The year 2026 is going to be a big soccer year with the United States, Canada, and Mexico hosting the FIFA World Cup. In terms of reach, growth, revenue, and TV ratings, it’s the most attended, watched, and highlighted sports event globally. Out of 48 qualified teams, only one will win the World Cup.
Two things the U.S. Soccer Federation and MLS have done to promote the home ‘mundial’ are bringing more stars to North America and organizing a series of friendly matches across the United States.
To add more diversity and international experience, the USMNT hired Argentine football manager and former player Mauricio Pochettino. He participated in the 2002 World Cup. In November 2024, Pochettino started touring the MLS cities, including attending Orlando City’s playoff run. He has spent the entire 2025 studying players in the U.S. system and pretty much giving a chance to anyone available for “friendlies” (exhibition games) and CONCACAF Cups.
The U.S. Men’s Soccer National Team concluded its 2025 run with a big 5-1 win over more experienced Uruguay. The game took place on Nov. 18 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The attendance wasn’t perfect (26,110), but it was a busy day in the area with the Lightning also meeting the New Jersey Devils. Lightning captain Victor Hedman was an ambassador for the event in Tampa and appeared in various digital and social media campaigns supporting the USMNT and Uruguay game. But strangely, he couldn’t even attend Raymond James Stadium because of a scheduling conflict. The injured Hedman watched his team defeat the Devils 5-1. On the other side, some Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in attendance, watching their sports colleagues play a ball with their feet. No hands allowed.
Before the matchup, fans enjoyed free entertainment, product samples, giveaways, and autograph sessions with U.S. legends Brian McBride and Cobi Jones. Typically, the U.S. Soccer Federation holds its international friendlies in Orlando, FL. But for the first time since 2018, a major soccer exhibition game was organized in Tampa. The home crowd happily cheered for Alex Freeman, who was raised in Fort Lauderdale and plays for Orlando City SC. Most fans were wearing either Uruguayan or American flag-themed outfits. A few MLS jerseys were spotted, including those supporting Alex Freeman and Orlando City. Freeman didn’t disappoint by scoring two goals.
While it was a confident 5-1 victory, the final American roster hasn’t been assembled yet. Per Pochettino, every player has a chance. At this point, most MLS players are in offseason mode, allowing them to rehab and improve. The USMNT will have four more exhibition games in 2026 before finalizing its roster and plans in preparation for the World Cup. The only Florida city hosting the global tournament is Miami. The Miami Dolphins’ home, Hard Rock Stadium, will host seven matches.
Tampa breathes on the NFL, NHL, MLB, and college sports. But it was still fun to experience a change of scene.