United States vs. South Korea Picks and Predictions: International Not So Friendly Match

Although Saturday’s are typically run by College Football nowadays, and club soccer is on an international break across the pond so we didn’t have any EPL today. However, two international teams are going head to head in New Jersey later this evening, as the United States take on South Korea. The USMNT has not played a match since their loss to Mexico in the Concacaf Gold Cup, losing in dramatic fashion towards the end. South Korea is coming off two straight FIFA World Cup Qualifying wins, so they are in fantastic form. But what kinds of motivation will these two countries bring to this match? Let’s get into our favorite picks as the United States host South Korea.

United States vs. South Korea: International Friendly Picks

While this match is labeled as a friendly, I’m sure both teams bring their top squad in this first match for either country during this international break. These teams have not met in over a decade, with the last match going to the United States during a friendly, with the US winning 2-0. Prior to that, their only competitive match was in the 2002 World Cup, where the teams played to a 1-1 draw in group stage.

These two teams are drastically different than in those meetings, but I still expect a tough contest with maximum effort from both sides.

Matchup Information – United States vs. South Korea

• Venue & Location: Sports Illustrated Stadium (Harrison, NJ)
• Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
• Kick Off: 5:00 p.m. Eastern
• Broadcast: TNT/Peacock/HBO Max

United States vs. South Korea Betting Odds – September 6

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, an industry leader in the sports betting world. Sign up today using code BNEWS and get a 50% deposit bonus up to $1,000 AND $10 Cash Instantly in your account.

Money Line

• United States +112
• Draw +220
• South Korea +196

Spread

• United States -0.25 (-111)
• South Korea +0.25 (-109)

Total

• Over 2.5 (+105)
• Under 2.5 (-135)

Looking at who Mauricio Pochettino called up for this international window, he has probably solidified a lot of his potential 2026 World Cup roster. After being brought over to managed the USMNT, Pochettino sort of had a handful of guys “tryout” for the team during the Gold Cup.

Clearly the team had success and gelled well, even if they didn’t walk away with hardware. Still, the United States is the better side, despite not playing in over a couple months, but tonight they get their mojo back. The US is bringing on two brand new keepers looking to make their first cap for the national team during this window, as well as Vancouver Whitecaps defender Triston Blackmon and Noahkai Banks from FC Augsburg. A pair of guys have only one appearance for the USMNT, looking to earn a bigger role in Sean Zawadzki of the Columbus Crew and Nathan Harriel of the Philadelphia Union.

All of those guys have helped their respective clubs have success so far this season, and now look to make their mark on the international stage for their country.

United States vs. South Korea: International Friendly Best Bets

United States vs. South Korea Prediction: United States Win 1-0 (+650)

Best Bet: United States ML (+112) BetOnline

I’m not going to try and get cute, I’ll just back the better team on home soil. As of this current moment, the United States are ranked No. 15 internationally according to FIFA. They are the No. 2 team in the Concacaf region, only behind Mexico, the Gold Cup Champions. South Korea isn’t too far behind them at No. 23 in the world, but their recent competition does not compare to that of the United States.

During the Concacaf Gold Cup, the United States beat Saudi Arabia (No. 59), Costa Rica (No. 40), Haiti (No. 90) and Guatemala (No. 100), while most recently losing to No. 12 Mexico. In South Korea’s four matches this calendar year, all competitive matches in the World Cup Qualifying stages, they have escaped with two draws and two more recent wins.

South Korea drew with Oman (No. 79) and Jordan (No. 64), while beating Iraq (No. 58) and Kuwait (No. 138). The most recent “top tier” competition they have played was when they beat No. 24 Australia in the AFC Asian Cup Quarterfinals back in February, only to be taken down by Jordan in the Semifinals.

Ultimately, we aren’t overthinking this match. We are backing the better team on their home soil at plus money. South Korea has not played as tough opponents or performed as well as the United States have against said foes. Despite this being a friendly, I think Pochettino is motivated to make sure his boys walk away with a win, building confidence with a victory over a top 25 opponent.

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