PHOENIX — The U.S. men’s national soccer team connected with the Valley’s sports culture ahead of its friendly showdown against Mexico, with two Phoenix Suns standouts playing a part: Steve Nash and Devin Booker.
Mauricio Pochettino (right, U.S. men’s head coach) talks with Pa-Modou Kah (center, Phoenix Rising head coach) and Steve Nash (left) during a U.S. men’s soccer practice at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium on Oct. 1, 2026. Credit: Mark Henle/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Americans arrived in Arizona this week and have been practicing at the Phoenix Rising FC’s practice facility while preparing for the matchup, with Nash dropping by to visit.
The local connection continued when the national team sent current Booker a customized U.S. national team jersey with his name and new No. 15 on the back. Booker, who has embraced sports in the Valley since his arrival, recalled attending the team’s match against Australia in the FIFA World Cup over the summer.
“That’s love, man,” Booker said as he held up the jersey in a video posted by the Suns. “That was one of my greatest experiences this summer, watching the boys play in Seattle versus the Australia game. It was a great day.”
A special gift from @USMNT 🇺🇸
The U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team surprised Book with a custom jersey ahead of their match in Glendale this weekend! pic.twitter.com/MYDwBYZ1RW
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 2, 2026
It’s these overlapping connections that make these games more meaningful for sports fans in the state. Saturday’s matchup between Team USA and Mexico may be an international matchup, but local stars connecting with the national team represent the type of community the Suns, Rising and other teams have built over the years.
Team USA and Mexico will face off for the 80th time in their histories in Glendale, with Mexico holding the overall series advantage. Their most recent meeting was in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final, a 2-1 Mexico victory.
Sergiño Dest works out at a U.S. mens soccer practice at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium on Oct. 1, 2026. Credit: Mark Henle/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The teams have also met three times previously in Glendale, with the first time in 2007.
Saturday’s match is another chance to see an international rivalry play out on a local stage. Nash’s visit and Booker’s jersey are small moments, but they show how the sport has connected with the broader Arizona sports community.
Soccer fans pose for a photo before a friendly match between the U.S. and Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Credit: Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Soccer U S Mexico Men S Soccer
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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