USMNT Sets Up Blockbuster Copa America Revenge Match as Final 2025 Tune-Up

In preparation for co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States men's national soccer team is set to face Uruguay, the nation that ended their Copa América campaign in 2024.

This final international friendly of the year is scheduled for November 18 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, the home venue of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Fox Sports on Wednesday. The U.S. Soccer Federation had been in discussions with Brazil but was unable to reach an agreement on scheduling and venue details.

This will mark the first encounter between these nations since July 2024. The USMNT previously faced Uruguay in their final Copa América Group C match, with La Celeste claiming victory. The host team was knocked out of the tournament following this result, having already suffered a defeat to Panama in their previous fixture.

Following this disappointment, Gregg Berhalter was dismissed from his position, making way for Mauricio Pochettino, the experienced manager who previously led Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Tottenham Hotspur. The renowned coach has shown inconsistent results thus far. Despite some encouraging victories in exhibition matches, defeats in the Concacaf Gold Cup final against Mexico and a fourth-place finish in the Concacaf Nations League have marked his inaugural year.

The squad is seeking positive momentum through any available means. With no competitive fixtures remaining before the World Cup, international friendlies represent Pochettino's best chance to prepare his players.

The USMNT will contest two international exhibitions during the September window against South Korea and Japan. Star attacker Christian Pulisic received a call-up for these matches after being absent from the Concacaf Gold Cup during the summer months.

The September roster also features MLS talents Max Arfsten, Matt Freese, Tristan Blackmon, Alex Freeman, Sebastian Berhalter, and Diego Luna. From overseas clubs, players like Tyler Adams, Damion Downs, Tim Weah, Josh Sargent, and Chris Richards make their return. Gio Reyna and Weston McKennie were omitted from the selection.

Prior to the Uruguay match, they will also take on Ecuador and Australia during October.

Uruguay and the USMNT last met in a friendly encounter in 2022 before the Qatar World Cup.