The US men's national team began their 2026 Concacaf Nations League campaign brilliantly, cruising to a 6-0 demolition of Haiti at Inter Miami's Nu Stadium in Leg 1 of their quarterfinal tie.
The USMNT got off to a flying start within 10 minutes, rekindling a 2026 FIFA World Cup connection as former Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Sebastian Berhalter served up a set piece for Auston Trusty to tap home from close range.
Just over five minutes later, 20-year-old goalkeeper Diego Kochen was called upon to deny Philadelphia Union midfielder Danley Jean Jacques with a strong kick save in a one-on-one situation.
Finishing escaped the USMNT in the rest of the first half. Julian Hall came closest, but the 18-year-old striker was denied by the offside flag. The Red Bull New York homegrown wouldn't have to wait long for his moment, however, striking seven minutes into the second half with a first-time finish off an Antonee Robinson cross. He's up to four goals in five caps to begin his USMNT career.
The US quickly doubled their advantage by the 63rd minute, as Christian Pulisic drew and scored a penalty before slotting home a long-range strike to secure a brace in just over one minute of action and make it 4-0.
FC Dallas alum Weston McKennie continued the second-half onslaught, heading home a Malik Tillman corner kick just five minutes later.
Striker Folarin Balogun came off the bench to net the sixth and final goal of the night, taking a pass from Tillman after 17-year-old RBNY midfielder Adri Mehmeti initially pinched the ball in midfield to get the US off and running.
The 6-0 victory was head coach Mauricio Pochettino's penultimate match in charge, as he prepares to depart to manage Manchester United in the English Premier League.
The quarterfinal concludes at FC Cincinnati's TQL Stadium on Tuesday, with the aggregate winner advancing to the 2027 Concacaf Nations League Finals in March and qualifying directly for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup. The match will also serve as Poch's final game with the USMNT.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: The USMNT won their first competitive match of the 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle, taking a massive 6-0 advantage into the second leg of their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal on Tuesday.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The rout was on once Pulisic completed his double with a pinpoint low strike from outside the box.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Pulisic was on his game on Saturday evening, netting his first USMNT brace in over three years and the sixth of his international career.
Next Up
- HAI: Tuesday, Nov. 17 vs. United States | 7 pm ET | Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, second leg
- USA: Tuesday, Nov. 17 vs. Haiti | 7 pm ET | Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, second leg
