USMNT Faces Costa Rica in Crucial Friendly Ahead of 2026 World Cup

ORLANDO, Fla. — The U.S. men’s national soccer team (USMNT) will face Costa Rica in an international friendly Wednesday night at Inter&Co Stadium, marking the final match of their January camp. The game, set to kick off at 7 p.m. ET, will be broadcast on TNT, truTV, Universo, Max, Peacock, and Fútbol de Primera Radio.

This match serves as a critical opportunity for a young and inexperienced USMNT squad to impress head coach Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The team, composed primarily of MLS players, is looking to build momentum after a 3-1 victory over Venezuela on Saturday.

Several players have already made their mark during the camp. Jack McGlynn, Matko Miljevic, and Patrick Agyemang scored their first international goals in the win against Venezuela, showcasing their potential. However, others are still vying for their chance to shine.

The starting lineup for Wednesday’s match includes Zack Steffen in goal, with Miles Robinson, Walker Zimmerman, Tim Ream (captain), and DeJuan Jones anchoring the defense. The midfield features Emeka Eneli and Benjamin Cremaschi, while Indiana Vassilev, Diego Luna, and Brian Gutiérrez lead the attack. Brian White will start as the forward.

Substitutes include Patrick Schulte, Matt Freese, Patrick Agyemang, Matko Miljevic, Max Arfsten, Jack McGlynn, Shaq Moore, George Campbell, and Caden Clark. The unchanged roster highlights the coaching staff’s focus on evaluating this group’s potential.

Wednesday’s match is more than just a friendly; it’s a stepping stone for players aiming to secure their spots on the national team. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, every performance counts. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who rises to the occasion.