The current vibes around the US men’s national team could hardly be higher.
The Yanks are fresh off convincing wins over South American adversaries Peru and Chile while welcoming a host of newcomers, most of them baby-faced MLS teenagers whose talent and vigor have headed off any semblance of second-cycle syndrome under returning head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Now it gets real, though.
After swings through Orlando and St. Louis in this supersized FIFA international window, the USMNT have touched down in the Arizona desert for a Saturday night showdown with border rivals Mexico (10 pm ET | TNT, HBO Max, Telemundo, Universo, Peacock).
“It's never friendly, and I think everyone knows that,” midfielder Sebastian Berhalter said after Tuesday’s 4-2 defeat of Chile at Energizer Park.
“Mexico's a different deal, and we’ve got to be ready for that.”
Kings of Concacaf
Traditionally the region’s biggest fixture, USA vs. Mexico is a litmus test for any player, a reliably antagonistic occasion whatever the setting, where the result could instantly crimp the mood or send excitement into the stratosphere. The marquee attraction: rising teenage talents Gilberto Mora and Cavan Sullivan, their nations’ great hopes in the wake of a home World Cup that left both fanbases wanting more.
“Any situation, whenever we play Mexico, whether it's a [World Cup] qualifier, a friendly, Gold Cup, Nations League, it’s always seen as a must-win game,” fullback Antonee ‘Jedi’ Robinson told reporters on Thursday. “It feels like a cup final. We’ve got a lot of boys who’ve never experienced that at this level who get to see it for the first time.”
The grin on defender Chris Richards’ face was unmistakable when this match was brought up following the final whistle in STL, moments after the USMNT made a point to confront La Roja en masse after an incident involving Leandro Hernández and Nashville SC's Brian Schwake, perhaps a timely preview of the bad blood likely to bubble with El Tri.
“You saw the family atmosphere that we have throughout the team, and obviously everybody knows from the youth national teams up to the seniors that now Mexico is a big game,” said Crystal Palace’s FC Dallas product. “Ultimately, it's going to be really fun to see these young guys get involved in a real Mexico game.”
Big rivalry clashes
Pochettino has constantly emphasized commitment and fighting spirit since he took the US helm, harking back to his experiences as an accomplished Argentina international at the turn of the century.
And the USMNT could ask for no better opportunity to demonstrate those qualities than their next two games: After El Tri, a faceoff with ascendant Canada, a noisy neighbor eager to muscle in on the action, looms on Tuesday at Minnesota United FC's Allianz Field.
“The group of players we have is built on principles of humility, sacrifice and mutual support,” said Poch in Spanish on Tuesday, “knowing that if I’m playing, my teammates are there for me, and if I’m not, I’m there to support them. Nothing is bigger than what the team represents. That creates a great atmosphere.
“We have to keep that going against Mexico and Canada. It’s a great opportunity to keep growing, regardless of the specific results. The most important thing, I believe, is the experience we’re gaining together and what we’re learning from the players who are competing for the first or second time.”
Home-field advantage?
As is usually the case across large swathes of the United States, Mexico supporters are likely to dominate the crowd at State Farm Stadium, the El Tri diaspora showing itself to be strong as ever in 1-1 draws vs. Colombia and Peru in Baltimore and New Jersey.
“It’s going to be an adverse crowd and tough conditions to play in. But that’s something we embrace and thrive in,” said Jedi. “We look forward to stepping out there, and whoever’s put out on the team is going to want to show what they can do, show what it means to play for this country and show what it means to try and beat Mexico.
“We like the adversity that comes with that,” he added. “We love when we score and we’re getting beer thrown at us and things like that, it’s a great feeling. So hopefully that's something we emulate this camp.”
Now led by former Red Bull New York Designated Player Rafa Márquez, El Tri have won the last two installments of a rivalry that dates back to 1934: last year's Concacaf Gold Cup final and a 2-0 friendly result at Chivas Guadalajara's Estadio Akron in 2024, the second match of Pochettino’s USMNT tenure.
