USMNT vs Chile: Preview, Predicted Lineups and Everything to Know

The United States men’s national team returns to action on Tuesday night when Mauricio Pochettino’s side takes on Chile in an international friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis.

The USMNT enters the game with plenty of confidence after an impressive 4–1 victory over Peru in its first match following the 2026 World Cup. That performance also gave several young players the opportunity to make their senior international debuts. 

Chile, meanwhile, will be looking to respond after suffering a 1–0 defeat against Canada. The South American side also finished the match with nine players, meaning interim coach Nicolás Córdova could be forced into several changes for the meeting with the United States. 

Young USMNT players attracting attention

Pochettino has used this international window to give opportunities to a new generation of American players.

Eleven players made their USMNT debuts against Peru, including eight teenagers. One of the biggest talking points was 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who became the youngest U.S. men’s senior debutant since Freddy Adu in 2006.

Sullivan created two major chances against Peru and impressed with his attacking play. Eighteen-year-old Julian Hall also made an immediate impact, scoring and providing an assist after coming off the bench. 

Their performances could give Pochettino more reasons to continue mixing established internationals with emerging talent.

Expected USMNT lineup

With only a short period between the Peru and Chile matches, another heavily rotated lineup is expected.

The predicted XI from Sports Illustrated has Brian Schwake in goal, with Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, Neil Pierre and Antonee Robinson forming the defense.

Sebastian Berhalter and Yunus Musah are projected in midfield, while Cavan Sullivan, Giovanni Reyna and Cole Campbell would operate behind Julian Hall.

Predicted USMNT XI:

Schwake; Dest, Richards, Pierre, Robinson; Berhalter, Musah; Sullivan, Reyna, Campbell; Hall. 

The lineup remains a prediction rather than an officially confirmed team sheet.

Chile facing selection problems

Chile could also make several changes following its defeat to Canada.

Captain Gabriel Suazo was sent off during the match and will miss the meeting with the United States. Lucas Cepeda also received a red card, leaving Córdova with important decisions to make before kickoff. 

A projected Chile lineup includes Lawrence Vigouroux in goal, with Faundez, Villagra, Iván Román and Marcelo Morales in defense.

Vicente Pizarro, Pérez and Núñez are expected to form the midfield, while Maximiliano Gutiérrez, Gonzalo Tapia and Darío Osorio could lead the attack. 

USMNT looking to end long wait against Chile

Despite the positive momentum surrounding the American team, Chile has historically been a difficult opponent for the United States.

The USMNT has not defeated Chile since 2000, adding another interesting storyline to Tuesday’s friendly. Chile also failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after finishing at the bottom of the CONMEBOL qualifying standings. 

For Pochettino, however, the match is primarily another opportunity to evaluate his squad and discover which younger players can become important pieces during the next World Cup cycle.

USMNT vs Chile: Date, time and venue

The match will take place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri.

• Match: United States vs Chile
• Competition: International Friendly
• Date: September 29, 2026
• Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT
• Venue: Energizer Park, St. Louis
• US broadcasters: TNT, HBO Max, Peacock, Sling and Fubo
• Spanish-language coverage: Telemundo and Universo 

Prediction

Sports Illustrated’s preview has the United States winning 3–1, with the publication pointing to the USMNT’s confidence, the impact of its young players and Chile’s absences. That is SI’s prediction, rather than a confirmed outcome. 

For Pochettino, the bigger objective is to continue evaluating his squad and build on the encouraging start provided by the 4–1 victory over Peru.