USA vs Uruguay — Match Preview
The USA and Uruguay close out their 2025 schedules with a high-profile friendly at Raymond James Stadium in Florida. This is far from a low-stakes exhibition; it is a crucial test of depth for two nations missing their biggest stars, and it is a rematch of the 2024 Copa America group stage game where Uruguay eliminated the USMNT with a 1-0 victory.
Both teams arrive in strong form. The USA, under Mauricio Pochettino, are unbeaten in their last four and just earned a gritty 2-1 win over Paraguay. Uruguay, led by Marcelo Bielsa, are unbeaten in their last six, including a 0-0 draw with Mexico.
However, this match is defined by its absences. The USMNT is without a staggering list of regulars: Pulisic, Adams, McKennie, and Weah are all unavailable. Uruguay is in the same boat, missing superstars Federico Valverde and Darwin Núñez. This isn’t a game of superstars; it’s a “proving ground” for the next line of players battling for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
USA vs Uruguay — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: USA vs Uruguay
- Competition: International Friendly
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
- Date: 19 November 2025
- Time: (00:30 UTC on 20 Nov / 6:00 AM IST on 20 Nov)
- Prediction: USA 1–1 Uruguay
- Key Narrative: A test of depth. With both teams missing their biggest stars, this “Copa America rematch” is a chance for fringe players to earn their place.
USA vs Uruguay — What’s at Stake
- For the USA: This is the last match of 2025 and the final chance for players to impress before the crucial World Cup year. For “fringe” players like Tanner Tessmann, Max Arfsten, and the resurgent Gio Reyna, this is a massive audition to prove they belong in the “A-Team.”
- For Uruguay: After finishing 4th in CONMEBOL qualifying, this is about Bielsa testing his system with new faces. For players like Manuel Ugarte and Rodrigo Bentancur, it’s a chance to show they can lead the team’s midfield without Valverde.
USA vs Uruguay — Team Form
USA (Last 5): W-W-D-W-W
- Coming off a confidence-boosting 2-1 win over Paraguay.
- Unbeaten in their last four matches.
- The attack is finding rhythm, with Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun connecting well.
Uruguay (Last 5): W-W-D-W-W
- Unbeaten in their last six matches.
- Recently played a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Mexico.
- Defensively solid, as expected from a Bielsa side, but missing their main goal threat (Núñez).
USA vs Uruguay — Team News
USA — Team News
- CRITICAL ABSENCES: The USMNT is missing almost its entire core.
- OUT: Christian Pulisic (FW), Tyler Adams (MID), Weston McKennie (MID), Tim Weah (FW), Chris Richards (DEF), and Antonee Robinson (DEF).
- IMPACT: This is an experimental squad. Expect a 3-4-3 formation giving players like Gio Reyna and Sergiño Dest full license to create.
Uruguay — Team News
- MAJOR LOSSES: Uruguay is also without its Premier League superstars.
- OUT: Federico Valverde (MID), Darwin Núñez (FW), and Nicolas de la Cruz (MID) are all out with injuries.
- IMPACT: The creative and finishing burden will fall on different players. Expect a strong, technical midfield led by Bentancur and Ugarte.
USA vs Uruguay — Predicted Lineups
USA (3-4-3)
- GK: Freese
- DEF: M. Robinson, Ream, Trusty
- MID: Dest, Morris, Tessmann, Arfsten
- FW: Aaronson, Balogun, Reyna
Uruguay (4-3-3)
- GK: Mele
- DEF: Varela, Gimenez, Araujo, Piquerez
- MID: Bentancur, Ugarte, De Arrascaeta
- FW: Torres, Aguirre, Pellistri
USA vs Uruguay — Spotlight Players
- Gio Reyna (USA): The man of the moment. After a long spell of injuries, Reyna is back and was dominant against Paraguay, scoring one and creating the other. He is playing with freedom and is the USA’s main creative spark.
- Folarin Balogun (USA): Scored the winner against Paraguay. With Pulisic out, Balogun is the undisputed leader of the attack. His movement and finishing will test Uruguay’s elite centre-backs.
- Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay): The PSG defensive midfielder. With Valverde out, Ugarte becomes the engine of the team. His job will be to break up the USA’s attack and control the tempo.
- Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay): The Tottenham midfielder will take on the creative duties left by Valverde and De la Cruz. His technical quality and passing will be key to unlocking the USA’s defence.
USA vs Uruguay — Head to Head
This has historically been a very tight, low-scoring fixture. The last three meetings between the two nations paint a clear picture of two evenly-matched, defensively-sound teams.
- July 1, 2024: Uruguay 1–0 USA (Copa America)
- June 5, 2022: USA 0–0 Uruguay (Friendly)
- Sept 10, 2019: USA 1–1 Uruguay (Friendly)
Uruguay holds the slight edge with one win, while the other two recent matches ended in draws.
