The newly appointed coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team, Mauricio Pochettino, will face a crucial challenge as his squad goes up against their long-time rivals, Mexico, in Zapopan, Mexico, close to Guadalajara, on Tuesday night.

This match is significant as it’s the USMNT’s first friendly in Mexico since 2012, a year that also marks their only victory in 28 matches played in Mexico. That game was held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, while the upcoming match will occur at Estadio Akron, home of Liga MX’s Chivas de Guadalajara.

Pochettino’s era began positively on Saturday when the U.S. won against Panama 2-0 in Austin, Texas, with goals from Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi. However, Pepi is unavailable for the Mexico match, along with key players Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.

YSL News Sports will deliver live updates, highlights, and analysis for the USMNT’s encounter with Mexico on Tuesday evening:

Last-minute lineup adjustment for USMNT

Just before the kickoff, U.S. Soccer announced that Miles Robinson would be taking the place of Mark McKenzie in the starting lineup, though no specific reason for this change was provided.

Opportunities arise with Christian Pulisic absent

The absence of Christian Pulisic is undoubtedly a setback for the USMNT. Nonetheless, the return of Pulisic and four other players to their clubs before the match against Mexico offers a chance for other players to shine under Pochettino’s management.

“It’s a bit disappointing because these players genuinely wanted to contribute and be part of the team,” Pochettino remarked on Monday. “However, as one door closes, another opens. This provides a chance for another player to step up.”

Alongside Pulisic, McKennie, Pepi, Zack Steffen, and Marlon Fossey returned to their clubs for evaluations and treatment of minor injuries. McKennie is a regular starter while Pepi managed to score against Panama after coming on as a substitute in the latter part of the game.

“This is crucial for the remaining players as they now have the chance to play and display their skills,” Pochettino stated.

Malik Tillman is one player benefiting from this situation, making his debut in the starting lineup in place of Pulisic.

“Malik is an extraordinary talent,” Pochettino remarked, comparing him to Dele Alli, whom he coached at Tottenham.

“We need to leverage our experience to motivate him and encourage a competitive spirit. If Malik can compete like (Dele Alli) used to, he certainly has the skillset, talent, and physicality required,” Pochettino explained. “This is meant positively; he is truly an exceptional talent. Our goal is to help him continuously improve because for us, it’s not just enough. He, like Pulisic and other players, needs to keep on evolving. Yes, they are great players, but that’s insufficient. ” — Nancy Armour

USMNT vs. Mexico TV broadcast

The match will be aired on TNT, with pregame discussions starting at 9:30 p.m. ET. Spanish-language coverage is available on TUDN and Univision.

USMNT vs. Mexico live streaming

You can stream the match on Max and Peacock, with pregame airing set for 9:30 p.m. ET. Fubo also offers streaming options.

Location of the USMNT friendly against Mexico

The friendly between Mexico and the USMNT will take place at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, close to Guadalajara, Mexico. This stadium is home to Chivas de Guadalajara, who are 12-time Liga MX champions and twice winners of the Concacaf Champions League.

USMNT starting lineup against Mexico

Pochettino’s second starting lineup closely resembles his first.

Only one change has been made for the match against rivals Mexico in Guadalajara, as Pulisic was granted leave to return to AC Milan for “load management”, leading to Malik Tillman taking his place in the starting 11.

The other ten players remain unchanged, with Matt Turner in goal, and Joe Scally, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, and Antonee Robinson forming the defense. The midfield includes Brenden Aaronson, Yunus Musah, Gianluca Busio, and Aidan Morris, with Josh Sargent playing forward.

The other nine players, available as substitutes, include Pulisic, who, along with McKennie, Pepi, Steffen, and Fossey, returned to their clubs following the 2-0 victory over Panama during Pochettino’s debut. Pulisic assisted Musah’s goal and Pepi scored late in the game after coming off the bench. — Nancy Armour

Mexico starting lineup against USMNT

Christian Pulisic among five absentees for Mexico friendly

Star player Christian Pulisic, alongside Weston McKennie, Marlon Fossey, Ricardo Pepi, and Zack Steffen, will not participate in the friendly match against Mexico.

Pulisic returned to AC Milan for “load management,” with coach Pochettino previously expressing concerns over his extensive playing time.

McKennie, who didn’t play in Saturday’s match against Panama, along with Fossey, Pepi, and Steffen dealing with “minor injuries,” have also headed back to their respective clubs for further assessment.

