As part of their preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, the USMNT will play an international friendly against Ecuador this Friday at Q2 Stadium. Christian Pulisic will not be part of the starting XI.
Just before kickoff, the United States confirmed their starting lineup to face Ecuador, with Pulisic’s absence standing out. The AC Milan forward will not start, reportedly due to ankle issues that have kept him from training with his teammates this week.
However, the 27-year-old forward, who was recently named Serie A’s MVP for the month of September, will be on the bench. That means coach Mauricio Pochettino could choose to bring him on in the second half if he deems it necessary.
Pulisic isn’t the only key player the USMNT will be missing for this match. Antonee Robinson and Alex Zendejas are not even on the bench, adding to the list of notable absences that already included Gio Reyna and Sergiño Dest.
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