Mauricio Pochettino USMNT MexicoGetty Images

USMNT schedule second match of 2025 January camp against Costa Rica in Orlando at Inter & Co Stadium

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • U.S. book second January friendly, will face Costa Rica
  • Americans have a mixed record against Los Ticos
  • U.S. play Venezula in their January camp opener
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • Tim Ream USMNT 2023Getty Images

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    The U.S. men's national team have secured the second match in January, scheduling a friendly against Costa Rica on Jan. 22. The match will be played at Inter & Co stadium, the home stadium of Major League Soccer's Orlando City SC. With the friendly scheduled outside of a FIFA window, it is expected MLS and fringe players will largely be on manager Mauricio Pochettino's roster.

    Costa Rica has been a tricky opponent for the U.S. in the past, with the Americans having a 19W-17L-6D record against Los Ticos. All of the U.S.'s 19 wins have come on home soil. The U.S. have a perfect 6-0-0 record at Inter & Co stadium.

  • Advertisement
  • WHAT POCHETTINO SAID

    “For a long time the January Camp has been an important part of the development of the National Team. It’s a unique opportunity to work with our MLS players closely and then finish with a good challenge against Costa Rica,” USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino said in a statement. “Orlando has always been an amazing host for U.S. Soccer and we are excited for another chance to play in front of their fans.”

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    This should be a good test for Pochettino's side, considering the history. The last time these two teams played, Costa Rica stunned the USMNT on their home ground, with a 2-0 win in a 2022 World Cup Qualifying match.

    While neither side will feature their A teams, this tie has always featured a fierce competitiveness to it. This match, along with the earlier game in Fort Lauderdale against Venezuela, will be pivotal for several MLS players who are trying to make their case for the 2026 World Cup.

    This is the last set of friendlies prior to actual competitive matches in the Nations League finals in March and CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer.

  • Carlos Bocanegra dribbles the ballGetty Images Sport

    DID YOU KNOW?

    The 2022 World Cup featured nine players who made their first or second USMNT appearances in January camp, including Tyler Adams, forward Brenden Aaronson, and defenders Walker Zimmerman and Tim Ream. Also former American legends, and 100 cap members, Jozy Altidore, DaMarcus Beasley, Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan all got their starts in January camp.

  • WHAT NEXT FOR USMNT?

    The U.S. national team will reconvene in January to kick off camp prior to playing the first of two friendlies on Jan. 18 against Venezuela.