CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying: Where should the United States national team play?
The field for the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying is now set for the United States national team. As such, scheduling will play a critical – and perhaps underrated role in the team booking their ticket for Qatar in 2022.
Where the United States national team will play these crucial CONCACAF World Cup qualifying matches is a bit under wraps although there is some buzz that Allianz Field in Saint Paul, MN will get the Mexico qualifier in November.
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So where should the United States national team play these matches? A look at a dream scenario of matches for the United States that includes travel considerations, weather and homefield advantage.
Sept. 5: Canada – Perhaps the one match where homefield advantage shouldn’t be a major factor. Canada’s return to the final round of CONCACAF qualifying is the sign of an emerging talent pool north of the border. With a qualifying match against El Salvador just days before, travel could and should factor into this decision.
The choice here is Orlando and Exploria Stadium. A close flight from Central America and an intimate stadium setting that should be pro-American to say the least. Easy-ish trips back to Europe and South America for the sizable Yanks Abroad contingent on this squad.
Oct. 7: Jamaica – Jamaica has been a difficult side in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying since 1997, but the Americans have gotten wins at home and results on the road against the Reggae Boyz.
Playing at elevation could be a good advantage for the United States so Denver and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park is a nice choice and perhaps a bit crisp weather-wise for the Caribbean giants.
Oct. 13: Costa Rica – Following the Jamaica match then a trip to El Salvador, the United States returns home for one of the most successful teams in the region in recent years. Don’t let the recent friendly fool you – the Ticos are tough home and away.
TQL Stadium, home of FC Cincinnati, offers a good location, an ideal venue and the chance at cooler conditions at night that might make the Costa Ricans shiver a bit.
CONCACAF World Cup qualifying is never easy, but if the United States can consistently get three points from their home matches and take some points on the road, then they should be booking their ticket back into the tournament.
Nov. TBD: Mexico – The choice here is Minneapolis. The cold, the need for a change of venue after the loss in Columbus last year…a beautiful new facility. This one is a no-brainer and the chance for a true, homefield advantage for the red, white and blue.
Outside of fans in Columbus, where this match has resided since 2001, there should be no argument.
Jan. 27: El Salvador – With a trip to Jamaica looming, an East Coast venue makes some sense for the United States. Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union, though close to sizable El Salvadorian communities in Washington D.C. and northern New Jersey, is small enough to control ticket allocation and should ensure a pro-American crowd.
And frankly, even if this crowd is a bit more in favor of the visitors than one would like, the cold conditions should absolutely negate any issues with El Salvador.
Feb. 2: Honduras – The return trip from Jamaica probably means another East Coast venue for ease of players before and after this match (the log on European-based national teamers. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta has FIFA-approved grass but will need natural grass if it will host any World Cup matches in 2026. Given that the Atlanta Falcons’ NFL season will be done by October (hiyoooo), there should be no issues laying grass and letting it take. The retractable roof should help the field be pristine and the venue can close off the top tier to limit capacity and away supporters.
March 27: Panama – Sandwiched between matches at Mexico and then at Costa Rica, cutting back on travel and fatigue is key for this one. The hope is that the Americans will have wrapped up qualifying by now but that is a big risk. Make it Rio Tinto, where the altitude and smaller venue should help the Americans get three points. Real Salt Lake’s home has been good to the United States in the past for friendlies and qualifiers.