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There is just one obstacle standing between the U.S. men's national team and an unbeaten fall record: Canada, and more specifically, Jonathan David.
Following three straight wins this fall, highlighted by a dominant 3–0 victory over fierce rival Mexico last weekend, the USMNT is riding high at the start of its exciting new youthful chapter. The Stars and Stripes will aim to complete a flawless four-from-four to close out the fall international window when they face their northern neighbors, another formidable Concacaf opponent.
Tuesday night's fixture at Allianz Field presents one significant threat in particular, according to USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino — a "fantastic striker" for Canada who has the ability to deny his side a perfect finish.
"There is a great combination in his qualities," Pochettino said of David ahead of the match. "Scoring goals with confidence, he is going to be a difficult player for us tomorrow."
The 26-year-old has haunted Pochettino before, preventing him from beating Les Rouges on multiple occasions. In fact, Pochettino has yet to record a single win against Canada since taking charge in 2024.
Jonathan David vs. the USMNT
Pochettino has long been well-acquainted with David's abilities. As the former manager of Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, the Argentine coach admits he always kept a close eye on the gifted striker, who made his name at Lille between 2020–25.
"I know exactly the type of player he is," Pochettino said of the current Atlético Madrid star, on a season-long loan from Juventus. "We were always at different clubs. He was always on our radar as someone we wanted to sign. That is the honest truth.
"And now, watching him in La Liga, at a club like Atlético Madrid, under a manager like Diego Simeone, it is truly fantastic."
Since taking the reins with the Stars and Stripes, Pochettino has unfortunately grown even more acquainted with David's brilliance. The USMNT has fallen in its last two encounters with Canada, both ending 2–1, in September 2024 and March 2025. David scored the decisive goal in both matches; the most recent was a 59th-minute left-footed strike that condemned the USMNT to a disappointing fourth-place finish in the Concacaf Nations League.
"We need to keep our focus on him, of course, because he is one of the best strikers in the world right now," Pochettino added. "Not just here or in Europe, but globally."
The 2024–25 Concacaf Men's Player of the Year has netted 43 goals for Canada across 84 international appearances, making him the country's all-time top scorer. He is currently in excellent form with Atléti, having found the net in each of his last three club outings.
Expected to lead the attack for Canada on Tuesday night, it will most likely fall to USMNT standout center back Chris Richards to keep him quiet. Pochettino will be counting on him to rise to the challenge.