Preview: USA vs. South Korea – Predictions, Team News, and Lineup Insights

Preview: USA vs. South Korea – International Friendly

For the first time in over a decade, the USA and South Korea will meet on the international stage, set to clash at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday. With both teams looking to bounce back from disappointing summer campaigns—where the Yanks lost to Mexico in the Gold Cup final and the Koreans fell short against Japan in the East Asian Cup final—this friendly encounter promises to be an engaging affair.

Match Preview

As we edge closer to the 2026 World Cup, urgency mounts for both teams to experiment with lineups and build chemistry. USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino, seeking his ideal squad, has opted for a mostly experienced lineup, featuring only four uncapped players. This strategic choice reflects his determination to solidify the team ahead of the World Cup.

Historically, the USA has performed strongly on home soil recently, winning five out of their last six matches in the States. A notable statistic shows that since drawing 1-1 with Wales during the 2022 World Cup, the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) has triumphed in all 16 international fixtures when leading at halftime. This stellar home performance also includes an unbeaten streak against Asian teams, where they have not conceded a single goal in their last five encounters.

Conversely, while South Korea has a glittering World Cup history, including a successful qualification for the upcoming tournament, they face a different challenge. Head coach Hong Myung-Bo is utilizing this friendly to assess lesser-known players. Out of this squad, a dozen have fewer than 10 caps, with a keen eye on developing future talent.

A recent disappointing loss to Japan ended a 16-match unbeaten run across all competitions for South Korea. However, their sheer tenacity in defense remains noteworthy, with only one goal conceded in their last five games leading up to this friendly. South Korea is also on an impressive run, being unbeaten in their last eight matches on foreign soil, securing victories in the most recent two without conceding.

Team News

On the US side, several players are returning from injury, adding fresh strength to the lineup. Sergino Dest makes his return after an ACL injury, alongside Folarin Balogun, who is back after a shoulder issue. The team’s catalyst, Christian Pulisic, is also reintegrated after being rested for the Gold Cup.

The New York/New Jersey connection comes alive, with prominent US players Tyler Adams and Timothy Weah having roots in the New York Red Bulls Academy. Notably, Josh Sargent is off to a flying start in the Championship this season, leading the league with five goals.

On the South Korean front, Jens Castrop stands out as the only player without prior appearances for the senior squad. There is an exciting array of talent, as several players close in on personal milestones—Lee Jae-sung is just two games away from hitting 100 caps, while Kim Min-jae is one shy of 70.

Son Heung-min, now playing in the MLS for Los Angeles FC, remains a pivotal figure, topping the scoring charts in World Cup qualifiers. Expect the likes of Hyeon-gyu and Jae-sung to provide significant attacking threats in this upcoming encounter.

Possible Lineups

USA’s Likely Starting XI:

• Freese (GK)
• Dest, Richards, Ream, Arfsten
• Adams, McGlynn
• Zendejas, Pulisic, Weah
• Sargent

South Korea’s Likely Starting XI:

• Seung-gyu (GK)
• Young-woo, Min-jae, Jun-soo, Myung-jae
• Yong-woo, Min-woo
• Kang-in, Jun-ho
• Heung-min, Hyeon-gyu

Predictions

With both teams fielding a wealth of attacking talent, this match could very well be a spirited encounter. Sports Mole predicts a thrilling draw, with both sides settling at 2-2, reflecting their offensive capabilities and the desire to make an impactful performance as they prepare for the World Cup.

This friendly presents an essential opportunity for players to showcase their skills and make a case for selection ahead of the global tournament that awaits. Spectators can expect a nail-biting matchup that intertwines national pride with the excitement of international competition.