Jul 6, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Mexico forward Santiago Gimenez (11) battles for the ball against United States in the second half during the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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USMNT To Play Friendlies Against Ecuador and Australia in October

The United States has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts alongside Mexico and Canada.

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) will continue its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with two high-profile friendlies this October, facing Ecuador and Australia, both of whom have already secured qualification for next summer’s tournament.

U.S. Soccer confirmed that the first match will be played against Ecuador on October 10th at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 PM ET. Four days later, the USMNT will meet Australia on October 14th at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, with kick off at 9:00 PM ET.

On the calendar for October! 🗓️

🇺🇸🆚🇪🇨: 10/10 in Austin, TX

🇺🇸🆚🇦🇺: 10/14 in Commerce City, CO

Become an U.S. Soccer Insider to get early ticket access » https://t.co/KvkUReKRiv pic.twitter.com/jszP2O0pda
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 14, 2025

U.S. To Face Top-25 Sides Before 2026 World Cup

These matches will follow the September friendlies against South Korea and Japan, as head coach Mauricio Pochettino continues to build cohesion within the USMNT squad ahead of the World Cup. These October fixtures represent another opportunity for the USMNT to test themselves against strong World Cup-caliber opposition.

Both Ecuador (FIFA rank 25) and Australia (FIFA rank 24) are preparing for their fifth and sixth World Cup appearances, respectively. The United States (FIFA rank 25) has already qualified for the 2026 tournament as co-hosts alongside Mexico and Canada. With no competitive fixtures before the World Cup, these friendlies will offer crucial preparation for Pochettino’s side.

The USMNT hold an even record (5W-5L-5D) against Ecuador, last defeating them 1-0 in March 2019. Against Australia, the Americans have a 1W-1L-1D record, with their last meeting coming ahead of the 2010 World Cup. Notably, the U.S. are unbeaten at both Q2 Stadium and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, boasting a combined 9-0-0 record across both venues.

Also Read: La Liga President Javier Tebas Slams Real Madrid for Season Delay Request

Following these October fixtures, the USMNT will play two more friendlies in November before concluding their pre-World Cup calendar with additional matches in March.

Australia

Ecuador

International Friendlies

Mauricio Pochettino

USMNT

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.