AUSTIN, Texas — The United States men’s national soccer team faces potential setbacks ahead of their friendly match against Ecuador on Friday, as key players Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, and Alejandro Zendejas are dealing with fitness issues. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino revealed on Thursday that Pulisic and Robinson did not participate in training, while Zendejas is unlikely to feature in the game. Robinson, who underwent right knee surgery in May, is still regaining full fitness. No specific details were provided regarding the conditions of Pulisic and Zendejas. The 16th-ranked U.S. team will also face Australia on Tuesday in Commerce City, Colorado, as part of their preparation for upcoming international fixtures. This month’s matches are crucial, as the team has only four more friendlies scheduled before Pochettino assembles the squad for pre-World Cup training camp in 2026. Pochettino, who took over the team in October 2024 following Gregg Berhalter’s dismissal after a disappointing Copa America campaign, has emphasized the need to rebuild the team’s culture and competitiveness. Under his leadership, the U.S. has shown signs of improvement, ending a seven-game winless streak against top 25 nations with a 2-0 victory over Japan last month. Pochettino has vowed to foster a competitive environment, ensuring no player feels assured of a spot on the World Cup roster.
Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Alejandro Zendejas could miss US friendly against Ecuador
