USMNT set to play top-25 teams Ecuador and Australia in October friendlies, with matches to be held in Austin and Denver

The USMNT will continue their 2026 World Cup preparations in October as they'll host friendlies against Ecuador and Australia, U.S. Soccer announced Monday.

The Americans will take on Ecuador at Austin FC's home, Q2 Stadium, on Oct. 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET. They will then travel to Commerce City, a suburb of Denver, to play Australia on Oct. 14 at 9 p.m. ET.

Both sides are ranked among FIFA's top 25 teams, and have already qualified for the World Cup. The Socceroos are ranked No. 24 while La Tricolor are a spot below at 25. The U.S. are currently ranked No. 15.

The U.S. now have four post-Gold Cup matches lined up against strong competition. In September, they'll take on arguably the best two sides from Asia, South Korea and Japan, and then take on two World Cup qualified sides in October.

With all four matches during FIFA windows, this might be the first time USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino will be able to have a his full-strength squad.

The U.S. do not have a lengthy history against either Ecuador or Australia. The Americans have a 5-5-5 record against their South American opposition and have faced the Socceroos three times, with a 1-1-1 record. The last time the two sides faced off was prior to the 2010 World Cup, with the USMNT winning, 3-1.

The USMNT have a spotless record in both venues. The U.S. are 6-0-0 in the Q2 stadium and 3-0-0 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

In response to the flooding that has impacted communities across Central Texas, U.S. Soccer, AT&T, and American Airlines are providing resources and support through their respective initiatives to assist those affected.

In September, the USMNT will take on arguably the best two sides from Asia, South Korea and Japan, in friendlies.