USMNT to face Japan and South Korea in september friendlies ahead of 2026 World Cup

CALIFORNIA: The U.S. men’s national team will take its first steps toward 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations with two high-profile friendlies in early September. The matches mark the start of a new cycle under head coach Mauricio Pochettino as the Americans gear up to co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.

The USMNT, currently ranked No. 16 in the FIFA World Rankings, will face South Korea on September 6 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. Three days later, they will host Japan at Lower.com Field, home of the Columbus Crew.

Japan, ranked No. 14 and the top team in Asia, became the first nation to officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup—aside from the three co-hosts—after clinching a top-two finish in its AFC qualifying group earlier this year. The Samurai Blue are riding a 12-match unbeaten streak and defeated the U.S. 2-0 in their last meeting in 2022.

South Korea, ranked No. 23, is also nearing World Cup qualification and leads its AFC group. The USMNT has not faced the Koreans since 2014.

These matches provide a critical early test for Pochettino’s squad as they begin their road to a home World Cup—an opportunity for redemption after recent Round of 16 exits in 2010, 2014, and 2022.