U.S. U-18s Impress in UEFA Friendship Cup with Unbeaten Start

The U.S. Under-18 Men's Youth National Team has made an emphatic statement at the 2025 UEFA Friendship Cup in Nyon, Switzerland, turning heads with its confident play, tactical discipline, and clutch performances. Competing in Group A alongside France, Argentina, and Australia, the American side has remained unbeaten through its first two matches, securing a shootout win over France and a composed 2–0 victory against Argentina.

Tournament Overview

Held from June 1 to June 10, the UEFA Friendship Cup is a prestigious invitation-only youth tournament that brings together elite national teams from around the world. For the U.S., this competition marks a critical step in the development pathway toward the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The tournament format includes group-stage play followed by placement matches, giving teams high-level international exposure. The U.S. opened its campaign on June 1 against France, followed by matches against Argentina (June 4) and Australia (June 7), with the final playoff match set for June 10. Head coach Marlon LeBlanc named a 20-man roster made up of players born in 2007, with significant representation from top MLS academies and European clubs such as RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt. Notably, six players hail from Florida, and 11 different clubs are represented.

Key Roster Highlights:

• Goalkeepers: Zackory Campagnolo, Kayne Rizvanovich

• Defenders: Andrew Baiera, Dominik Chong‑Qui, Braden Dunham, Kaiden Moore, Tyson Pearce, Jackson Platts

• Midfielders: Snyder Brunell, Marvin Dills, Colin Guske, Santiago Morales, Blake Willey, Nathan Worth (replacing Ervin Torres Jr.)

• Forwards: Jaidyn Contreras, Justin Ellis, Dino Klapija, Leonardo Orejarena, Colton Swan, Santiago Pita (replacing Daniel Pinter)

Torres Jr. and Pinter were originally selected but withdrew before the tournament, prompting LeBlanc to call up Santiago Pita and Nathan Worth.

Matchday 1: USA 2–2 France (USA wins 5–4 on penalties)

The U.S. began their campaign against a talented French side. Within just one minute, Colton Swan gave the Americans the lead with a clinical finish. Midfielder Santiago Morales doubled the lead in the 37th minute with an elegant solo effort through the heart of the French defense.

However, late drama unfolded as France was awarded back-to-back stoppage-time penalties, both of which they converted to equalize 2–2. The match then proceeded to penalties, where the U.S. held their nerve to win the shootout 5–4 and claim two points (one for the draw and one for the shootout win).

Matchday 2: USA 2–0 Argentina

With momentum behind them, the U.S. next faced Argentina in what was expected to be a tightly contested battle. Instead, the Americans controlled the game from start to finish. Jaidyn Contreras opened the scoring in the 8th minute after pouncing on a defensive error, and Braden Dunham doubled the lead just before halftime with a goal from a well-executed set piece.

Matchday 3: USA 3-2 Australia

The U.S. Under-18 Men’s Youth National Team has officially clinched a place in the UEFA Friendship Cup Finalfollowing a thrilling 3–2 victory over Australia on June 7 in Nyon, Switzerland. The win capped off an unbeaten group stage campaign that saw the Americans top Group A with seven points from three matches.

Entering their final group match with momentum from a win over Argentina and a shootout victory over France, the U.S. U-18s once again showcased their depth, attacking creativity, and late-game resilience.

The Americans built a strong 2–0 lead in the first half and appeared to be in full control before Australia stormed back with two goals in the second half — one from a corner and another on the counterattack — to level the score at 2–2 heading into the final moments.

But just when it looked like the U.S. might have to settle for a draw, Justin Ellis delivered a match-winning strike in the fifth minute of stoppage time, finishing off a dazzling assist from Marvin Dills, who had been a spark plug off the bench throughout the second half.

The late heroics sealed a dramatic victory and ensured the U.S. would finish first in Group A, ahead of France, Argentina, and Australia. The team’s record in group play now stands at:

• 2–2 vs France (win on penalties)

• 2–0 vs Argentina

• 3–2 vs Australia

Head coach Marlon LeBlanc’s squad has received widespread praise for its balanced approach, with key performances from starters and substitutes alike. Midfielder Santiago Morales, forwards Colton Swan and Jaidyn Contreras, and goalkeeper Zackory Campagnolo have all contributed at vital moments, while players like Nathan Worth, Marvin Dills, and Justin Ellis have made significant impacts off the bench.

With a dynamic attack, emerging leadership, and the ability to adapt mid-match, the U.S. U-18s now move on to the Gold Medal Match on June 10, where they’ll face the winner of Group B. The match represents an opportunity for the U.S. to cap a promising international campaign with silverware — and further solidify this group as a rising force in the youth national team pipeline.