It’s been a few long months since the 2026 World Cup, but the USMNT is finally back in action on Saturday. Mauricio Pochettino will lead the Americans against Peru on Saturday afternoon in Orlando. The Peruvians failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, so they aren’t the toughest test for the USMNT. However, that makes them a good opponent for the U.S. to ease back into international play at the start of a new cycle.
Pochettino brings a young roster to the September-October window. While there are 13 players who were on the 2026 World Cup roster, there are also 13 uncapped players, including eight teenagers. That should make this match a little unpredictable, as several players will undoubtedly be making their international debut. Nevertheless, it’s an exciting time for U.S. soccer, with Pochettino leading his team into a new cycle with an eye on the 2030 World Cup.
USMNT vs Peru key match information
When is kickoff? Saturday, September 26, 2026
What time is kickoff? 4:30 PM (ET)
Where is it played? Inter.co Stadium - Orlando, Florida
How to watch USMNT vs Peru
This game will be available on TNT and HBOMax in English. It’ll also be broadcast on Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock in Spanish.
USMNT vs Peru head-to-head record
Matches played: 7
United States wins: 3. Draws: 2. Peru wins: 2
USMNT vs Peru: Previous 3 meetings
February 16, 2000: USA 1-0 Peru. CONCACAF Gold Cup. Miami, Florida.
September 4, 2015: USA 2-1 Peru. Friendly. Washington D.C.
October 16, 2018: USA 1-1 Peru. Friendly. East Hartford, Connecticut.
USMNT vs Peru match preview
The new cycle is set to begin with a lot of mystery for the USMNT. With the likes of Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie, and others not involved in the squad, the U.S. is far from full strength. That’s not to say Pochettino will roll out a weak or experimental team. But the USMNT is bound to rely on a vast collection of inexperienced players. Plus, with Ricardo Pepi getting hurt right before the break and Malik Tillman looking sluggish early in the Bundesliga season, scoring goals could be a challenge.
A new cycle commences. 🇺🇸
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 17, 2026
Mauricio Pochettino has called up 28 players for a four-match window in September & October! #USMNT x @ouraring pic.twitter.com/ChaoDynJyj
Of course, Peru doesn’t exactly pose a big challenge. Granted, they beat World Cup participant Haiti 2-1 back in June. They also played a reasonably competitive 3-1 game with eventual World Cup champions Spain right before the World Cup. The Peruvians also bring a veteran squad to compete with the upstart Americans. Peru has three players with over 100 international caps, including attacking midfielders Yoshimar Yotun and Andre Carillo, as well as longtime goalie Pedro Gallese.
In the end, the USMNT should have enough talent to secure a positive result, even if the Americans are lacking experience. Most of Peru’s roster plays in the country’s domestic league, which is not considered among the best in South America. They have just one player from a big-five league in Europe, and a handful of players who play in either a second-tier European League or MLS. The Peruvians will be feisty, which will give the U.S. a good test, but over 90 minutes, the USMNT’s talent advantage will be too much.
Prediction: United States 2-1 Peru
Add us as a preferred source on Google