The United States men’s national soccer team is scheduled to face South Korea and Japan in a pair of international friendlies this September, according to an announcement from U.S. Soccer. The first match will take place on September 6 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, while the following encounter is set for September 9 at Lower.com field in Columbus, Ohio. These contests will allow the team and coach Mauricio Pochettino to test their skills against strong opponents, with Japan holding the 15th position and Korea ranked 23rd in the world.
These upcoming games offer a valuable chance for the national squad to build competitive experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup, an event that will be hosted jointly with Canada and Mexico. The encounter against South Korea is especially anticipated because it not only pits the team against a respected rival but also carries sentimental significance for players returning to familiar grounds. Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams will mark a personal milestone at the New Jersey venue, having begun his career with the New York Red Bulls before moving overseas. He explained that playing at Sports Illustrated Stadium in his native country is particularly memorable, as it signifies his return since leaving for European opportunities. Adams regards the match as a moment to gather support from devoted fans and to solidify the squad’s preparations for the major tournament ahead.
Facing South Korea is set to add intrigue to the team’s schedule as it continues to build on its historical record. Past encounters show the U.S. tallying two wins, three losses, and two draws against the Korean side. In a meeting held on February 1, 2014, in Carson, California, Chris Wondolowski scored twice, leading the team to a 2-0 victory. A memorable game during the 2002 World Cup featured a goal by Clint Mathis paired with an important save by Brad Friedel, resulting in a 1-1 draw that proved critical in the group stage.
US and Japan have met rarely since their first meeting in 1993. In a 2006 friendly in San Francisco, Taylor Twellman scored and assisted to help the team win 3-2. A pre-2022 contest in Düsseldorf ended in a 2-0 victory for Japan.
Before the September friendlies, the national team will compete in the summer Gold Cup. They will face opponents including Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti in the group stage. This tournament will serve as a practical proving ground for player evaluations and tactical adjustments in anticipation of the looming World Cup on home soil next year.
Alongside the U.S. schedule, Mexico has disclosed its match plan, with fixtures against Japan on June 6 and against South Korea a few days later at a venue that has yet to be announced. These games have generated interest as teams in the region refine their lineups and strategies in preparation for the upcoming global competition.
All players remain committed as tournaments approach.
