USMNT Prepares for 2026 FIFA World Cup vs. Korea, Japan
ATLANTA (May 13, 2025) – Excitement is reaching a fever pitch as the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) gears up for two competitive matches against Asian footballing giants Korea Republic and Japan. These matches, set to take place in September 2025, are not just warm-ups; they offer a valuable glimpse into the types of challenges the USMNT may face in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted on home soil.
Upcoming Matches: Dates and Venues
The USMNT will clash with Korea Republic on September 6 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. This venue, which serves as the home of the New York Red Bulls, will kick off at 5 p.m. ET, with coverage available on TNT and Telemundo, and streaming options on Max, Universo, and Peacock.
Shortly after, on September 9, the U.S. will host Japan at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET. This game comes nearly 25 years after the USMNT’s initial visit to Columbus and promises to bring ample energy and opportunity for fans, as they see the U.S. square off against the 15th-ranked Japanese side.
Broadcast and Radio Coverage
Fans can engage with both matches via live radio broadcasts; Westwood One Sports will provide English commentary, marking a first with on-site coverage, while Fútbol de Primera continues its tradition of offering Spanish-language commentary.
For those wanting to stay connected, updates on the USMNT can be followed across various social media platforms, including X, Instagram, and Facebook, as well as through the official U.S. Soccer App.
Ticket Sales and Presale Information
Tickets for these highly anticipated matches go on sale to the general public on May 16 at 10 a.m. ET. Fans eager to secure their seats can take advantage of the presale starting on May 14 at 10 a.m. local venue time, running through the public sale date.
For additional perks, Circle members supporting the U.S. Soccer Development Fund can receive personalized customer support and concierge services for their ticketing needs.
Exclusive Presales for U.S. Soccer Insiders
To encourage membership, U.S. Soccer Insiders can access tickets before they become available to the general public. Membership provides early access to the best seats, enhancing the overall fan experience.
Historic Rivalry: USA vs. Korea Republic
The upcoming match against Korea Republic presents a historical opportunity for the USMNT to even the all-time series, which currently stands at 2 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws. The last encounter both teams had was back on February 1, 2014, when the U.S. claimed a solid 2-0 victory thanks to a standout performance from Chris Wondolowski. The most memorable matchup occurred during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where both sides fought to a 1-1 draw, offering critical points in the group stage amid passionate support for South Korea.
As currently celebrated, the Taegeuk Warriors hold first place in Group 2 of the Asian Football Confederation qualifying standings for the upcoming World Cup, ensuring a challenging contest awaits.
The Riveting Saga of Samurai Blue
In contrast, the U.S. has only faced Japan three times since their first meeting in 1993, a signifier of the relatively obscure rivalry. In 2006, Taylor Twellman led the U.S. to a 3-2 win during a World Cup preparation match. However, the most recent meeting in 2022 didn’t favor the U.S., as they fell 2-0 in Düsseldorf despite Matt Turner’s impressive performance in goal. Japan currently enjoys a 12-match unbeaten streak dating back to February 2024, making this match a compelling one for both sides.
A Return to Sports Illustrated Stadium
The USMNT will be stepping back into Sports Illustrated Stadium nearly eight years since their last appearance. The memorable moment came during a pre-World Cup friendly in June 2014 against Turkey, marking significant progress for the team in international play. USMNT stars like Tyler Adams and Tim Weah emerged from the Red Bull Academy, giving this match additional local significance.
A Special Connection to Columbus
Columbus holds a revered place in USMNT history, famously known for the “dos a cero” victories over Mexico during World Cup Qualifying. The U.S. boasts a commanding record of 10 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws in this city, making it a fortress for the national team. Lower.com Field has quickly become a venue of choice, notably hosting two qualifiers leading to the last World Cup in Qatar.
In their most recent matchup there against Costa Rica, the U.S. showcased resilience, overcoming an early goal to secure a hard-fought victory, further cementing Columbus’s legacy as a cornerstone of U.S. soccer.
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