PHOENIX — The U.S. males’s nationwide soccer workforce linked with the Valley’s sports activities tradition forward of its pleasant showdown in opposition to Mexico, with two Phoenix Suns standouts enjoying an element: Steve Nash and Devin Booker.
Mauricio Pochettino (proper, U.S. males’s head coach) talks with Pa-Modou Kah (middle, Phoenix Rising head coach) and Steve Nash (left) throughout a U.S. males’s soccer observe at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium on Oct. 1, 2026. Credit score: Mark Henle/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Photos
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The Individuals arrived in Arizona this week and have been practising on the Phoenix Rising FC’s observe facility whereas making ready for the matchup, with Nash dropping by to go to.
The native connection continued when the nationwide workforce despatched present Booker a personalized U.S. nationwide workforce jersey together with his title and new No. 15 on the again. Booker, who has embraced sports activities within the Valley since his arrival, recalled attending the workforce’s match in opposition to Australia within the FIFA World Cup over the summer time.
“That is love, man,” Booker mentioned as he held up the jersey in a video posted by the Suns. “That was one in every of my biggest experiences this summer time, watching the boys play in Seattle versus the Australia recreation. It was an amazing day.”
It is these overlapping connections that make these video games extra significant for sports activities followers within the state. Saturday’s matchup between Workforce USA and Mexico could also be a world matchup, however native stars connecting with the nationwide workforce characterize the kind of neighborhood the Suns, Rising and different groups have constructed through the years.
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Workforce USA and Mexico will face off for the eightieth time of their histories in Glendale, with Mexico holding the general sequence benefit. Their most up-to-date assembly was within the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup closing, a 2-1 Mexico victory.
Sergiño Dest works out at a U.S. maless soccer observe at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium on Oct. 1, 2026. Credit score: Mark Henle/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Photos
The groups have additionally met 3 times beforehand in Glendale, with the primary time in 2007.
Saturday’s match is one other likelihood to see a world rivalry play out on an area stage. Nash’s go to and Booker’s jersey are small moments, however they present how the game has linked with the broader Arizona sports activities neighborhood.
Soccer followers pose for a photograph earlier than a pleasant match between the U.S. and Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Credit score: Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Soccer U S Mexico Males S Soccer
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