Following the USMNT’s disappointing defeat to Panama in the Concacaf Nations League, attention now turns to Sunday’s third-place match against Canada. The game, scheduled for 6 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium, will be a notable encounter between coaches Jesse Marsch and Mauricio Pochettino, albeit on the international stage rather than in the Premier League. While neither team envisioned competing for third place, this match remains a significant test for both.
Canada has shown consistent improvement under Marsch. With both the USMNT and Canada automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts, these Nations League matches are crucial opportunities to develop their squads for the tournament. While third-place games can sometimes lack intensity, the growing rivalry between the USMNT and Canada ensures this will be a meaningful contest. It’s also an important moment for the USMNT to demonstrate that the Panama loss was an isolated setback, not a sign of deeper problems.
Considering Pochettino’s strategies in the Panama game, several adjustments could be beneficial for the Canada match.
More Midfield Creativity
There are several ways to enhance creativity in midfield. Firstly, Weston McKennie, while versatile and energetic, shouldn’t be the primary creative force. While McKennie contributes defensively even in advanced midfield positions, the Panama match highlighted the need for a player capable of skillful dribbling and taking on defenders. With players like Gio Reyna and Diego Luna available, Pochettino has options to address this.
Even if Pochettino hesitates to start Reyna or Luna, he must be ready to make swift changes if the USMNT’s attack appears stagnant against Canada. Christian Pulisic requires more dribbling support from teammates to prevent opposing defenses from focusing solely on him, especially given the team’s lack of a striker who can create space independently. Ultimately, balance is key. With the full-backs not contributing significantly to the attack in the previous game, the USMNT’s offensive play suffered and never gained momentum.
Utilizing Natural Full-Backs
Restoring balance can be achieved by employing a traditional back four with players in their preferred positions. Joe Scally performed adequately as a third center-back or left-back, but Yunus Musah as a wing-back proved less effective in providing creative impetus. This isn’t a criticism of Musah, as creative wing-play isn’t his natural strength. However, given the USMNT’s historical reliance on attacking full-backs under various managers, allowing full-backs to operate in their natural roles and trusting the midfield to cover defensively could be advantageous.
The return of Tyler Adams bolsters the USMNT’s defensive stability. Adams’ exceptional awareness and ability to cover ground minimize defensive vulnerabilities. An early instance in the Panama game exemplified this: when Chris Richards lost possession, Adams quickly intervened to prevent a scoring opportunity. Having a player of Adams’ caliber in midfield in a Concacaf match should encourage a less conservative approach, preventing opponents from gaining confidence and increasing the risk of conceding unexpected goals like Panama’s winner.
The USMNT needs to start aggressively and force errors from Canada early in the game, disrupting their rhythm. It’s easy to underestimate Adams’ impact due to his recent injury spells, but with him fit and available, the USMNT should leverage his strengths to inject more tempo into their attacking play.
Passion
Similar to previous coaches, Pochettino has emphasized the importance of playing with pride and passion. This includes demonstrating greater physicality in challenges and being willing to take shots even from less-than-ideal positions. As a team expected to be among the best in Concacaf, the USMNT needs to project confidence and assertiveness. Recent setbacks, including Copa America disappointment and inconsistent performances, have affected the team’s confidence. Regaining this swagger is crucial, especially with the World Cup on home soil approaching. Opponents are always motivated to play against the USMNT, so the team must be prepared to fiercely defend their home ground and represent their nation with pride.
This issue of passion and intensity isn’t new for the USMNT and has been a recurring challenge under different managers. However, it’s a problem they can no longer afford to ignore as the World Cup draws nearer.
Dominic Ashworth