Photo by USMNT Social Media 

The United States men’s national team will face Oman on Tuesday in their second friendly match of the September international window. Coming off a 3-0 victory over Uzbekistan on Saturday, the USMNT will look to build on the positive performance and earn another result against the 102nd different opponent in program history.

The match will be played at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, a venue that has proven favorable for the Americans in recent years. In 2019, the USMNT opened their Concacaf Gold Cup campaign with a 4-0 thrashing of Guyana at Allianz Field. They returned in 2022 for a crucial World Cup qualifying match, beating Honduras 3-0 thanks to goals from Weston McKennie, Walker Zimmerman, and Christian Pulisic.

Oman, currently ranked 75th in the world, will provide a useful test as they build toward the 2026 World Cup qualifying in the Asian Confederation. Managed by Serbian boss Branko Ivankovic, famous for guiding Iran at the 2006 World Cup, the Gulf nation is rounding into form with victories in their last three matches. 

While Oman has never qualified for the World Cup, the expanded 48-team field in North America could provide their best chance yet to make their debut on the global stage. This match presents an opportunity for the USMNT to gain experience facing a nation hoping to be part of the 2026 party.

USMNT Roster Features New Faces

USA manager Gregg Berhalter has assembled a balanced 24-player roster for these friendlies, blending World Cup veterans with up-and-coming prospects. The squad has seen fluctuation since originally being announced as injuries and family matters have caused departures. 

Most notably, three players could make their USMNT debuts on Tuesday – Inter Miami’s 18-year-old midfielder Ben Cremaschi, Wolfsburg defender Kevin Paredes, and Inter Miami keeper Drake Callender who recently replaced the departed Matt Turner. These friendlies provide chances for the next generation to state their case.

Veteran leaders like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie will provide continuity and experience against an Oman side expected to be well organized. Berhalter’s squad has no shortage of talent, and he’ll have tough selection decisions with World Cup qualifying on the horizon in 2023.

Yunus Musah Eyeing First USMNT Goal

While he was a key figure in central midfield at the 2022 World Cup, one thing has eluded 20-year-old Yunus Musah in his young USMNT career – his first international goal. The New York native has graced the scoresheet for clubs like Valencia and AC Milan but is still seeking that maiden strike in a USA jersey.

With his combination of dribbling ability and eye for goal, Musah could thrive in an advanced midfield role against Oman if given the license to push forward. An expanded role could help unlock his attacking qualities and end his goal drought for the National Team.

Can Ricardo Pepi Continue Hot Streak? 

One USMNT player riding a wave of momentum is forward Ricardo Pepi, who will look to add to his impressive 2023 goal tally. Since returning to the squad in January, the FC Dallas product has bagged seven goals in just five matches. 

The 19-year-old grabbed an insurance strike against Uzbekistan over the weekend, taking him to 16 goals in 17 USMNT appearances. With positional versatility to play centrally or out wide, Pepi’s red-hot form could prove invaluable heading into the 2026 cycle.

Oman represents another opportunity for Pepi to further his case and build chemistry within Berhalter’s fluid attack. With the USMNT coach facing difficult selection choices up front, Pepi has made himself impossible to ignore.

The USA and Oman will kick off at 8:30 PM ET on Tuesday night, with broadcast coverage on TNT, Universo, and Peacock. It’s one more measuring stick as Berhalter continues to expand and evaluate his player pool.

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