AUSTIN, Texas — Mauricio Pochettino’s journey in preparing the U.S. men’s national soccer team for the 2026 World Cup has faced significant challenges.
With missed opportunities to secure trophies and some worrying performances, it has been a difficult road. However, on Friday night, even with star forward Christian Pulisic sidelined for most of the match due to an ankle issue, the Americans showcased a promising turnaround.
While the game against Ecuador ended in a 1-1 draw, it marked a positive step for the U.S. team. They demonstrated clear tactical intent, played with commitment and energy, and generated numerous goal-scoring chances against a resilient defense.
Folarin Balogun equalized in the 71st minute after Enner Valencia had given Ecuador the lead in the first half.
“The response was very good,” Pochettino remarked. “We maintained our style of play.”
The team carried its momentum from last month’s 2-0 win over Japan, showing confidence in a formation featuring three center backs and two wing backs, a shift from the traditional four-man defense.
Throughout the match, the Americans were proactive and ambitious in their play—an encouraging sign after a year filled with inconsistency.
“It was a very serious and professional performance,” Pochettino added. “We need to fine-tune some details, but this is how we want to compete. Showing that passion and intensity, as we did today, is key.”
Pochettino praised his players as “brave” and highlighted their “animation” on the pitch.
Balogun’s equalizer was set up by a high press from Malik Tillman that forced a turnover. Tim Weah connected with Tanner Tessmann, who then found Tillman. Tillman sent in a low cross, allowing Balogun to finish decisively from close range.
The U.S. will now travel to Denver to face another World Cup-bound team, Australia, on Tuesday. Following that match, their schedule includes home games against Paraguay and Uruguay next month, as well as two home fixtures in March leading up to the World Cup roster selection in May.
Pochettino fielded seven of his usual starters against Ecuador, including goalkeeper Matt Freese, defenders Chris Richards and Tim Ream, wing backs Weah and Max Arfsten, and midfielders Tillman and Balogun.
Weston McKennie and Tessmann made their first appearances since the Nations League finals in March, alongside Aidan Morris, who last played under Pochettino nearly a year ago. Defender Miles Robinson made his first start since a June friendly against Türkiye.
World Cup veteran Antonee Robinson returned to the squad but did not play due to an injury, while forward Alex Zendejas also missed the match because of a knee issue and will return to Club América, according to Pochettino.
The absence of these players added to the already significant list of unavailable team members, including right back Sergiño Dest and midfielder Tyler Adams, who were not eligible for selection last week.
Ecuador, preparing for their second consecutive World Cup and fifth overall, arrived in Austin after an impressive qualifying campaign, finishing just behind Argentina in the South American standings. They closed the qualifiers with a strong record of 8-2-8 and conceded only five goals.
Throughout the final stretch of qualifying, Ecuador achieved 10 shutouts, presenting a formidable challenge to a U.S. attack looking to find its rhythm.
Like Pochettino, Ecuador’s coach Sebastián Beccacece faced difficult player decisions due to their own Tuesday match against Mexico in Guadalajara.
The Ecuadorian lineup featured notable players such as AC Milan’s Pervis Estupiñán, Paris Saint-Germain’s Willian Pacho, and the all-time leading scorer Enner Valencia, with many starters also having played in the match against Argentina.
The first half of the match was dynamic, with both teams creating opportunities as the pace of play increased. Tillman and Balogun connected well in midfield, with Balogun nearly scoring from an angled shot.
However, the U.S. defense started to falter against Ecuador’s counter-attacks, leading to a yellow card for Richards as he halted a breakaway.
Despite continued pressure from the U.S., Ecuador capitalized in the 24th minute when Jordy Alcívar’s pass found Valencia, who showcased his speed and skill to score with a low shot into the far corner.
Unfazed, the Americans continued to seek high-quality chances but were repeatedly denied by Ecuador’s goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez, who made two crucial saves; one from a Richards shot that hit the post and another from a deflected effort by Arfsten.
After a slow start to the second half, Pochettino substituted in Diego Luna and Alex Freeman, two emerging talents who made a noticeable difference.
The intensity of the game increased. Following the U.S. substitutions, Pulisic entered the match in the 73rd minute. Freese made an impressive save on a cross that could have given Ecuador an advantage.
The U.S. maintained their energy into stoppage time. Although they couldn’t find another goal, the performance was reassuring for Pochettino and his squad.
“I believe we improved in the second half,” Pochettino concluded. “I think we dominated the game, and that’s how we want to continue.”