The USA’s first test post-Gregg Berhalter comes against Canada, who managed a fourth place finish in their first ever Copa America appearance.

The U.S. Men’s National Team is coming off a tumultuous summer. The host nation of Copa America 2024 crashed out of the competition in the group stage after failing to collect any points against Panama and Uruguay. The poor performance prompted U.S. Soccer to fire Gregg Berhalter, leaving the Stars and Stripes without a coach for months until the recent hiring of Mauricio Pochettino.

Canada, meanwhile, finally found their first win (and goal) under Jesse Marsch, and made a deep run at Copa America 2024, notching the highest finish for a CONCACAF side in the entire competition. The Reds will hope to continue their momentum against the Stars and Stripes in their upcoming international friendly against the team that knocked them out of last year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Here’s 90min’s guide to USA vs Canada on Sept. 7.

USA vs Canada H2H record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

The USMNT will not be at full strength this international break. Sergio Dest is still recovering from tearing his ACL, leaving the door open for Joe Scally to get another nod at right-back. Tyler Adams, meanwhile, underwent back surgery in mid-July and has yet to recover.

Tim Weah will also miss the clash after picking up a hamstring injury on Aug. 19. The winger will have to wait a bit longer to redeem his red card against Panama at Copa America 2024.

Other notable absences include Weston McKennie and Antonee Robinson.

USA predicted lineup vs Canada ( 4-3-3 ): Turner; Scally, Richards, Ream, Wiley; Musah, Cardoso, Tillman; Pulisic, Balogun, Reyna

The one big name missing from Canada’s squad ahead of their match with the USA is Ismael Kone. The midfielder suffered an ankle injury in training in mid-August. The new Marseille signing will focus on his recovery during the international break before he makes his Ligue 1 debut.

Marsch’s squad does feature Niko Sigur and Stephen Afrifa, two new faces that could make their debut for the Reds. Sigur is dealing with a minor muscle injury, but the 20-year-old still made the team.

Canada predicted lineup vs USA (4-4-2): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Laryea, Osorio, Eustaquio, Shaffelburg; David, Larin

The USMNT’s injury troubles combined with Canada’s defensive structure does not promise a high goalscoring affair. After all, Marsch’s squad made the Copa America third-place match in large part thanks to their disciplined low block and success on the counter attack. The Stars and Stripes might be eager to get a victory after their disappointing summer, but they will be well matched against the Reds.

Prediction: USA 1-1 Canada