USA vs. Ecuador Live Score: USMNT Results, Updates, Highlights, and Stats from October Friendly Match

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As the U.S. Men’s National Team gears up for a highly anticipated international friendly against Ecuador, all eyes are on head coach Mauricio Pochettino. For the first time in months, he has a full-strength roster at his disposal as the team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their match will take place at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, promising fans an exciting evening of soccer this Friday.

Pochettino’s tenure has been anything but smooth, marked by heavy scrutiny regarding both his tactics and player selections. Amidst the challenges, he maintains a hopeful outlook, stating that the USMNT is on track for its most impressive exhibition yet on home soil next summer during the World Cup.

Following a disappointing exit in the CONCACAF Nations League last March, Pochettino made significant alterations to the roster. He opted to bring in fringe players during the summer Gold Cup, where the team finished as runners-up to Mexico, in a bid to foster genuine competition among players and identify the future core of the team.

With key players now back, including some who were previously sidelined or underperforming, fans have renewed optimism. This match against Ecuador, currently ranked 24th worldwide, presents a critical opportunity to gauge how these returning talents can galvanize the squad as the countdown to the World Cup begins.

Ecuador stunned many by finishing second in their World Cup qualifying standings, overcoming a points deduction at the outset of the qualifying cycle. Hence, they will not be an easy opponent for the USMNT to face on Friday evening.

USA vs. Ecuador score

Location: Q2 Stadium (Austin, TX)
Referee: TBA

Starting lineups (predicted):

USA (3-4-2-1, right to left): Turner (GK) — Richards, Carter-Vickers, Ream — Weah, McKennie, Tessman, Arfsten — Tillman, Pulisic — Balogun

Ecuador (4-4-1-1, right to left): Galindez (GK) — Preciado, Arreaga, Pacho, Estupinan — Franco, Alcivar, Vite, Angulo — Paez — Valencia

USMNT HQ: Predicted World Cup roster | 2025 schedule and results | How World Cup draw will work

USA vs. Ecuador Live Updates, Highlights

1 hour 15 mins to kick: The goalkeeper situation is a noteworthy subplot in this friendly, with Matt Turner, the established starter, facing competition from emerging talent Matt Freese. As Turner returns to MLS from a stint in Europe, the opportunity for both keepers to stake their claim on the starting position becomes critical.

Matt Turner went across the pond with no kids and returned home to the @NERevolution with a full family. ❤️

Watch “Off The Ball” now: https://t.co/vY9XAIiZHn pic.twitter.com/KUNHNeGJdR

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 10, 2025

1 hour 30 mins to kick: While autumn temperatures descend across much of the U.S., Austin remains warm, with kickoff temperatures expected to hover around 85 degrees. Fans will likely enjoy a vibrant atmosphere as they rally behind the USMNT.

Beautiful night for a ballgame in Austin. #USMNT pic.twitter.com/8s6m7rou3W

— Doug McIntyre (@ByDougMcIntyre) October 10, 2025

1 hour 45 mins to kick: Peculiar concerns were raised during Pochettino’s press conference when he revealed that Christian Pulisic had not trained leading up to the match, casting doubt on his participation. The ambiguity surrounding Pulisic’s condition leaves both USMNT and AC Milan supporters anxious.

Christian Pulisic, Alex Zendejas and Antonee Robinson did not train today and are uncertain to play vs Ecuador on Friday, USMNT Coach Mauricio Pochettino says.

— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) October 9, 2025

2 hours to kickoff: In September, Pochettino experimented with a three-center-back formation, which showed promise against Japan. Although it was a small sample, the implementation with a more experienced squad offers potential for strength in defense, particularly with rising star Chris Richards expected to anchor the backline.

Turning up to Selhurst with Chris Richards 🏠 pic.twitter.com/2gVTC52jmX

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 27, 2025

USA vs. Ecuador Kickoff Time

The international friendly is scheduled to kick off at Q2 Stadium this Friday, October 10, at 7:30 PM local time in Austin, TX. Here’s how the kickoff time translates across multiple U.S. time zones:

* Local time in Austin, TX

USA vs. Ecuador Lineups, Team News

Tyler Adams is notably absent from the roster, with Pochettino confirming that the Bournemouth midfielder is expecting a child in the coming days. Additionally, during a pre-match assessment, Pochettino revealed that Christian Pulisic, alongside Alejandro Zendejas, missed training and is uncertain for the match, leaving fans eager for updates.

Antonee Robinson’s recovery from offseason knee surgery has limited his involvement with Fulham, while several players, including Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest, have been sidelined with minor injuries, even as Dest has recently returned to play. Johnny Cardoso is also out due to an ankle injury, and Gio Reyna continues to battle hamstring issues that have plagued him since his tenure at Borussia Monchengladbach.

USA projected starting lineup (3-4-2-1): Turner (GK) — Richards, Carter-Vickers, Ream — Weah, McKennie, Tessman, Arfsten — Tillman, Pulisic — Balogun.

USA subs: (Lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)

Additionally, Ecuador is missing some key players this break. Arsenal’sPiero Hincapie won’t participate due to a groin injury. Chelsea’sMoises Caicedo is facing fitness concerns, whileGonzalo Plata is also being rested for playing through injuries at their respective clubs.

Ecuador projected starting lineup (4-4-1-1): Galindez (GK) — Preciado, Arreaga, Pacho, Estupinan — Franco, Alcivar, Vite, Angulo — Paez — Valencia.

Ecuador subs: (Lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)

USA vs. Ecuador Live Stream, TV Channel

For fans looking to catch the match live, here’s how it can be viewed across the United States:

• English:
  • TV channel: TNT, truTV
  • Streaming: Sling, Max
• Spanish: