The quarterfinal rounds of the CONCACAF Nations League are about to roll away, and high-stakes legs await the USMNT as they go against Jamaica! For Mauricio Pochettino, this match-up serves as the first competitive task as technical director of the U.S. national team. Following a series of mixed results through his friendlies, Pochettino wants nothing less than for his boys to really step up and gather some momentum. Such an important game stands for the U.S. in defending its Nations League title. On the other hand, this game against Jamaica may be the prelude to a new chapter with Pochettino in charge.

Jamaica is looking to proudly reveal their progress under head coach Steve McClaren. The ex-England boss has taken them into two wins and two draws, so the USMNT will present an important first challenge for McClaren. With many key players missing out, both teams still have enough talent to deliver an exciting quarterfinal matchup. At the same time, the U.S. looks to establish its dominance under Pochettino’s leadership. Mauricio Pochettino enters his first official game as USMNT head coach with great anticipation since he faces a rather tough roster situation as well as an outrightly competitive setup for the Nations League.

Expected starting lineups and team news

USMNT

Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Matt Turner
• Defenders: Joe Scally, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson
• Midfielders: Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Malik Tillman
• Forwards: Brenden Aaronson, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic

The USMNT is facing some significant absences. Tyler Adams, who has just returned to action in the Premier League, will not be playing as he is still managing his fitness. Furthermore, key forwards Folarin Balogun, Haji Wright, and Josh Sargent are all out due to injuries, which weakens the U.S. attack. Gio Reyna and Sergiño Dest are also unavailable, and Tim Weah will miss the first leg due to suspension, compounding the team’s difficulties.

Jamaica

Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Andre Blake
• Defenders: Dexter Lembikisa, Mason Holgate, Ethan Pinnock, Greg Leigh
• Midfielders: Joel Latibeaudiere, Kasey Palmer
• Attackers: Romario Williams, Tyreek Magee, Demarai Gray
• Forward: Michail Antonio

Jamaica’s lineup welcomes back Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey, bringing energy to the offense. Unfortunately, Bobby Decordova-Reid will be absent due to limited playing time at Leicester City, but Michail Antonio continues to be an important player.

Head-to-Head stats and recent history

The U.S. has a solid track record against Jamaica in recent years, highlighted by their last encounter, where they won 3-1 in extra time during the Nations League semifinals, thanks to a memorable brace from Haji Wright. With Wright sidelined due to injury, Pochettino’s team will need new players to rise to the occasion against a Jamaican squad that has been improving under Steve McClaren. Jamaica’s head coach is still unbeaten in four matches, and they are eager to put up a strong challenge.

Watch USMNT Vs Jamaica on TV channels and livestream

The first leg of the matchup between the USMNT and Jamaica is scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET, taking place at Independence Park in Kingston. Fans can watch the game live on TNT and truTV, with streaming options available on Sling, Max, and Peacock.