No new players joined the roster for the match against Mexico to substitute for the players who were unavailable.

Who is on the USMNT roster?

Goalkeepers (4): Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City/Wales), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/England)

Defenders (8): Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege/Belgium), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo/Italy), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/France), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/England), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach/Germany), Auston Trusty (Celtic/Scotland)

Midfielders (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/England), Gianluca Busio (Venezia/Italy), Weston McKennie (Juventus/Italy), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/England), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/Italy), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyonnais/France), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands)

Forwards (6): Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/Italy), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/England), Brandon Vazquez (C.F. Monterrey/Mexico), Haji Wright (Coventry City/England), Alex Zendejas (Club América/Mexico)

Who is on the Mexico roster?

Goalkeepers (3): Luis Malagón (Club América), Guillermo Ochoa (AVS Futebol/Portugal), Raúl Rangel (Chivas de Guadalajara)

Defenders (8): Edson Álvarez (West Ham United/England), Jesús Angulo (Tigres UANL), Bryan González (Pachuca), Rodrigo Huescas (FC Copenhagen/Denmark), César Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow/Russia), Jesús Orozco (Chivas de Guadalajara), Jorge Sánchez (Cruz Azul), Johan Vásquez (Genoa/Italy)

Midfielders (8): Sebastián Córdova (Tigres UANL), Andrés Guardado (León), Érik Lira (Cruz Azul), Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens/Greece), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Luis Romo (Cruz Azul), Marcel Ruiz (Toluca), Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders/USA)

Forwards (7): Roberto Alvarado (Chivas de Guadalajara), Germán Berterame (Monterrey), Ozziel Herrera (Tigres UANL), César Huerta (Pumas UNAM), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham/England), Diego Lainez (Tigres UANL), Guillermo Martínez (Pumas UNAM), Alexis Vega (Toluca)

Why is Seattle Sounders’ Obed Vargas playing for Mexico instead of the USMNT?

Obed Vargas has played for the youth U.S. national teams at both U-20 and U-23 levels, including participating in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, but he opted to switch from the USMNT to represent Mexico at the international stage, a decision approved by FIFA.

This 19-year-old midfielder has shone with the Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer, significantly contributing to their victory in the 2022 Concacaf Champions League.

Vargas has played in two matches this year for Mexico’s U-23 team and has now received his first call-up to the senior national team during this international window, where he may debut against the U.S.

“I really felt like I completed my career,” Vargas expressed last week. “Just getting the call-up and knowing that I’m going to be there. It just felt like I made it.”

Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Vargas makes history as the first Alaskan to play for a men’s senior national soccer team.

Since making his MLS debut in 2021, Vargas has featured in 52 starts and 65 matches with the Sounders. At the time of his debut, he was 15 years and 351 days old, making him the third-youngest player in MLS history, following Freddy Adu and Alphonso Davies, although many players have surpassed that record since then. — Jim Reineking

Who is Mauricio Pochettino?

Mauricio Pochettino was appointed as the new coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team in September, indicating a significant change for the team.

Pochettino, 52, brings a new perspective and an alternative style of play compared to the previous manager, Gregg Berhalter. With a successful history of coaching various clubs in the Premier League and achievements in the Champions League, he offers a level of experience that U.S. Soccer has not previously had available for the USMNT. — Jason Anderson

USMNT 2024 schedule and results

• Jan. 20 (friendly) — Slovenia 1, United States 0
• March 21 (Nations League semifinal) — United States 3, Jamaica 1
• March 24 (Nations League final) — United States 2, Mexico 0
• June 8 (friendly) — Colombia 5, United States 1
• June 12 (friendly) — United States 1, Brazil 1
• June 23 (Copa America) — United States 2, Bolivia 0
• June 27 (Copa America) — Panama 2, United States 1
• July 1 (Copa America) — Uruguay 1, United States 0
• Sept. 7 (friendly) — Canada 2, United States 1
• Sept. 10 (friendly) — United States 1, New Zealand 1
• Oct. 12 (friendly) — United States 2, Panama 0
• Oct. 15 (friendly) — Mexico vs. United States
• Nov. 14 or 15 (Nations League quarterfinal, Leg 1) — United States vs. TBD
• Nov. 18 (Nations League quarterfinal, Leg 2) — United States vs. TBD