The United States hosts Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Tuesday for both nations’ final match of 2025. The 7:00 PM EST kickoff serves as a crucial evaluation opportunity for coach Mauricio Pochettino, with numerous fringe players auditioning for 2026 World Cup roster spots amid significant absences on both sides.
USA vs Uruguay: Depleted Sides Close 2025 in Tampa Test
The friendly carries added weight for the USMNT, who have never beaten Uruguay in their recent meetings. The head-to-head record since 2019 shows 2 draws and 1 Uruguay victory across three encounters, highlighting La Celeste’s historical edge in this matchup.
The USA enters on a four-match unbeaten streak with 3 wins and 1 draw since their September loss to South Korea. Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Paraguay showcased Gio Reyna’s return to form with a goal and assist, providing the attacking spark that has been missing during his injury troubles.
Uruguay brings even more impressive form to Tampa, extending their unbeaten run to six matches. Most remarkably, they have conceded just one goal across that entire span, demonstrating the defensive organization that remains their calling card. Their 0-0 draw with Mexico on Saturday maintained that stingy record.
The biggest storyline surrounds the extensive absences for both teams. The USA missing list reads like a Best XI, with Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, Antonee Robinson, and Malik Tillman all unavailable due to injuries or fitness concerns. This creates opportunities for players like Morris and Tessmann to stake their claim in Pochettino’s plans.
Uruguay faces similar personnel challenges, traveling without Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, and playmaker Nicolas de la Cruz. These absences shift focus to their remaining veterans like Jose Gimenez and Ronald Araujo to anchor the defense that has been nearly impenetrable recently.
Reyna becomes the focal point for American hopes after his impressive showing against Paraguay. Expected to start in a front three alongside Folarin Balogun and Tyler Aaronson, he will need to unlock a Uruguay defense that has allowed just one goal in six matches. The tactical battle will likely center on whether the USA’s 3-4-3 formation can stretch Uruguay’s expected 4-3-3 setup.
Uruguay’s midfield trio of Bentancur, Ugarte, and De Arrascaeta still represents significant quality despite the absences, offering the technical ability and physicality that has traditionally troubled USMNT sides. The American midfield pairing of Morris and Tessmann faces a stern test in controlling the tempo.
Numbers to Watch
Uruguay’s remarkable defensive record of one goal conceded in six matches meets a USA attack that has found the net consistently during their four-match unbeaten run. The USMNT’s quest for a first victory against Uruguay in recent years provides extra motivation in this year-ending friendly.
Where to watch
The match airs on Universo and streams on Peacock at 7:00 PM EST.
