Overview
- With nine changes from the Paraguay win, the United States overwhelmed Uruguay in Tampa as Alex Freeman scored twice and Sebastian Berhalter, Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann added goals.
- Mauricio Pochettino rejected talk of entrenched starters in a tense news conference, saying, “I am the USA coach, not the janitor,” and insisting no player has a guaranteed place.
- Analyses after the window identified risers such as Freeman and Berhalter and flagged concerns for Yunus Musah and Johnny Cardoso given limited recent involvement and club minutes.
- Marcelo Bielsa called the defeat “ashamed” in a lengthy Montevideo briefing but said federation leaders affirmed that his project will continue through the 2026 World Cup.
- The U.S., already qualified as a co-host, next reconvenes in March 2026, with selection clarity expected to evolve following December’s group-stage draw in Washington, D.C.