USA vs Uruguay — Tactical Outlook
USA Tactical Approach
- Pochettino’s 3-4-3: Expect a high-energy press, which was very effective against Paraguay.
- Reyna & Dest on the Right: The combination of Sergiño Dest at wing-back and Gio Reyna as a free-roaming forward on the right side is the USA’s most dangerous weapon.
- Weakness: The experimental backline and goalkeeper could be vulnerable to sharp, technical passing.
Uruguay Tactical Approach
- Bielsa’s Intensity: Even with reserves, Uruguay will press hard and play vertically.
- Midfield Control: Their “A-Team” midfield (Bentancur, Ugarte) will try to dominate possession and starve the USA’s attackers of the ball.
- Defensive Rocks: With Gimenez and Araujo at centre-back, Uruguay will feel very confident in any 1v1 duels.
- Weakness: A lack of a proven, in-form #9. They will create chances but may struggle to finish them, as seen in their 0-0 draw with Mexico.
USA vs Uruguay — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Balogun (USA) vs. Araujo (URU) | Pace & Finishing vs. Power | Even |
| Reyna (USA) vs. Ugarte (URU) | Creativity vs. Ball-Winner | Even |
| Dest (USA) vs. Pellistri (URU) | Attacking Wing-back vs. Direct Winger | USA |
| Bentancur (URU) vs. Tessmann (USA) | Midfield Control | Uruguay |
USA vs Uruguay — Statistical Snapshot
| Metric | USA | Uruguay |
| H2H (Last 3) | 0 Wins | 1 Win |
| H2H Draws | 2 | 2 |
| Goals in Last 3 H2H | 1 Goal | 2 Goals |
| Key H2H Trend | The last 3 meetings have all finished Under 2.5 goals. | |
| Last Meeting | Uruguay 1-0 USA (July 1, 2024, Copa America) |
USA vs Uruguay — Fan Reactions
USA Fans:
- “This is the Gio Reyna revenge tour. He looks amazing.”
- “Don’t care if we win, just want to see the fringe players look good.”
- “We need revenge for that Copa America loss. This one matters.”
Uruguay Fans:
- “A good test for our depth. Time for Bentancur and Ugarte to run the show.”
- “Without Darwin and Fede, a draw is a good result.”
- “Araujo vs. Balogun will be a great battle.”
USA vs Uruguay — Where to Watch
- USA: HBO Max, TNT, Peacock
- India: (Not confirmed, likely not broadcast)
- Uruguay: AUFTv, DirecTV Sports
- UK: (Not confirmed)
USA vs Uruguay — Match-Defining Factors
- The “Battle of the Backups”: Which team’s “fringe” attackers will step up?
- Reyna’s Freedom: Can Uruguay’s elite midfield (Ugarte) find a way to stop Gio Reyna from floating into dangerous spaces?
- Finishing Woes: Both teams are missing their primary goalscorers. This match will likely be won by the team that is more clinical with its few chances.
USA vs Uruguay — Prediction
USA 1–1 Uruguay
Why:
This match is destined to be a low-scoring, tactical battle. The head-to-head history is all Under 2.5 goals, and that was with their star players. Now, both sides are missing their most explosive finishers (Pulisic, Weah, Núñez).
The USA is playing at home and has momentum, but Uruguay’s midfield duo of Bentancur and Ugarte, shielded by Araujo and Gimenez, is world-class. They will likely suffocate the game. Expect a moment of magic from Gio Reyna to be cancelled out by a well-worked Uruguyan goal, leading to a hard-fought draw.
USA vs Uruguay — Final Word
This isn’t a friendly; it’s a “prove it” match. It’s the last chance before the World Cup year for players on both sides to show they deserve to be on the plane. Expect a tense, aggressive, and highly tactical game, even without the big names.
USA vs Uruguay — FAQs
Q1: What time is the match?
The match is on November 19, 2025. Kickoff is 00:30 UTC on November 20 (which is 6:00 AM IST on Nov 20).
Q2: Who is missing for the USA?
The USMNT is without Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Antonee Robinson, among others.
Q3: Who is missing for Uruguay?
Uruguay is without their two biggest stars, Federico Valverde and Darwin Núñez.
Q4: Who won the last match?
Uruguay beat the USA 1-0 in the 2024 Copa America.
Q5: Key players to watch?
For the USA, Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun. For Uruguay, Rodrigo Bentancur and Ronald Araujo
Call to Action — SportsphereArena Community
If you enjoyed this preview, follow SportsphereArena.com for post-match ratings, tactical deep dives, and exclusive fan analysis.
Stay connected for real-time updates across football, tennis, and cricket.
Stay informed. Stay analytical. Stay in the game — with Sportsphere Arena.
RELATED ARTICLE
Kazakhstan vs Belgium — Preview
Independiente Medellín vs América de Cali — Preview
Azerbaijan vs France — Preview
Colombia vs New Zealand —Preview
