For both the U.S. and Costa Rica, the friendly match on January 22 in Orlando isn’t just a game; it’s a springboard for fresh talent and a tactical lab that could shape the future of soccer in the Americas.
On one side, we’ve got the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT), led by Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino, who's already leaving his mark with a young, hungry squad. On the other side, Costa Rica steps onto the field with their new coach, Miguel Herrera, a guy famous for his fiery, almost theatrical style. If you think that sounds like the setup for a dramatic showdown, well, you're absolutely right.
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January friendlies are where legends are made. This is where players break free from obscurity and, with one great performance, earn their spot in the squad for major tournaments. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at the history. Since 2002, 30 players who debuted or got their first big chance in January friendlies went on to play in a World Cup. And yes, that includes household names like Tyler Adams and Landon Donovan, who are now synonymous with the USMNT.
Pochettino, in just six games at the helm of the U.S., has shown he's not afraid to take risks. In the match against Venezuela, he started eight debutants, and they delivered with a solid 3-1 win. Take Jack McGlynn, for instance, he scored a long-range beauty that was as stunning as that sunset you stop to admire even though you’ve seen it a thousand times before. And Patrick Agyemang, another rookie, got on the score sheet too, proving that the future of the U.S. attack is in good hands.
But the friendly against Costa Rica is going to be a whole different animal. The U.S. might have taken the last few matches against the Ticos on home soil, but the overall record between the two teams is tight. And for the U.S., this win is crucial to keep building confidence. The 2026 World Cup is right around the corner, and even though they’re hosts, the team knows they’ve still got plenty to prove on the international stage.
On the Costa Rican side, things are heating up as well. Miguel Herrera, known as “El Piojo,” is a bold pick to take the reins of the squad. He’s the kind of manager who lives every moment of the game like it’s his last, with dramatic gestures on the sidelines and soundbites that almost always make headlines. But Herrera's got a massive challenge ahead. Costa Rica is in the midst of a transition, and the squad for this friendly reflects that. It's a young team with a lot of local players, many of them getting their first taste of senior national team action. Does it sound like a recipe for disaster? Maybe. But it’s also exactly the kind of game where someone can rise out of nowhere and make a name for themselves. Don't be shocked if one of these rookies steals the show in Orlando.
Speaking of Orlando, the Inter&Co Stadium is practically a fortress for the U.S. The team has never lost there, and the crowd always brings the heat, even for a friendly. It’s a place that mixes Florida’s heat with the passion of the fans, creating an atmosphere that sparks magical moments. If you’ve never watched a game there, you’re missing out on something special. And it's not just the stadium. Orlando has been the setting for some major moments in U.S. soccer. In 2017, the U.S. demolished Panama 4-0 there, all but sealing their World Cup spot. Now, with a revamped squad brimming with potential, who knows what other big moments await in that place?
So why does all this matter? Well, for the U.S., it’s about continuing to grow as a soccer powerhouse. Sure, they’re still behind the big European and South American teams, but the progress is undeniable. Matches like this are a golden opportunity to integrate new talents, refine tactics, and solidify a unique identity. For Costa Rica, it’s a chance to rebuild. After a so-so 2024, they need to prove they can still hang with the best. Herrera knows this game against the U.S. is more than just a friendly; it’s an early test that could set the tone for his tenure.