USMNT Ends 2025 With Stunning 5-1 Win Over Uruguay
The U.S. Men’s National Team closed out 2025 in spectacular fashion with a commanding 5-1 victory over 15th-ranked, World Cup-bound Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. From the very start, the match was electric, as the U.S. established early dominance and scored four first-half goals, making a strong statement heading into the final preparation camps for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
The game saw first international goals for midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, defender Alex Freeman, and midfielder Tanner Tessmann, while midfielder Diego Luna added his fourth goal of the year. The U.S. thus recorded its third straight win, ending Uruguay’s six-match unbeaten streak and extending its run against World Cup-qualified teams to five matches without defeat. Uruguay, which secured its 15th World Cup berth earlier this year, faced a younger and dynamic U.S. squad that clearly relished the challenge.
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The match began with both teams feeling each other out, but the breakthrough came in the 17th minute. Haji Wright earned a free kick just outside the box, and Berhalter’s clever short pass with Sergiño Dest set up a perfect right-footed strike into the upper corner, marking his first goal for the national team. Just three minutes later, Freeman scored his first international goal, connecting with a Berhalter corner with a precise header to make it 2-0.
The U.S. continued to press, and in the 31st minute, Freeman doubled his tally after a counterattack initiated by Timmy Tillman. Auston Trusty provided a key pass, allowing Freeman to weave through Uruguay’s defense and score with a clinical finish. The fourth goal arrived in the 42nd minute, a polished team move that ended with Luna slotting the ball between two defenders to make it 4-0 before halftime. Uruguay managed a consolation goal just before the break when Rodrigo Zalazar set up Giorgian de Arrascaeta for a spectacular bicycle kick.
In the second half, Uruguay’s Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off in the 64th minute, leaving the South Americans with ten men. The U.S. capitalized on the numerical advantage when Gio Reyna set up Tanner Tessmann for a header in the 68th minute, sealing the emphatic 5-1 scoreline.
The victory marked only the third U.S. win over Uruguay in ten all-time meetings and tied the largest margin of victory the U.S. has ever achieved against a South American opponent. It also underscored the growing confidence in this new generation of American players. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the performance, while Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa admitted the result reflected shortcomings in his preparation and team management.
With this win, the USMNT finishes 2025 with a record of 10 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws, carrying momentum and belief into the new year as the team looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup. The performance not only thrilled American fans but also sent a clear message that the U.S. is ready to compete with the world’s elite.
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