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The U.S. men's national team will host both legs of its Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal matchup against Haiti on American soil during the November international window.
Concacaf granted Haiti's request to relocate the first leg to Inter Miami's Nu Stadium, as part of a broader arrangement allowing the country to stage its "home" Concacaf fixtures on the territory of its opponent.
Haiti has been unable to host matches within its own borders since July 2021, following the assassination of president Jovenel Moïse. Ongoing political instability created dangerous conditions, and in March 2024, armed gangs seized control of the Stade Sylvio Cator, Haiti's national stadium.
Since that time, Haiti has been staging matches across the Caribbean. Its fixture against the USMNT on Nov. 14 was originally scheduled to take place in Kingston, Jamaica, but the Haitian Football Federation (FHF) sought permission to designate "home" venues in North or Central America instead.
"Under this special arrangement, the FHF may be allowed to play its designated home matches in Concacaf-sanctioned competitions on the territory of its opponents, rather than being restricted to the Caribbean region as outlined under current regulations," Concacaf stated.
"This flexibility will remain active for as long as the security situation in Haiti continues. However, each match will require individual approval from the Concacaf Administration, consent from the respective opposing Member Association, and confirmation that the chosen host stadium fully meets Concacaf's stadium requirements."
A Welcomed Advantage for the USMNT
The Stars and Stripes will now play both legs of their quarterfinal tie in front of home supporters. They will open the November international window against Haiti in Miami before traveling to Cincinnati for the second leg on Nov. 17.
This extends a remarkable run on home soil for Mauricio Pochettino's side. They have played 32 straight matches in the U.S. over the past two years, and by the time the next window concludes, that tally will rise to 34.
The USMNT has benefited from hosting the 2025 Gold Cup and co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, as well as staging the 2024–25 Concacaf Nations League finals.
The last time the Stars and Stripes played in front of a hostile crowd was on Nov. 14, 2024, when they faced Jamaica in Kingston for the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. That match, which ended in a 1–0 victory for the Americans, was only the third game of Pochettino's tenure.
The Argentine coach has since grown very accustomed to playing on U.S. soil, and his squad has reaped the rewards. During the September-October international break, the USMNT swept all four of its friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada, buoyed by passionate crowds across the nation.
USMNT to Close Out 2026 With One Last Friendly
The November international break will mark the final competitive action for the USMNT this year, and will also represent the last appearances for many of the team's key players before the calendar turns to 2027.
However, a December camp is planned, during which the Stars and Stripes will face Jamaica at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. As there is no official December international break, American players based at European clubs will be unavailable for selection.
Pochettino will instead field a squad made up of MLS players for the international friendly on Dec. 13. Emerging talents who impressed during the fall friendlies could return to the Argentine's setup, including Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall, and Justin Ellis.
Those still competing in the MLS Cup playoffs, however, will remain with their respective clubs in pursuit of the title.
"As we continue to develop our group, this is a fantastic opportunity to work with many of the MLS players and potentially introduce some new faces," Pochettino said. "Jamaica is the kind of opponent we could encounter in upcoming competitions including World Cup qualifying, so this is a valuable opportunity and experience for these players.
"Of course, we love playing in Fort Lauderdale and enjoying the incredible support from the fans in that area."
Amanda Langell is a writer and editor for SI FC. Born and raised in New York City, her earliest passions were the Yankees, the Rangers, and Broadway before Real Madrid took over her world. Had it not been for her brother's obsession with Cristiano Ronaldo, she would never have experienced so many unforgettable Champions League nights from 3,600 miles away from the Bernabéu. When she's not immersed in Spanish and European football, she's traveling, reading, or losing her voice at a concert.