By The U.S. Men’s National Team is preparing to host Canada in a Fan Appreciation Match on Saturday, September 7, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. The friendly encounter, kicking off at 4 p.m. ET, marks the first non-competitive meeting between these North American rivals since 2016.
Broadcast coverage of the match will be extensive, with TBS, Telemundo, Universo, Max, Peacock, and FĂştbol de Primera Radio all carrying the game. Fans can also follow the action through U.S. Soccer’s official social media channels and mobile app.
As part of the Fan Appreciation theme, the event will feature interactive fan activations, opportunities to win prizes, and food and drink specials, including the “Dollar Delights” promotion. These efforts aim to enhance the fan experience and showcase the USMNT’s gratitude for supporter loyalty.
U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter has assembled a 24-man roster with an average age of 24 years and 180 days, reflecting a blend of youth and experience. The squad averages 20 caps per player and represents clubs from 11 different countries, highlighting the global reach of American soccer talent.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan leads the team with 71 caps, while 14 players aged 23 or younger have been included, signaling a focus on the future. Notable young talents such as Yunus Musah (AC Milan) and Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven) are expected to play key roles. The roster also features two uncapped players: defender Marlon Fossey from Standard Liege and goalkeeper Diego Kochen from FC Barcelona II.
A late change to the roster saw Chivas midfielder Cade Cowell, 20, added to replace Gio Reyna, who departed due to a left groin strain. Cowell brings additional attacking depth, having scored three goals and provided three assists in six matches for Chivas in the Apertura campaign.
Historically, the U.S. holds a 17-11-12 all-time record against Canada. Their last friendly encounter in 2016 resulted in a 1-0 U.S. victory in Carson, California. More recently, the teams clashed twice in 2023 Concacaf competitions, with the USMNT securing victories in both the Nations League final and Gold Cup semifinal.
Children’s Mercy Park has been a stronghold for the USMNT, where they boast an unbeaten 8-0-2 record. Over 13 years, the team has scored 20 goals while conceding only two at this venue, making it one of their most successful home grounds.
For Canada, this match represents their first outing since finishing fourth at the 2023 Copa América. Under new manager Jesse Marsch, appointed in May 2024, Canada will look to build on their recent international performances. Marsch, formerly of Leeds United and RB Leipzig, brings high-level club experience to the national team setup.
Key players to watch for the U.S. include Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and Folarin Balogun, who have all started the European club season in good form. Canada’s attack will likely feature Jonathan David of Lille and veteran Cyle Larin of Mallorca, who have netted 28 and 29 international goals respectively.
This friendly serves as crucial preparation for both sides ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures. It provides an opportunity for coaches to assess their squads in a high-profile setting and for players to stake their claims for regular starting positions.
The match also underscores the growing rivalry between these Concacaf nations, both of whom are looking to assert themselves as regional powerhouses in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which they will co-host along with Mexico.
