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Preview for Saudi Arabia v United States
Mauricio Pochettino is attempting to maintain an even temperament as the United States continue their Gold Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia tonight.
The Argentine’s tenure as head coach of the USMNT has not had the desired effect thus far with his side coming into the tournament on the back of four straight defeats and with fans and media questioning why star man Christian Pulisic had opted to rest rather than turn out for the team.
Pochettino has had to field plenty of criticism for how things have gone but there was a rare moment of positivity in the 5-0 thrashing of Trinidad and Tobago in San Jose on Sunday. The States looked a cohesive unit, albeit against weak opposition, with Malik Tillman scoring twice in the rout.
Asked if that result, and performance, had gone some way to answering the sceptics, Pochettino was dismissive, insisting he had bigger issues to deal with.
He said: “I think we’re here to create a group and a team … searching for the best pieces. We’re not here, in the case of losing and now winning, to be vengeful.
“I think what’s normal in soccer is that when you win, everything is fine, and when you lose, it’s normal to have criticism.”
𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 ©️🇺🇸#FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/WdNClVFn78
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) June 19, 2025
Saudi Arabia, invited to take part in the North American tournament due to Concacaf’s partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), ought to present a stiffer test for the States.
Under Herve Renard they finished third in their World Cup qualifying group, behind Asian powerhouses Japan and Australia, meaning they will have to take part in the play-offs.
They will be staged, somewhat predictably, in Saudi and Qatar with six teams vying for two places.
Saudi Arabia claimed the headlines at the 2022 World Cup with a stunning defeat of eventual winners Argentina and won their opening game at the Gold Cup, a 1-0 defeat of Haiti.
“A team with experience, they are really competitive,” Pochettino said of Renard’s men. “I think they did very well beating Argentina in the last World Cup.
“The characteristics of the Saudi players, always aggressive, fast, good speed, good technique. Yes, tonight is a good challenge for us.”
Both sides could qualify for the last eight with a win depending on the result of the other game between Haiti and T & T.
Team News for Saudi Arabia v United States
The States could have Tyler Adams and Johnny Cardoso back in contention after they both missed the T & T game. Haji Wright may start in attack.
Saudi duo Hassan Kadesh and Mohannad Al-Saad continued to train separately from the main group when they arrived in Austin and are unlikely to start, although they could make the bench.
Expected line-ups for Saudi Arabia v United States
Saudi Arabia: Alaqidi; Majrashi, Al Amri, Madu, Al-Boushail; Al-Ghamdi, Al-Hassan, Aljohani; Al Sahafi, Al-Shehri, Al-Buraikan
United States: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Arfsten; Adams, B Aaronson; McGlynn, Tillman, Luna; Wright
#USMNT defender Mark McKenzie previews our Gold Cup match against Saudi Arabia on Thursday night. 🎥 pic.twitter.com/NVoV1EAp1X
— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) June 18, 2025
How to watch Saudi Arabia v United States: TV and Online streams
Stats for Saudi Arabia v United States
- In the last 5 USA matches in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the total number of goals was over 4.5
Prediction for Saudi Arabia v United States
Saudi Arabia have a few regulars missing from their first-choice squad which means we fancy the States to get another W.
It should be tight, though, with Renard likely to set up his team to claim a point that will put them in a strong position in the group.
Prediction: Saudi Arabia 1-2 United States
