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USMNT Announce September Friendlies Against Japan and South Korea in Preparation for 2026 World Cup
Updated: | First published:
Written by Nick Slade, Chief Content Officer
Reviewed by Jason Bevilacqua
The USMNT will face off against two of Asia's strongest soccer nations in a pair of pre-World Cup friendlies in September.
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has locked in two pivotal international friendlies this September that could significantly shape its FIFA World Cup preparations. As co-hosts of the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, these matches against Japan and South Korea offer a critical barometer for where the team stands.
2026 World Cup Preparations
The USMNT will face Japan on September 6 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, followed by a match against South Korea on September 10 at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota. These venues, home to Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota United FC respectively, are fitting backdrops for high-profile clashes that promise to attract large crowds and national attention.
Japan and South Korea are no strangers to the global stage, each having made regular appearances in recent FIFA World Cup tournaments. Japan reached the Round of 16 in the 2022 edition, while South Korea stunned many by advancing to the knockout stage with a dramatic group-stage finale. Their technical style and tactical discipline make them ideal opponents to test the USMNT’s mettle.
RELATED: USMNT sets sights on CONCACAF Gold Cup
USMNT Soccer World Cup 2026 Plans
For head coach Mauricio Pochettino and his staff, these matches serve more than just a tune-up. With no World Cup qualifiers to contend with due to automatic entry as host nation, the USMNT is relying heavily on high-quality friendlies to simulate the intensity of a competitive tournament. Facing Asian powerhouses known for their pace and cohesion offers a rare opportunity to stress-test defensive structures, refine attacking transitions, and assess squad depth.
Moreover, the friendlies fall within the FIFA international window, meaning top European-based US players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun should be available. Their involvement will provide fans and analysts a clearer picture of the team’s potential heading into the soccer World Cup.
World Cup 2026 Betting
From a soccer World Cup betting perspective, these matchups provide early insights into team form, tactical experimentation, and player chemistry. Bettors should pay close attention to lineup choices, substitutions, and in-game adjustments that may hint at Pochettino's World Cup strategies. Performances here could influence early betting lines for the 2026 World Cup and offer value in future markets.
USMNT Building Toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, matches like these become vital checkpoints on the road to potential success. The USMNT must demonstrate growth, resilience, and a clear playing identity if they hope to capitalize on home-field advantage in the most prestigious soccer tournament in the world.
Stay tuned for detailed match previews, World Cup picks, and tactical breakdowns as the US takes on two of Asia's finest in their quest to be ready for the grandest stage of all: the FIFA World Cup.
To give you the most accurate and helpful information, this article has been reviewed and edited by Jason Bevilacqua through our fact-checking process.
Nick Slade, with nearly two decades of experience, is the Chief Content Officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, overseeing content for Dimers. He specializes in soccer, NBA, and NHL betting, leveraging predictive analytics and machine learning to provide accurate betting insights.
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