USMNT Kicks Off 2025 Campaign with Friendly Against Venezuela

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (USMNT) opened its 2025 campaign with a friendly match against Venezuela on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Chase Stadium. The match, which kicked off at 3 p.m. ET, marked the first of two January friendlies under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has emphasized building a competitive culture ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Pochettino called in a roster dominated by Major League Soccer (MLS) players, with only one exception: Matko Miljevic, who now plays professionally in Argentina. Miljevic, previously with CF Montréal, had his contract terminated after playing in a local amateur league under a false name. He is among 10 players in the January camp seeking their first USMNT cap.

The match was broadcast on TNT, with pregame coverage starting at 2:30 p.m. ET. Spanish-language coverage was available on Telemundo and Universo, while streaming options included Max and Peacock.

Pochettino has used the January camp to instill his philosophy, focusing on intensity and cultural identity. “When you play for the national team, you need to feel something in your skin and inside yourself,” Pochettino said. “The way Argentine players compete, when you lose a ball, you cry. When you lose a game, you spend maybe one week in your room. It’s how you defend your patch, your flag.”

The USMNT roster featured a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Goalkeepers included Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids) and Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), while defenders such as Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC) and Tim Ream (Charlotte FC) provided leadership. Midfielders like Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami CF) and forwards such as Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps FC) rounded out the squad.

Several players, including Drake Callender, Jesús Ferreira, and Jalen Neal, departed the camp early due to fitness concerns or personal reasons. Ferreira and Neal recently joined new clubs, making their absence a missed opportunity for integration into Pochettino’s system.

Pochettino described the camp as akin to a club preseason, with a focus on preparing players for upcoming competitions like the Concacaf Nations League and the Gold Cup. “It’s an opportunity for players to take this opportunity and run with it,” he said.

The USMNT will face Costa Rica in its second friendly on Wednesday, Jan. 22, as part of its preparation for the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico.