North American men’s soccer powerhouses the United States and Mexico are back on the pitch competing in separate matches in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals.

Their performances challenge some preconceived notions about the USMNT and Mexico individually and the region as a whole, especially as Canada makes a push for top accolades in North America.   It makes this month's Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals a fascinating check-in for each of the 2026 World Cup co-hosts,

The U.S. men's national team defeated Jamaica 1–0 in the first leg of its Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal in Mauricio Pochettino's first competitive game in charge. Christian Pulisic dazzled in the opening minutes coming close to receive the ball in attack before playing a clinical through ball to Ricardo Pepi.