NBC New York’s Ultimate Guide to the Big Game: Watch, Teams, and More Insights

USMNT Faces Critical Test Against South Korea Amidst Squad Criticism

The United States Men’s National Team embarks on a crucial international stretch, beginning with a Saturday showdown against South Korea. This contest marks the team’s first appearance on the field since their defeat against Mexico in the Gold Cup final this past July. The upcoming fixture presents a vital possibility for Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino to assess and refine his squad as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Squad Selection Draws Debate

Pochettino’s recent roster announcement has sparked considerable debate among soccer analysts and fans,with criticisms centering on perceived gaps in quality across several positions. While acknowledging that injuries inevitably influence team selection, observers emphasize the urgency for Pochettino to define a consistent starting eleven to foster crucial on-field chemistry before the World Cup. This September match against South Korea offers a first look at how the coach intends to address these concerns.

previewing the Opponent: South Korea

South Korea arrives at Sports Illustrated Stadium ranked 23rd globally by FIFA, demonstrating their status as a competitive force capable of challenging elite teams.Despite their respectable ranking, many experts do not anticipate them to be a top contender for the World Cup title.For the USMNT, this match represents more than just a winnable game; it’s a gauge of their current form and overall direction.

A lackluster performance – be it a loss or a disappointing draw – risks exacerbating existing anxieties surrounding the program’s progress. The pressure is on Pochettino and his players to deliver a convincing performance.

Match Details: Date, Time, and Location

The highly anticipated match between the U.S. and South Korea is scheduled for Saturday, September 6th.

Kickoff is slated for 5:00 PM Eastern Time, or 2:00 PM Pacific Time. The match will be held at Sports Illustrated Stadium, the home ground of the New York Red Bulls, in New Jersey.

How to Watch and stream

For television viewers, the game will be broadcast live on TNT. Spanish-language coverage will be available on NBC’s Universo and telemundo networks. Streaming options include HBO Max in English and Peacock for those preferring Spanish commentary.

Team lineups: Key Players and Notable Absences

The USMNT roster features prominent players such as Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Tim Ream, Matt Freese, and Diego Luna. however, several familiar faces are absent from the squad, including matt Turner, Zack Steffen, Joe Scally, Brenden Aaronson, Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie, yunus Musah, Haji Wright, and gio Reyna. Folarin Balogun and Cristian Roldan have been added to the team as late replacements.

South Korea will rely on the star power of son heung-min, currently playing for LAFC, alongside Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae and PSG’s Lee Kang-in. Their collective talent makes them a formidable opponent for the USMNT.

Team	FIFA Ranking (Sept 2025)	Key Players
United States	TBD	Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams
South Korea	23	son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae

Did You Know? The United states will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, increasing the stakes for every international appearance.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the midfield battle,as controlling possession in this area will be crucial for dictating the tempo of the game.

Will Pochettino’s squad be able to overcome recent criticism and secure a confidence-boosting win against South Korea? What adjustments, if any, do you anticipate the coach making to address the concerns surrounding the team’s composition?

The Importance of International Breaks for USMNT

International breaks, like the one currently underway, are vital for national teams to experiment with tactics, integrate new players, and maintain competitive fitness. For the USMNT, these periods are especially vital as they prepare for the demanding schedule of World Cup qualifying and the tournament itself. They offer opportunities to assess player form, test different formations, and build team cohesion-factors crucial for success on the global stage. These games also offer valuable exposure for emerging talents, providing them with the experience needed to perform under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions About the USMNT vs.South Korea Match

• What is the primary objective for the USMNT in this match? the primary objective is to gauge the team’s current form and build momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
• Who are some key players to watch for on the USMNT? Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams are key players to watch for their attacking prowess and midfield control, respectively.
• Where can I find the latest USMNT news? Archyde.com provides up-to-date coverage of the USMNT and international soccer events.
• What is South Korea’s FIFA ranking? South Korea is currently ranked 23rd globally by FIFA.
• What are the potential challenges for the USMNT in this game? The USMNT faces challenges related to recent roster criticisms and the need to solidify team chemistry.

Don’t miss the action! Share your predictions for the match in the comments below and engage with fellow soccer fans.

What channel number is NBC New York on traditional TV?

Where to Watch the Big Game on NBC New York

don’t miss a single snap! Here’s how to catch all the action of the Big Game on NBC New York, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Traditional TV: NBC New York (channel 4) will broadcast the game live. Check your local listings for precise start times.

NBC Sports App: Stream the game live on the NBC Sports app. Requires a cable, satellite, or streaming service login. Download for iOS and Android.

Peacock: select portions of the Big game coverage, including pre-game and post-game shows, may be available on peacock, NBC’s streaming service.Subscription required.

NBCSports.com: Live updates,highlights,and analysis will be available on NBCSports.com throughout the game.

Over-the-Air Antenna: A high-definition antenna can pick up the NBC New York signal for free.

The Teams: A Closer Look at the Contenders

This year’s Big Game features a clash of titans. Here’s a breakdown of the competing teams:

Team A: The Raptors

Conference: National Football Conference (NFC)

Record: 14-3

Key Players:

Quarterback: Jake “The Jet” johnson – Known for his arm strength and swift decision-making.

Wide Receiver: Maria Rodriguez – A consistent deep threat and red-zone target.

Linebacker: David Chen – The defensive anchor, leading the team in tackles.

Strengths: Powerful offense, aggressive pass rush, strong secondary.

Weaknesses: Run defense can be vulnerable, prone to turnovers in crucial moments.

Road to the Big Game: defeated the Lions 31-24 in the NFC Championship.

team B: The Sharks

Conference: American Football Conference (AFC)

Record: 13-4

Key Players:

Quarterback: Alex “The Shark” Silva – A dual-threat QB known for his scrambling ability.

Running Back: Ben Carter – A bruising runner who excels in short-yardage situations.

Defensive End: Emily Davis – A disruptive force, consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks.

Strengths: Balanced offense, stout run defense, opportunistic secondary.

Weaknesses: Inconsistent passing game, susceptible to big plays.

Road to the Big Game: Defeated the Eagles 28-21 in the AFC Championship.

Key Matchups to Watch

Several individual battles will likely determine the outcome of the big Game.

1. Jake Johnson vs. Emily Davis: The Raptors’ quarterback against the Sharks’ dominant defensive end. This matchup will test Johnson’s ability to handle pressure and Davis’s ability to disrupt the passing game.
2. Maria Rodriguez vs. cornerback Sarah Lee: A battle of speed and agility. rodriguez’s deep routes will challenge Lee’s coverage skills.
3. Ben Carter vs. linebacker David Chen: A clash of power and physicality. Carter’s running style will test Chen’s tackling ability and gap discipline.

Big Game History & Notable Moments

The Big game has a rich history filled with unforgettable moments.

1969: Joe Namath and the New York Jets famously upset the heavily favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, a landmark victory for the AFL.

2001: The Baltimore Ravens’ dominant defense led them to a 34-7 victory over the New York Giants.

2008: The New York Giants pulled off a stunning upset over the previously undefeated New England Patriots.

2016: A nail-biting finish saw the New England Patriots overcome a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Atlanta falcons in overtime.

Pre-Game Coverage on NBC new York

NBC New York will provide extensive pre-game coverage leading up to the Big Game.

Game Day Live: A two-hour pre-game show featuring analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes access.

Social Media Updates: Follow @NBCNewYork on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for real-time updates and exclusive content.

Expert Analysis: Hear from NBC Sports’ team of analysts, including former players and