Cuba vs. USA, 2016 Friendly: Confirmed lineups and match thread

The United States men’s national team take on their most bitter rivals to open the final round of World Cup qualifying in just over a month’s time. Before that epic encounter in Columbus, the U.S. have just two friendlies left this month to prepare for El Tri.

The USA and Cuba meet in a friendly in Havana for the first time since 1947. It should be an easy result to get for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side, but that’s not what this match is for. Of course all the political ramifications are important, but as far as on-the field goes, it’s about learning the most you can about your team and players before the big match against Mexico (and Costa Rica afterward) arrives.

The USMNT have been in pretty good form of late. The only losses they’ve sustained have been to Colombia (x2), Argentina, and away to Guatemala. They’ve won 11 times this year so far.

Klinsmann has trotted out an interesting lineup for this match. Julian Green and Christian Pulisic are inserted into the midfield, likely on the wings. Ethan Horvath gets the start in goal for his USMNT debut.

The match kicks off at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time and can be seen on ESPN2 with Taylor Twellman and Ian Darke on the call.

United States lineup: Ethan Horvath; DeAndre Yedlin, Geoff Cameron, John Brooks, Fabian Johnson; Julian Green, Sacha Kljestan, Michael Bradley, Christian Pulisic; Jozy Altidore, Bobby Wood