It’s just a matter of time before we witness the new USMNT kick off its new era. Months after their Copa America upset, The Stars and Stripes burned their midnight oil to bring a revolutionary change within by hiring Mauricio Pochettino. Now, the former Chelsea boss is gearing up for his debut game against Panama at the Austin, Texas-based Q2 Stadium.

The two sides last met at the Copa America group stages, where Panama won 2-1 against Gregg Berhalter’s team. Prior to this defeat, Team USA had also lost in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Unfortunately for Panama, they suffered a narrow defeat against Mexico, losing the silverware.

It’s not just a miserable summer campaign that the US Men’s National Team endured. Much after they sacked Gregg Berhalter, Mikey Varas stepped in as interim coach to lead the American boys for the September window clashes. While they endured a 2-1 loss to Canada, New Zealand, held them at 1-1. Hence, it’s clear they aren’t in pretty excellent form.

Meanwhile, Panama is playing a match for the first time since July. Los Canaleros also participated in the 2024 Copa America and made their way out of the group stage. However, they were thrashed 5-0 in the quarter-finals. Hence, Thomas Christiansen and Co. also enter the match in a shaky form.

USMNT vs Panama: Team news

Injuries

Panama

Even though Panama is assembling for a friendly game after a very long time, they luckily don’t seem to have any injuries. The likes of Adalberto Carrasquilla, Anibal Godoy, and Cesar Blackman will be looking to make an impact against the home side.

USMNT

Mauricio Pochettino was forced to drop Folarin Balogun, Johnny Cardoso, and Tim Weah from his first-ever 25-player roster due to their respective injuries. Instead, the Argentinian tactician called up Tanner Tessmann, Brandon Vazquez, and Alejandro Zendejas. Long-time no-see stars include midfielder Gianluca Busio and goalkeeper Zack Steffen.

Predicted lineups

USMNT [4-3-3]: Schulte; Fossey, McKenzie, M. Robinson, A. Robinson; McKennie, Musah, Aaronson; Pulisic, Vazquez, Wright

Panama [5-4-1]: Mosquera; Murillo, Miller, Cordoba, Escobar, Davis; Blackman, Godoy, Carrasquilla, Barcenas; Fajardo

Head-to-head stats and prediction

Total matches played: 27

Won by USMNT: 18

Won by Panama: 5

Draw: 4

The USA has some revenge to take, considering the scoreline of their previous encounter. Even though it’s a friendly, either side would be looking to secure a victory. However, we reckon it will be Mauricio Pochettino and Co. who shall prevail in this one.

The score will be USMNT 1-0 Panama.

Watch USMNT vs Panama on TV Channels and livestream

USMNT vs Panama will kick off at 9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. PT. Fans in the United States can watch the English commentary on TNT, with Telemundo and Universo airing the game in Spanish. Meanwhile, you can catch the action on the livestream via Max for English, while Peacock for Spanish.