With less than a year to go before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, the USA will continue their preparations with a friendly against Ecuador in Texas on October 10. Both sides have already secured their qualification, and this clash provides an ideal testing ground for their managers to fine-tune tactics and assess their squad ahead of the tournament.
As one of the World Cup’s co-hosts, the USA’s focus now shifts to refining their system under Mauricio Pochettino, who has won 11 of his 18 games in charge. The Americans head into this match on the back of a 2–0 win over Japan. Notably, that victory restored some confidence after back-to-back losses to South Korea and Switzerland earlier this year. While Pochettino’s reign has been mixed, the USA have shown flashes of progress, particularly at home. History also favors them as they are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Ecuador, winning the last three.
The work continues 💪 Balo breaks down today's training session. pic.twitter.com/GleGZLXvkA
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) October 9, 2025
| Bets | Moneyline | Moneyline |
| Full Time Result | USA: +160 Ecuador: +170 | Draw: +220 |
| Draw No Bet | USA: -125 | Ecuador: -115 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5: +110 | Under 2.5: -155 |
| USA to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +425 | No: +310 |
| Ecuador to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +450 | No: +320 |
(Odds via BetMGM)
This fixture offers Pochettino a chance to experiment with his attacking combinations and midfield shape. Several fringe players will look to impress ahead of final World Cup roster selections. With home advantage, the USA will see this as a crucial opportunity to build momentum and cohesion.
Ecuador, meanwhile, arrive in Texas with plenty of optimism under Argentine coach Sebastian Beccacece, who has turned La Tri into one of South America’s most disciplined defensive units. Since taking charge, Beccacece has lost just once in 12 matches while recording six clean sheets. Ecuador’s ability to frustrate opponents and capitalize on counterattacks has seen them gain form, which was highlighted by their 1–0 victory over Argentina in September’s World Cup qualifier.
Recent form of both teams points to a cagey friendly. Ecuador under Sebastian Beccacece are built on control and clean sheets. Their last three games finished 1–0, 0–0, 0–0. The USA’s last two also landed this line (2–0 vs Japan, 0–2 vs South Korea). With both managers likely to rotate and the USMNT’s lack of cutting edge, this looks as a low-scoring match where 0–0, 1–0, or 1–1 are the likeliest scorelines.
Pulisic comes into match on the back of 4 goals and 2 assists in his first 6 league games for Milan this season. He’s one of the USMNT’s primary goal threats and will be be eager to replicate his form at the club-level. At +220. In a tight game, Pulisic could be the difference-maker in this game.
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Ecuador were held to goalless draws by both Paraguay and Peru on the road, underlining their conservative approach away from home. Still, Beccacece’s side has the tactical structure and technical ability to make this a stern test for the hosts. Given their recent form and defensive solidity, Ecuador will be tough to break down. As a result, expect a competitive, low-scoring encounter.
Final Prediction: USA 1-1 Ecuador
Bettors can explore a variety of betting options on BetMGM, including full-time results, over/under goals, and player props for this clash.
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