The United States Men’s National team continue their preparations for the 2022 World Cup with a friendly against Uruguay in Kansas City on Sunday.
Gregg Berhalter’s will confront the Conmebol side after comfortably beat Morocco 3-0 in midweek thanks to goals from Brenden Aaronson, Tim Weah, and Haji Wright. But this Sunday’s match will be an even bigger test, with Uruguay ranked 13th in the world and enjoying a five-game winning run – most recently crushing Mexico 3-0 on Thursday.
There’s plenty for both sides to learn, so read on for team news, broadcast details, head-to-head records, and more:
When is kick-off? Sunday, 5 June, 5pm (EST)
Where is it being played? Children’s Mercy Park
What TV channel is it on? Fox Network & TUDN USA (USA), Star+ (Uruguay)
Highlights? US Soccer YouTube channel
Weston McKennie made a return to action from the bench against Morocco after recovering from a broken foot. Asking him to start this one may be a push but he’ll look to get more minutes.
Though Uruguay will be a tough test, Berhalter may well rotate his starting XI to give more players minutes and chances to prove themselves as the World Cup looms.
USMNT predicted XI: Turner; Yedlin, Zimmerman, Carter-Vickers, Robinson; Acosta, Musah, De la Torre; Arriola, Ferreira, Pulisic.
Luis Suarez was not included on Diego Alonso’s roster for this group of friendlies. Former LAFC forward Diego Rossi will be a familiar face for American fans and will likely start for Uruguay after some strong form for Fenerbahce.
Edinson Cavani once again proved he can still cut it at this level, scoring twice against Mexico in the week.
Uruguay predicted XI: Rochet; Vina, Araujo, Godin, Varela; Vecino, Torreira; Rossi, Valverde, de Arrascaeta; Cavani.
This will be the seventh meeting between these nations, with the United States enjoying a very favorable record against Uruguay over the years.
To date, the USMNT have lost just once to La Celeste, winning twice and drawing the other three. That sole defeat came in the 1996 Copa America – the only competitive meeting between the two nations.
USA wins: 2
Uruguay wins: 1
Draws: 3
With both sides enjoying 3-0 wins in midweek, confidence will be high going into this match.
There will be rotation as Berhatler and Alonso look to move a step closer to figuring out their best XIs with the clock ticking on the World Cup, but it’s a game both will want to win to prove a point.
Ultimately, the US need to experiment more than Uruguay, who are packed full of firepower despite not bringing Suarez into this camp. Their attacking prowess should just win out.
Prediction: USMNT 1-2 Uruguay
