USMNT projected lineup vs Mexico: Who starts rivalry match vs. El Tri? - USA Today

The U.S. men's national team looks to make it three of three wins in the post-World Cup era on Saturday, Oct. 3, as it faces arch-rival Mexico in Glendale, Arizona.

The USMNT beat Peru 4-1 in Orlando on Saturday, Sept. 26, then followed that win up with a 4-2 triumph over Chile three days later in St. Louis.

Mauricio Pochettino has brought in a number of new faces as he looks to evaluate some of the country's best young prospects. The USMNT coach has already given 12 players their first caps in this window, eight of whom are teenagers.

With one more game to come against Canada, Pochettino will likely aim to rotate his squad again. But the Argentine native will also have some extra motivation to put out a strong team.

Pochettino went into his first match against Mexico in October 2024 with the USMNT carrying a seven-game unbeaten run against El Tri, the longest run in program history. But the U.S. lost that match as well as Pochettino's second game against Mexico, the 2025 Gold Cup final. Pochettino will be in no mood to make it three consecutive defeats.

The coach's choice at goalkeeper will be interesting, with all four of his rostered goalkeepers (Matt Freese, Diego Kochen, Chris Brady, Brian Schwake) having played one half in the first two games.

Defensive lynchpin Chris Richards could be in line for his first start of the window after coming off the bench to score the winner against Chile.

Pochettino will also have to decide whether to give teenage star Cavan Sullivan the start. Sullivan started against Peru before an electric cameo off the bench against Chile.

Julian Hall could also get the nod up top after becoming the youngest player in USMNT history to score in both of his first appearances for the team.