USA vs. Uruguay Is More Than Just a Friendly — Here's Why

So it’s possible that we’ll see some highly-charged tackles and explosive moments on Tuesday in Tampa.

With a Win, USA Can Remove Bitter Aftertaste of Copa America Exit

The United States will have the chance to serve a bit of revenge after Uruguay spoiled The Stars and Stripes’ chances of advancing at Copa America 2024.

Back on Jul. 1, 2024, Uruguay snuffed out the Americans’ attacks and won the final group match 1-0. It was one of the most humiliating moments in U.S. soccer history, and head coach Gregg Berhalter was sacked days later.

With Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic , Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Chris Richards all set to miss out, it will be a very different starting XI that locks horns with La Celeste.

If the United States can turn the tables on Tuesday, the sting of their Copa America exit will feel like ancient history.

USMNT Needs More Top Performances From Reyna

Gio Reyna put in a standout performance against Paraguay. It's unclear if he will play on Tuesday.

Pochettino named a heavily rotated USMNT lineup:

Goalkeeper: Matt Freese

Defenders: Sergino Dest, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty

Midfielders: Alex Freeman, Aidan Morris, Sebastian Berhalter, John Tolkin

Forwards: Haji Wright, Timothy Tillman, Diego Luna

Uruguay will go with the following starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Cristopher Fiermarin

Defenders: Matias Vina, Ronald Araujo, Mathias Olivera, Nahitan Nandez

Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur, Giorgian De Arrascaeta

Forwards: Rodrigo Zalazar, Maximiliano Araujo, Federico Vinas

There's been plenty of debate over whether Reyna can establish himself under Pochettino. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder scored a goal and notched an assist in his much-anticipated return to national team duty.

Reyna headed USA ahead in the fourth minute. Striker Folarin Balogun would go on to score the match-winner in the 71st minute.

Mauricio Pochettino described Reyna as “a nightmare for Paraguay” after the match.

Another strong performance from Reyna will be a reminder of his value. The oft-injured midfielder has struggled for fitness at German club Borussia Monchengladbach.

If Reyna keeps popping up with game-changing contributions and shakes off injury concerns, Pochettino would be wise to name him to the Americans’ 2026 World Cup roster.

The match will kick off at 7 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on TNT, TruTV, Universo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Sling Orange, Peacock Premium and Max.