The US will play Ecuador and Australia in a pair of friendlies in October as a part of its preparation for the 2026 World Cup, U.S. Soccer introduced on Monday.
With no aggressive matches between now and the beginning of World Cup — hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada — in June, the friendlies in opposition to two sides who’ve already certified for the event shall be an important a part of the group’s buildup.
The primary match in opposition to Ecuador shall be on Oct. 10 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, adopted by a second pleasant with Australia on Oct. 14 at Dick’s Sporting Items Park in Commerce Metropolis, Colorado.
Ecuador will make its fifth look in a World Cup subsequent summer season, and Australia is about to make the nation’s sixth consecutive look at FIFA’s world showpiece when video games start on June 11.
Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. aspect, which has already certified as one of many event hosts, is coming off a second-place end to Mexico on this summer season’s Gold Cup after ending a disappointing fourth within the Nations League finals in March.
The U.S. has already scheduled friendlies with South Korea on Sept. 6 in Harrison, New Jersey, and Japan three days later in Columbus, Ohio.
Following the October friendlies, the U.S. can have a pair of exhibitions in each November and March.
Info from The Related Press was used on this story.