Overview

• On the eve of Friday’s match in Austin, Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson and Alex Zendejas did not train and could be unavailable, while Tyler Adams is out for the birth of his child.
• Ecuador arrives short of full strength with Moises Caicedo left with his club, though regulars Pervis Estupiñán and Willian Pacho are in the squad.
• Mauricio Pochettino reiterated that no player is guaranteed a 2026 World Cup spot and that selection depends on current performance.
• The October friendlies against Ecuador and Australia mark a phase with a largely first-choice group being evaluated ahead of a home World Cup.
• The staff has added tactical flexibility, including trials of a back three in recent matches versus South Korea and Japan.