USA vs Mexico friendly set for Glendale with Nations League implications

The United States and Mexico face off Saturday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, in a friendly that doubles as preparation for the 2026 Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Both teams have already qualified for the last eight and will use the October FIFA dates for additional matches, with Mexico playing Chile in Los Angeles on October 6.

More than 60,000 fans are expected, the vast majority supporting Mexico, creating what U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino compared to starting "down 1-nil" — similar to the 2025 Gold Cup final in Houston where Mexico won its 13th title. The U.S. has not played a competitive match outside its borders since automatically qualifying as 2026 World Cup co-hosts.

“It's going to be an adverse crowd, tough conditions to play in. But that's something we embrace.”

Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. Central Mexico time. In Mexico, the match airs on Canal 5, Azteca 7, Prime Video, and Claro Sports Premium on YouTube, the latter requiring a 59-peso monthly subscription. This is Rafael Marquez's third match as Mexico head coach.

Since their last meeting, both nations hosted 2026 World Cup round-of-16 matches and lost: Belgium beat the U.S. 4-1 in Seattle and England edged Mexico 3-2 at Estadio Azteca. The rivals have split the four Nations League editions, with the U.S. winning the first three and Mexico taking the most recent.