US coach Pochettino eyes changes to break Australia's unbeaten run

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino will rejig his lineup for Tuesday's home friendly against Australia as the Socceroos look to extend their 12-game unbeaten run under Tony Popovic.

Pochettino said some players were tired after their 1-1 draw with Ecuador in Austin, Texas, on Friday and should not be risked for the high-altitude match at Denver.

"We need to pay attention that we change from Austin to Denver. The conditions are completely different," the Argentine told reporters after training on Monday.

"You saw, we suffered.

"It’s a good opportunity also to keep improving and showing, maybe, different approaches to the game ... For sure, there are going to be changes, and maybe change the shape."

Key attacker Christian Pulisic was brought on late against Ecuador after suffering some ankle swelling in the lead up to the match, but trained on Monday and is available for selection.

However, left back Antonee Robinson will miss out again for the World Cup co-hosts. The Fulham defender is still sore from a knee problem despite his call-up for the October international window.

"Hope that it’s not an important thing but (that) he’ll go back to his club in a normal way there training and competing," said Pochettino.

The U.S. face an Australia side who beat World Cup co-hosts Canada 1-0 in Montreal at the weekend and have not lost a game under Popovic since he took over from Graham Arnold a year ago.

Australia qualified mid-year for the 2026 showpiece in North America and have enjoyed the freedom to build depth and bed down combinations.

While Pochettino has repeatedly played down the importance of results until the World Cup, Popovic said the Socceroos were taking every friendly seriously.

"We want to win every game. It's always