The United States vs South Korea on Saturday, September 6, 2025, with kick-off set for 5:00 PM ET. The USMNT is looking to fine-tune their rhythm during this September window as they gears up for 2026. South Korea, known for their organisation and lethal counterattacks, promises to provide a tough challenge.
The USMNT are unbeaten in their last five matches against Asian opposition, keeping clean sheets in each of the last four, signalling improved defensive control at home heading into this friendly.
South Korea arrived on an eight-match unbeaten run away from home before this window, with their last two away outings ending in shutout victories, underlining their compact, resilient road form.
- Competition: International Friendly (2026 preparation window)
- Date & kick-off: Saturday, 6 September 2025 — 5:00 PM ET
- Venue: Harrison, New Jersey (Sports Illustrated Stadium)
- Broadcast:
- English – TNT/Max/Peacock;
- Spanish Telemundo/Universo/Peacock
United States vs South Korea 2025 International Friendly – Tactics & key players, Match info, Predicted starting XIs, Final Prediction
Table of Contents
The USMNT enter the September window looking to fine-tune chemistry with a largely Europe-based core plus in-form MLS contributors. Selection balances continuity with a chance to manage minutes before facing Japan later in the window.
South Korea, paced by Son Heung-min and a cohesive midfield, treat this trip as a high-level tune-up, leaning on defensive compactness and quick counters against quality opposition.
Tactics & key players
- United States (tactics): Front-foot 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 emphasizing width, aggressive pressing triggers, and vertical transitions. Fullbacks provide overlaps while the midfield balances control and ball-winning.
- Key United States players: Christian Pulisic (chance creation and end product), Tyler Adams (defensive control and press resistance), Sergiño Dest (progression and width), Tim Weah/Josh Sargent (direct threat and runs behind).
- South Korea (tactics): Compact 4-2-3-1 with quick vertical attacks and strong counter-pressing in wide-to-central traps. Set pieces and transition entries to the half-spaces are prioritized.
- Key South Korea players: Son Heung-min (inverted runs and finishing), Lee Kang-in (final-third delivery), Hwang Hee-chan (direct ball-carrying and pressing intensity), Kim Min-jae (defensive organization and aerials).
Match info
- Fixture — United States vs South Korea — International Friendly (September window)
- Date — Saturday, 6 September 2025
- Kick-off — 5:00 PM ET
- Venue — Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, NJ
- Referee — Per matchday confirmation (official match hub)
- TV / Live stream — TNT, Max/Peacock (English); Telemundo, Universo, Peacock (Spanish)
Predicted starting XIs
United States full roster (highlights)
- Europe-based core: Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson
- MLS/US-based contributors: Goalkeeping depth, young attackers, and midfield rotation options included for window management
United States probable XI (4-3-3)
- GK: Matt Turner
- DEF: Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, Tim Ream/Cameron Carter-Vickers, Antonee Robinson
- MID: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah
- FWD: Tim Weah, Josh Sargent/Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic
South Korea full roster (highlights)
- Core: Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, Hwang Hee-chan, Hwang In-beom, Kim Min-jae, Kim Seung-gyu
South Korea probable XI (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Kim Seung-gyu
- DEF: Kim Tae-hwan, Kim Min-jae, Kim Young-gwon, Seol Young-woo
- MID: Hwang In-beom, Park Yong-woo
- AM: Lee Kang-in, Hwang Hee-chan, Son Heung-min
- ST: Oh Hyeon-gyu
Recent Form
United States
- Competitive form mixed in mid-2025, with progress under pressure and emphasis on attacking combinations
- Strong home support typically raises the chance of creation metrics
South Korea
- Efficient in AFC qualifying cycles with disciplined defensive phases
- Threat level rises in transition, particularly through Son and Lee’s interplay
Final prediction
- Prediction: United States 2–1 South Korea
- Rationale: Home advantage and creative edge give the USMNT a narrow margin, but South Korea’s transition and set-piece threat should produce chances.
How to Watch United States vs South Korea
Fans can watch the United States vs South Korea in
- English: TNT, HBO Max, Peacock
- Spanish: Telemundo, Universo
