USMNT Adds Costa Rica Friendly to January Camp: What It Means for the Team
Big news for U.S. soccer fans! The United States men’s national team (USMNT) has announced a new friendly match against Costa Rica, set for January 22 in Orlando. This game will be part of the team’s annual January training camp, which has long been a proving ground for emerging talent. The announcement comes on the heels of last month’s scheduling of a January 18 friendly against Venezuela in Ft. Lauderdale. Both matches are outside the FIFA international window, meaning the roster will likely feature players from Major League Soccer (MLS).
For those unfamiliar, the January camp is a critical time for the USMNT to evaluate domestic talent. Historically, it’s been a launchpad for several players who’ve gone on to become key contributors. Just look at the squad from Qatar 2022: nine players earned their first or second cap during a January camp match. That list includes captain Tyler Adams, forward Brenden Aaronson, defenders Walker Zimmerman and Tim Ream, and starting goalkeeper Matt Turner. That’s some serious talent, and it all started with January camp opportunities.
What’s at Stake in These Friendlies?
While these matches won’t feature the full-strength USMNT roster due to their timing outside the FIFA window, they’re still significant. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the importance of this camp back in November, saying, “We are looking forward to the camp in January and the opportunity to get to know many of the MLS players and see all the potential talent we have here in the United States. We are happy to bring the National Team back to South Florida and utilize the great facilities of Inter Miami for this important moment as we continue to build towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
For Venezuela, the January 18 match is a chance to continue building momentum. The team currently sits in eighth place in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, just one point behind Bolivia after 12 of 18 matches. They’ve also managed to hold their own against powerhouses like Argentina and Brazil, earning draws against both. With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams in 2026, Venezuela’s current position would qualify them for the inter-confederation playoffs. They also had a strong showing in last summer’s Copa América, reaching the quarterfinals.
USMNT’s Record Against Costa Rica and Venezuela
When it comes to Costa Rica, the USMNT has a near-even record of 19 wins, 17 losses, and six draws. All 19 wins have come on home soil, including a 2-1 victory during World Cup qualifying on October 13, 2021. Against Venezuela, the U.S. holds an all-time record of 3-1-2. However, the lone loss came in their most recent meeting—a 3-0 defeat in Cincinnati on June 9, 2019.
These matches will also serve as a tune-up for the USMNT’s next official competition. The team recently defeated Jamaica 4-2 to secure a 5-2 aggregate win and advance to the Concacaf Nations League semifinals, where they’ll face Panama in March. That victory also earned the U.S. a spot in next year’s Concacaf Gold Cup.
Why January Camp Matters
For fans wondering why these friendlies are worth paying attention to, consider this: January camp has been a breeding ground for future stars. It’s where players like Adams, Aaronson, and Turner first got their chance to shine. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, this is a golden opportunity for MLS players to make their case for inclusion in the national team setup.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to watch for:
- Emerging Talent: Which MLS players will step up and catch Pochettino’s eye?
- Team Chemistry: How will the squad gel with a mix of veterans and newcomers?
- Momentum Building: Can the USMNT maintain its strong form heading into the Nations League semifinals?
With matches against Costa Rica and Venezuela on the horizon, January camp promises to be an exciting time for U.S. soccer. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, these games are worth tuning in for. Who knows? You might just witness the birth of the next USMNT star.
Originally Written by: Jeff Carlisle
