USMNT falls in latest CONCACAF Power Rankings index ahead of Mauricio Pochettino’s first window with program

The latest edition of CONCACAF’s index rankings were released Monday morning, and the U.S. men’s national team fell from second to third place, being leapfrogged by Jesse Marsch’s Canada. Mexico remain unchanged at the top, sitting in first place.

The USMNT’s drop arrives after a poor September international window, where they fell to Les Rouges 2-1 and then, days later, went on to draw New Zealand 1-1.

• AFP

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The index rankings will factor into the upcoming 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League knockout stage, where the U.S. is set to feature this November.

  The USMNT will play an opponent TBD on Nov. 18 in St. Louis, MO as part of a two-legged quarterfinal match in the competition. Eight teams in total will enter the knockouts, with the top-four teams in the index earning an automatic berth. The four remaining teams will be determined via competition through the September and October international windows in qualifying.

  The November slate will be Mauricio Pochettino’s first competitive match as U.S. manager after being appointed as head coach of the program in September.

• • DID YOU KNOW?

    The U.S. have won the last three CONCACAF Nations League titles, defeating Mexico in 2021 and 2024, and Canada in 2023.

    They’re looking to make it four-straight championship victories in the competition come 2025, but first up will be the November quarterfinals.

  • Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

    Ahead of the November international window, Pochettino will take the touchline for the first time this October in a pair of international friendlies against Panama and Mexico.

    The U.S. first clash with Los Canaleros on Oct. 12 and then follow it up with a trip to Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Jalisco to take on El Tri.