Following a disappointing performance in the Concacaf Nations League, the United States Men`s National Team is back in action with a friendly match against Turkiye. This game serves as a warm-up for the upcoming Gold Cup, which is scheduled to begin in just over a week.
This international window is somewhat unusual, impacted by the Club World Cup and scheduled rest for players, which has resulted in coach Mauricio Pochettino selecting a depleted squad. Several key regular players, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Sergino Dest, Gio Reyna, and Folarin Balogun, will not be available for this fixture.
Turkiye is ranked 27th in the FIFA standings, making them one of the stronger opponents the USMNT has faced recently. With a U.S. squad primarily drawn from Major League Soccer, this match will provide a significant test of Pochettino`s tactical approach.
Match Details: How to Watch
- Date: Saturday, June 7 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Pratt & Whitney Stadium — East Hartford, Connecticut
- TV: TNT | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
- Odds: USMNT +165; Draw +220; Türkiye +145
Last Encounter
The two national teams last played each other in 2014 in a friendly game held as preparation for the World Cup in Brazil. The United States won that match before going on to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup, where they were eliminated by Belgium in extra time. Notably, Hakan Calhanoglu, who came on as a substitute for Turkiye in that 2014 game, is expected to be in the starting lineup for the upcoming match and will play a vital role in their midfield.
Coach`s Perspective
With numerous players new to the international setup included in the squad, coach Pochettino was asked whether the team is equipped to win these preparatory matches before the Gold Cup. He dismissed the idea of judging the team`s capability prematurely.
“I think we need to respect the players that are here. We need to respect every single player and see if we are good enough,” Pochettino commented. “I will let you know after. We weren`t good enough to win the Nations League. We were not good enough, if we go back to the World Cup, we were not good enough to win the World Cup in 2022. I think we cannot judge or analyze in this way. I think we need to wait, and then if we win, so happy. If we don`t win, you can criticize.”
While his assessment of previous results is accurate, this marks the longest training camp Pochettino has had with the team since taking over in September 2024. This extended period offers a significant opportunity for tactical development and breakthroughs. Should the team fail to show improvement and the ability to win these types of matches after this dedicated time with the coach, it could raise questions about the squad`s potential ceiling.
Midfield Outlook
The inclusion of camp newcomers Sebastian Berhalter and Quinn Sullivan provides Pochettino with fresh options in the midfield. Sullivan has prior experience with U.S. youth national teams, primarily as a winger, although he has been utilized in central positions for his club side. With other midfielders like Jack McGlynn, Luca De La Torre, Malik Tillman, Diego Luna, and Tyler Adams also available, Pochettino has considerable flexibility in choosing his midfield setup for this friendly. The selections made could potentially carry weight for future World Cup squad considerations.
Predicted Lineups
USMNT: Matt Turner, John Tolkin, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Nathan Harriel, Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso, Diego Luna, Malik Tillman, Patrick Agyemang, Haji Wright
Türkiye: Ugurcan Cakir, Mert Muldur, Samet Akaydin, Caglar Soyuncu, Mustafa Eskihellac, Salih Ozcan, Hakan Calhanoglu, Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz, Baris Tilmaz, Kerem Akturkoglu
Player to Watch
John Tolkin, Holstein Kiel: Although this is Tolkin`s first USMNT camp since his club faced relegation from the Bundesliga, he delivered solid performances for Holstein Kiel after joining them in January. With Antonee Robinson absent, Tolkin has a chance to potentially earn the starting left-back role for the USMNT, a position currently lacking a clear backup. As building depth in multiple positions is crucial for the USMNT`s aspirations in the 2026 World Cup, addressing the left-back depth behind Robinson is a critical objective.
Key Storyline
What Level of Performance Will We See? The primary question surrounding this match is which version of the USMNT will show up. If the team plays with the same intensity and effectiveness seen in their disappointing Concacaf Nations League matches against Panama and Canada, it is unlikely they will secure a positive result against Turkiye. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, failing to improve cannot happen, as it would inevitably lead to further questions about Pochettino`s leadership. While winning this friendly may not be the absolute priority, a significantly improved performance compared to recent outings is certainly necessary.
Prediction
In what is expected to be a tightly contested match with both teams employing pressing tactics, the outcome is likely to be a draw. The game should still be eventful, with Arda Guler potentially finding the net for Turkiye before Brian White comes off the bench to help the USMNT salvage a tie. Although it may not be a display of beautiful football, securing a draw against a ranked opponent could be a confidence-building step for this squad. Predicted Score: USMNT 1, Turkiye 1
Adrian Whitmore