By The Valley Pitch Talk
The U.S. Men’s National Team is officially set to begin its next chapter following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
U.S. Soccer announced a four-match fall schedule that will see the USMNT face Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada, beginning September 26 and concluding October 6. The stretch will mark the first matches of the new World Cup cycle under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who recently agreed to a new contract that will keep him in charge through 2030.
For soccer fans in Arizona, one match immediately stands above the rest.
The United States and Mexico will renew their historic rivalry on Saturday, October 3 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. local time.
The New Cycle Begins
The four-match window begins September 26 when the United States hosts Peru at Inter.co Stadium in Orlando.
Three days later, the USMNT will travel to St. Louis to face Chile at Energizer Park before heading west for the highly anticipated clash with Mexico in Glendale.
The window concludes October 6 against Canada at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The matches represent the beginning of a new era for a U.S. team coming off a memorable World Cup run on home soil.
Pochettino has made it clear that the standard will remain high entering the next cycle, with every international window serving as another opportunity to strengthen the player pool and build toward 2030.
USA vs. Mexico Comes Back to Arizona
The October 3 matchup between the United States and Mexico will mark the 80th meeting between the two national teams.
It is also another chapter in what remains the biggest rivalry in Concacaf.
Since 2021, the United States holds a 5-2-2 record against Mexico, a stretch that includes victories in the 2021 and 2024 Concacaf Nations League Finals along with the 2021 Gold Cup Final.
Mexico, however, won the most recent meeting, defeating the United States 2-1 in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final.
The overall rivalry stretches back more than nine decades, with Mexico holding the historical advantage in the series.
Still, the modern era has become much more competitive.
Since 2000, the United States holds a winning record against El Tri, highlighted by one of the most famous results in American soccer history: the 2-0 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
That result helped permanently attach the phrase “Dos a Cero” to the rivalry.
U.S. Has History on Its Side in Arizona
Arizona has already hosted several memorable meetings between these two countries.
The United States remains undefeated against Mexico in three previous matches played in Arizona, posting one win and two draws.
The most recent meeting in Glendale came on April 19, 2023, when the two sides played to a 1-1 draw at State Farm Stadium, with Jesús Ferreira scoring for the United States.
Overall, the USMNT owns a 3-1-2 record at State Farm Stadium.
That history will add another layer to an already highly anticipated matchup.
With Arizona’s strong Mexican-American community and growing soccer culture, USA-Mexico games in the Valley have consistently produced some of the most divided and energetic crowds in the region.
Mexico Enters the New Cycle With Momentum
Mexico enters the fall window following a strong showing at the 2026 World Cup.
El Tri played all three of its group-stage matches and both knockout matches at Estadio Azteca and eventually climbed to No. 10 in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings following the tournament.
The October matchup will therefore bring together two teams coming off successful World Cup campaigns and beginning their respective journeys toward 2030.
Peru and Chile Provide Early Tests
Before facing Mexico, the United States will open the fall against two South American opponents.
Peru narrowly missed qualification for the 2026 World Cup and will arrive with an emerging roster led in part by Vancouver Whitecaps player Kenji Cabrera.
Chile will follow three days later in St. Louis.
La Roja defeated DR Congo 2-1 shortly before the World Cup and continues to build around FC Midtjylland midfielder Dario Osorio.
The United States historically owns a 3-2-2 record against Peru, while Chile holds a slight advantage in its all-time series with the Americans.
Canada Closes Out the Window
The four-game stretch ends against another familiar Concacaf opponent.
The United States will host Canada on October 6 in Minnesota, marking the first meeting between the two countries since Canada’s 2-1 victory in the 2025 Concacaf Nations League.
Canada also enters the new cycle following a strong World Cup, advancing to the Round of 16 before being eliminated by Morocco.
USMNT Fall 2026 Schedule
USA vs. Peru
September 26
Inter.co Stadium — Orlando, Florida
4:30 p.m. ET
USA vs. Chile
September 29
Energizer Park — St. Louis, Missouri
7 p.m. CT
USA vs. Mexico
October 3
State Farm Stadium — Glendale, Arizona
7 p.m. MT
USA vs. Canada
October 6
Allianz Field — St. Paul, Minnesota
7 p.m. CT
All Eyes on Glendale
All four matches will provide Pochettino with important opportunities to evaluate the USMNT player pool as the long road toward the 2030 FIFA World Cup officially begins.
But for soccer fans in Arizona, October 3 is the date circled on the calendar.
One of international soccer’s most recognizable rivalries is returning to the desert.
United States. Mexico. State Farm Stadium.
Another chapter of USA-Mexico is coming to Glendale.
Stay connected with The Valley Pitch Talk for coverage leading into the match, including roster updates, previews, interviews, fan coverage and everything surrounding USA vs. Mexico in Arizona.
