaching we build this kind of 1v1 confidence on a base of ball mastery, because a player who trusts their touch is willing to take players on.
Coaches can match the drill to their players’ stage using our youth soccer curriculum by age group.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is USA vs. Mexico in October 2026?
Saturday, October 3, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with a 10 p.m. ET kickoff.
Who coaches the USMNT and Mexico now?
Mauricio Pochettino coaches the U.S. and is under contract through 2030. Rafael Márquez took over Mexico after the 2026 World Cup.
Is Christian Pulisic playing against Mexico?
No. Pulisic was not named to the September-October roster, and Pochettino did not give a public reason.
Want to pull off moves like these?
Coerver Moves breaks down the 1v1 moves the world’s best players use, step by step on video, so you can practise them at home and use them in games.
