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The USMNT begins a new era of the rivalry with Mexico as Mauricio Pochettino has deployed his preferred starting lineup against El Tri.
The headliner is 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who gets the start over Sergino Dest on the right wing, earning his first-ever start against Mexico in what is expected to be a long and profitable international career to come.
There are a host of regulars in the XI as well, as newly-minted permanent USA captain Tyler Adams gets his first chance to wear the armband since Pochettino's announcement.
The Sporting News brings you a look at the 11 players who get the nod for the next edition of USA vs. Mexico, including a surprise goalkeeper along with a number of familiar faces.
MORE: Player ratings for USMNT starters and substitutes against Mexico
USMNT starting lineup vs. Mexico
After tinkering with the young prospects across the first two friendlies of this international break, Mauricio Pochettino has now turned to what he believes is his best XI. Captained by Tyler Adams, this starting lineup features regulars Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Malik Tillman, and Alex Freeman.
However, there are two wrinkles. Barcelona youth product Diego Kochen gets the start against Mexico, as does 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan on the wing who is deployed instead of Sergino Dest who is on the bench.
USA starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): 24. D. Kochen — 21. F. Westfield, 20. N. Pierre, 12. M. Robinson, 5. A. Robinson — 26. A. Mehmeti, 15. B. Raines — 2. S. Dest, 14. S. Berhalter, 7. G. Reyna — 19. J. Hall.
On site. Under the lights. pic.twitter.com/yxsllmzS3N
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) October 4, 2026MORE: Cavan Sullivan is the best USMNT prospect ever
USMNT substitutes bench vs. Mexico
Cavan Sullivan is amongst the substitutes for the USMNT in this match against Chile, alongside veterans Tyler Adams and Chris Richards.
The healthy scratches for this game are Diego Kochen and Cole Campbell. Kochen, a Barcelona youth product, made his USMNT debut in the second half against Peru but will not appear in this match.
USA substitutes: Schwake (GK), Freese (GK), Brady (GK), Campbell, Pierre, Westfield, Miller, M. Robinson, Dest, Mehmeti, Musah, Raines, Albert, Gozo, Ellis, Downs.
How to watch USA vs. Mexico
Here's how to watch this international friendly match in English across the U.S.:
- TV channel: TNT, truTV
- Live stream: DIRECTV, HBO Max
This game is available for live TV broadcast on TNT and truTV. Both those channels are available to watch or stream DIRECTV. New users can sign up to a FREE trial.
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MORE: All-time history for USMNT vs. Mexico rivalry
USA vs. Mexico start time
This international friendly clash takes place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona and kicks off on Saturday, October 3 at 7 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Oct. 3 | 10:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Oct. 3 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Oct. 3 | 8:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Oct. 3 | 7:00 p.m. |
