Over the weekend, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) announced through official channels that the U.S. men's soccer team will play international warm-up matches against Uzbekistan and Oman during the FIFA International Match Days in September. It is reported that the U.S. Soccer Federation had previously planned to invite the Chinese team to participate in the United States, but was rejected by the Chinese Football Association, because the Chinese team has confirmed that in November this year, before the start of the World Preliminary 36 at home to participate in all the warm-up matches, and the warm-up opponents have a relatively clear goal. In other words, all warm-up programs must be arranged in accordance with the national football team's own rhythm of preparation.
As one of the host member associations for the 2026 World Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) had hoped to invite China to the U.S. for warm-ups, promising to pay for appearance fees and travel expenses. However, due to various considerations, the CFA politely declined the U.S. Soccer Federation's invitation.
It is understood that due to the Asian Cup group stage with the Chinese team in the same group of Qatar team is currently in the United States to participate in the North and Central America and the Caribbean Gold Cup, the national football coaching team originally planned to visit the scene to examine the Qatar team, but after consideration, the coaching team or to give up this plan.
Although China plans to warm up with a strong team in September, if the team goes to the U.S., not only do they need to adjust to the time difference of more than 10 hours, the international players return to China and immediately join the league, some international players and music troops prepare for the new season of the AFC Champions League, taking into account all of these factors, going to North America to warm up is not cost-effective for the national soccer team.
In addition, the CFA has already contacted other opponents for the team according to the preparation needs of the national football team, and the warm-up matches in September and October are scheduled to take place in China, so the plan will not change.
In this case, the US Soccer Federation eventually adjusted its plans and decided to invite Uzbekistan and Oman to warm up the United States. The reason for the adjustment is that the two teams are currently ranked ninth and 10th in Asia, which is expected to affect the ticket for the 2026 World Cup.
This September, the Chinese men's soccer team will play an international warm-up match against Malaysia, and their other warm-up match could come from Europe, the United States or Africa.
