USMNT shows signs of progress in World Cup prep with 1-1 draw against Ecuador

AUSTIN, Texas — Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure preparing the U.S. men’s national soccer team for the 2026 World Cup has hardly been a smooth process.

Both opportunities to hoist a trophy failed and some of the performances have been downright concerning. On Friday, though, despite star forward Christian Pulisic sitting out until late in the game with an ailing ankle, the Americans seemed to turn a corner.

They did not beat Ecuador. No, the friendly at Q2 Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw. But the U.S. team displayed ideas and execution, played with commitment and passion, and created numerous scoring opportunities against a stalwart defense.

Folarin Balogun scored the equalizer in the 71st minute after Enner Valencia had put Ecuador ahead midway through the first half.

“The response was very good,” Pochettino said. “We keep playing in the way that we plan to play.”

The Americans carried over their momentum from the 2-0 victory over Japan last month, again displaying comfort with three center backs and two wing backs as opposed to the four-man backline that has defined the U.S. defense for years.

In possession, the hosts were enterprising and ambitious — a positive development after a number of clunky performances the past year.

“It was a very, very serious performance, very professional,” Pochettino said. “We need to improve in some details, but that is the way we want to compete. … To show that passion and compete in the way we compete today, that is the way.”

In describing the performance, Pochettino called his players “brave” and multiple times cited their “animation.”

On the tying goal, Balogun was the beneficiary of Malik Tillman’s high pressure that forced a giveaway. Tim Weah linked with Tanner Tessmann, who pushed the ball wide to Tillman. Tillman’s low cross met Balogun crashing the 6-yard box for a one–touch finish off the inside of the near post.

The Americans will now pack their bags for Denver, where on Tuesday they will face another Cup-bound team, Australia. After that, all that remains before World Cup roster selection in May are home meetings against Paraguay and Uruguay next month and two home matches in March.

Weighing physical readiness and Tuesday’s demands, Pochettino selected seven of his usual starters: goalkeeper Matt Freese, defenders Chris Richards and Tim Ream, wing backs Weah and Max Arfsten, midfielders Tillman and forward Balogun.

In their first call-ups since the Nations League finals in March, Weston McKennie and Tessmann were in the midfield. So was Aidan Morris, who last played for Pochettino almost a year ago. Defender Miles Robinson started for the first time since a June friendly against Türkiye.

Back with the team for the first time in 11 months, World Cup veteran Antonee Robinson was not in uniform after apparently suffering an ailment this week. Forward Alex Zendejas was also scratched with a knee injury; he will leave camp and return to Club América, his Mexican team, Pochettino said.

Those absences added to an inactive list that included right back Sergiño Dest and midfielder Tyler Adams, who were not available for roster selection last week.

Headed to its second consecutive World Cup and fifth overall, Ecuador arrived on the heels of a fabulous qualifying campaign. Only Argentina earned more points in the South American competition, and on the final day last month, Ecuador defeated the reigning champions to finish with an 8-2-8 record and just five goals conceded.

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During a 5-0-6 streak to close the qualifying stage, the Ecuadorians recorded 10 shutouts. To say the least, it was a tall order for a U.S. attack that doesn’t exactly strike fear into opponents.

Like fellow Argentine Pochettino, Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece needed to strike a balance with player decisions because of a second match Tuesday. Ecuador will visit Mexico for a friendly in Guadalajara.

Friday’s lineup included AC Milan left back Pervis Estupiñán, Paris Saint-Germain center back Willian Pacho and forward Valencia, the program’s all-time leading scorer. Seven of Ecuador’s starters were in the lineup against Argentina.

The first half was lively and entertaining as both sides created opportunities and the match opened up steadily. Tillman and Balogun worked a fine combination in the midfield, culminating with the latter testing goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez with an angled threat.

The U.S. defense began to bend against Ecuador’s open-field menace. Richards collected a yellow card in thwarting a rush.

Balogun remained engaged, hooking a top-of-the-box effort narrowly past the far upper corner.

In the 24th minute, Ecuador broke through on a sequence that began with impressive interaction by the U.S. in midfield. Once they disrupted it, the visitors pounced.

Jordy Alcívar threaded the ball ahead to Valencia, who, with a burst of speed, cut inside on Richards and accelerated into the clear on the right side. With Freese protecting the near post, Valencia smashed a low shot with cool precision into the far corner for his 48th international goal.

Undeterred, the Americans continued to manufacture high-quality chances — only to watch Galíndez make two sensational saves. First, off a U.S. corner kick, he flashed to his left to push Richards’ one-timer off the post. Then, on Arfsten’s twice-deflected driven ball, the 38-year-old keeper soared to his left to prevent an own goal.

With no progress early in the second half, Pochettino made his first changes in the 63rd minute by inserting Diego Luna and Alex Freeman — two inexperienced players who made the most of their opportunities this year.

The tempo rose. Luna and Weah threatened. Then came the goal. Pulisic entered in the 73rd minute. Freese made an outstanding catch on a cross that could’ve resulted in a go-ahead goal.

The U.S. energy and opportunity remained intact into stoppage time. Another goal failed to materialize, but the night was otherwise a success for Pochettino’s crew.

“I think we improved in the second half,” Pochettino said. “I think we dominate the game. That is the way we want to keep going.”

USMNT shows signs of progress in World Cup prep with 1-1 draw against Ecuador

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