USA beat Peru 4-1 as Ellis and Hall score on international debuts

The United States beat Peru 4-1 in Orlando on Saturday, with debutants Justin Ellis and Julian Hall among the scorers in the opening match of their 2030 World Cup cycle. Malik Tillman and Sebastian Berhalter also scored as the Americans returned to action following their World Cup round-of-16 appearance.

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Ellis put the hosts ahead in the fourth minute before Gianluca Lapadula equalised for Peru. The teams reached half-time level at 1-1, but three American goals after the interval settled the friendly. Tillman restored the lead, Hall added the third and Berhalter completed the scoring in the 90th minute.

The Guardian reported that 11 Americans made their senior international debuts. U.S. Soccer's lineup notes confirmed that Ellis, Peyton Miller and Cavan Sullivan were the three newcomers selected to start. Sullivan, at 16 years and 363 days, became the fourth-youngest player in the men's team's modern history to make his debut.

Tyler Adams captained the side for the first time since the 2022 World Cup round-of-16 defeat to the Netherlands, according to the federation. Yunus Musah returned for his first international appearance since March 2025. George Campbell and Auston Trusty started together in central defence, having previously played youth soccer together in Pennsylvania.

For Ellis, the first international goal came at the home of his club, Orlando City. The club said when announcing his call-up that the 19-year-old had supplied 12 assists across all competitions during the 2026 season, including 10 in MLS. His selection for the senior national team was the first of his career.

The new faces were part of a broader change in Mauricio Pochettino's squad. U.S. Soccer said the 28-player group averaged 22 years and eight months, more than four years younger than its World Cup roster. Thirteen players entered the window uncapped, while 13 members of the World Cup squad returned for this camp.

The Americans next face Chile in St Louis on September 29, followed by Mexico on October 3 and Canada on October 6. Peru, coached by Mano Menezes, are also rebuilding after missing the 2026 World Cup. Their most recent appearance at the tournament remains the 2018 edition.