The U.S. Men’s National Team will close its 2026 schedule with a matchup against Jamaica on Sunday, December 13, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as head coach Mauricio Pochettino continues evaluating players ahead of a busy 2027 campaign.
The United States will host the Reggae Boyz at Inter Miami CF Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will give MLS-based players an important opportunity to impress the coaching staff because it falls outside a FIFA international window.
The match comes as the USMNT prepares for a year that could include the Concacaf Nations League Finals, the Concacaf Gold Cup and the beginning of qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Pochettino to Evaluate MLS Talent
December’s match will provide Pochettino with another opportunity to assess domestic players and emerging prospects before competitive international action resumes.
The coach said the game would be a valuable chance to work with MLS players and potentially introduce new faces to the national team. He also pointed to Jamaica as a useful opponent because the teams could meet again in future Concacaf competitions and World Cup qualifying.
The timing matters. With the match outside the international calendar, many players based with European clubs may not be available, creating more opportunities for domestic talent to earn minutes and make an impression.
Nine MLS players made their international debuts during the United States’ four-match winning run in the fall, according to U.S. Soccer. The December gathering continues the national team’s tradition of using domestic-focused camps to evaluate players who may have a role in future tournaments.
A Key Step Toward the 2030 World Cup
The Jamaica friendly will be part of the United States’ preparations for the next phase of its international cycle.
The 2027 calendar could feature three major competitive priorities: the Concacaf Nations League Finals, the Gold Cup and the start of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.
The 2030 tournament will mark 100 years since the first World Cup. Morocco, Portugal and Spain are set to host the main competition, while Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will stage special opening matches commemorating the tournament’s centenary.
For players hoping to establish themselves in Pochettino’s plans, performances in December could help strengthen their cases before the competitive schedule intensifies.
USMNT vs. Jamaica: Recent History
The United States and Jamaica last met in November 2024 during the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. The Americans won the second leg 4-2 in St. Louis, completing a victory across the two-match series.
The December fixture will be the teams’ first meeting since that contest and their first matchup in Florida.
The rivalry stretches back to 1988, when the sides played to a 1-1 draw in Kingston, Jamaica. The United States has historically held the advantage in the series, although Jamaica remains a familiar regional opponent capable of testing the Americans.
The game will also bring a local connection for Jamaica. Inter Miami defender Ian Fray, who has represented the Reggae Boyz internationally, could have an opportunity to play at his club’s home ground against the United States.
Fort Lauderdale Welcomes the USMNT
The United States will return to Fort Lauderdale for its seventh appearance in the city. The team has an unbeaten record in South Florida, with five wins and one draw, according to U.S. Soccer.
The Americans have also enjoyed success at Inter Miami CF Stadium. They defeated El Salvador 6-0 in December 2020 and beat Venezuela 3-1 in January 2025.
Playing in South Florida gives the national team another opportunity to connect with local supporters while testing players in a familiar professional soccer environment.
How to Watch USMNT vs. Jamaica
Fans in the United States will have several television and streaming options for the December friendly.
Match: United States vs. Jamaica
Date: Sunday, December 13, 2026
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Inter Miami CF Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
English-language TV: TNT and truTV
English-language streaming: HBO Max
Spanish-language TV: Telemundo and Universo
Spanish-language streaming: Peacock
English-language radio: Westwood One Sports
Spanish-language radio: Fútbol de Primera
Broadcast and streaming access may depend on the viewer’s location and subscription.
USMNT vs. Jamaica Tickets: Presale and Public Sale Dates
U.S. Soccer has announced that tickets will go on general sale on Friday, October 23, at 10 a.m. ET. Eligible U.S. Soccer Insiders and Visa cardholders will have opportunities to buy tickets earlier.
The announced schedule is:
| Presale group | Date and time (ET) |
|---|---|
| Circle Insiders | Wednesday, October 21, at 10 a.m. |
| VIP Insiders | Wednesday, October 21, at 1 p.m. |
| Premium and Premium Family Insiders | Wednesday, October 21, at 4 p.m. |
| Standard Insiders | Thursday, October 22, at 10 a.m. |
| Visa cardholders | Thursday, October 22, at 4 p.m. |
| General public | Friday, October 23, at 10 a.m. |
The announced presale windows close at 8 a.m. ET on October 23, and the presale ticket limit is six per customer.
Visa cardholders can use their presale window from Thursday, October 22, at 4 p.m. ET until Friday, October 23, at 8 a.m. ET. Visa is the only accepted payment method during that specific presale, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
Fans can check eligibility and ticket information through the official U.S. Soccer ticket presale page.
What the December Match Means for the USMNT
The Jamaica game is more than a year-end friendly. It offers Pochettino a chance to evaluate domestic players, assess the depth of his squad and continue shaping a team that will face a demanding schedule in 2027.
For MLS players hoping to earn a bigger role, the opportunity could be particularly valuable. A strong performance against a familiar Concacaf rival may help them move closer to future national-team selection.
The USMNT will look to finish 2026 on a positive note before attention turns to the competitions and qualifying campaign ahead.
Will Pochettino use this match to introduce new faces or give established MLS players a bigger role? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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