The United States Men’s National Team close out their January Camp tonight when they face Costa Rica in their second friendly of the year. The USMNT are coming off a 3-1 victory over Venezuela over the weekend, and they’re looking to get another win against the Ticos.
Fans saw several players on the field get debuts against Venezuela, and we can expect for more of the same this evening. Mauricio Pochettino wants to get his players comfortable with answering the call and producing on the field, and against a Concacaf opponent who we can expect to see again at some point in the year – perhaps at Gold Cup – he wants his team to dictate the pace of play.
The Ticos always play tough no matter the competition, and we can look for them to try and play their game against the United States. For the USMNT, it’s another chance for the players to make an impression and get a result.
Available TV: TNT (English), truTV (English), Universo (Spanish)
Available streaming: Max (English), Peacock (Spanish), FuboTV (Free Trial)
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The highly anticipated friendly match between the United States and Costa Rica is set to take place on March 15, 2025. The match will kick off at 7:00 PM EST and will be held at the iconic Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
For fans looking to catch the action on TV, the match will be broadcast live on ESPN. Additionally, streaming options will be available on the ESPN+ platform for those who prefer to watch online.
As for the lineups, both teams are expected to field strong squads for this friendly encounter. The USA team will likely feature a mix of experienced veterans and up-and-coming talents, while Costa Rica will look to showcase their skill and talent on the pitch.
This match promises to be an exciting and competitive showdown between two talented teams. Be sure to tune in and support your favorite team as they face off in this thrilling friendly match.
The USMNT passed their first test of 2025 with ease, dispatching Venezuela 3-1 on goals from Jack McGlynn, Patrick Agyemang and Matko Miljevic. All three scored their first international goals, while eight players earned their first senior caps at Inter Miami CF‘s Chase Stadium.
Nineteen MLS players feature in Mauricio Pochettino’s roster, giving the Argentine manager an expanded look at the league’s talent pool ahead of the Concacaf Nations League Finals and Concacaf Gold Cup later this year. It all leads to the FIFA 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.
Pochettino’s MLS-heavy squad provided several promising moments against an equally young Venezuela side featuring less prominent national team players as head coach Fernando Batista looks to qualify La Vintotino for their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
The US, by contrast, are already secured a spot in next year’s competition as tournament co-hosts.
However, most players on the current USMNT roster are looking to break through into the national team picture and stay on Pochettino’s radar.
McGlynn and Agyemang may have helped their causes the most. The Philadelphia Union homegrown midfielder opened the score vs. Venezuela with a stunning long-range strike from nearly 30 yards out, while Charlotte FC‘s striker marked his first USMNT cap with a goal that proved to be the eventual game-winner.
Wednesday’s friendly will serve as the debut for new Costa Rica head coach Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera.
The famed Mexican manager, who’s been linked to MLS numerous times over the years, replaced the outgoing Gustavo Alfaro earlier this month as Los Ticos prepare for the third round of Concacaf World Cup qualifiers that begins in September.
Herrera’s 24-man roster is made up exclusively of players based in Liga FPD, Costa Rica’s first division.
Are you ready for some international soccer action? The US Men’s National Team is set to take on Costa Rica in an exciting friendly match. If you’re looking to catch all the action, here’s how you can watch and stream the USA vs. Costa Rica match.
Date: June 9, 2021
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Location: Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah
For viewers in the United States, the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2. You can also stream the game on the ESPN app or on ESPN’s website with a cable or streaming subscription.
If you’re in Costa Rica, the match will be broadcast on Teletica, Repretel, and Sky Sports. Fans in Costa Rica can also stream the game on Teletica’s website or app.
For international viewers, the match will be available on various streaming platforms such as fuboTV, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV.
So grab your jersey, snacks, and get ready to cheer on your favorite team as the USA takes on Costa Rica in this exciting international friendly match. Let the games begin!
Costa Rica friendly provides another opportunity for an inexperienced USMNT group to impress Pochettino ahead of 2026 World Cup
The first game of the U.S. men’s national team’s January camp went about as well as it could have. A young, inexperienced USMNT squad squashed a young, inexperienced Venezuela squad 3-1 on Saturday. What mattered most, though, were the individual performances.
For those who shined, the opportunity to impress Mauricio Pochettino isn’t over. And for those who didn’t? There’s another shot.
The USMNT will be back in action on Wednesday night in Orlando, where they’ll face Costa Rica in the final game of this January camp. The squad is unchanged, with the same MLS-heavy 21-player group still in camp and looking to make their mark ahead of much bigger games down the line.
Some have capitalized on the opportunity – Jack McGlynn, Matko Miljevic and Patrick Agyemang, for starters. All three stepped up in the win over Venezuela, as all three scored their first international goals. Others, though, will hope Wednesday is their turn.
GOAL looks at five things to watch when the USMNT face Costa Rica.
Jack McGlynn’s encore, Diego Luna unleashed and five things to watch as MLS-heavy USMNT call-ups look to impress Mauricio Pochettino against Costa Rica
The US Men’s National Team is gearing up for their upcoming friendly against Costa Rica, and the roster is filled with MLS talent looking to make a statement. One player to keep an eye on is Jack McGlynn, the 18-year-old midfielder who has been turning heads with his performances for the Philadelphia Union.
McGlynn has been a standout performer in MLS this season, and many are eager to see if he can carry that form onto the international stage. With his slick passing and composure on the ball, McGlynn could be a key player for the USMNT in their match against Costa Rica.
Another player to watch is Diego Luna, the young forward who has been making waves with his performances for LA Galaxy. Luna has been in scintillating form in MLS, and his pace and finishing ability could cause problems for the Costa Rican defense.
As the USMNT prepares to take on Costa Rica, here are five things to watch for as the MLS-heavy squad looks to impress new head coach Mauricio Pochettino:
1. How will the young MLS talent fare on the international stage? Players like McGlynn and Luna will be looking to prove themselves against top competition, and their performances could have a big impact on their future with the national team.
2. Can the USMNT midfield control the game? With players like McGlynn, Kellyn Acosta, and Gianluca Busio in the squad, the USMNT will be looking to dominate possession and create chances against Costa Rica.
3. Will the defense be able to handle the Costa Rican attack? Costa Rica boasts some dangerous attacking players, and the USMNT defense will need to be on their game to keep them at bay.
4. How will Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics impact the game? The new head coach will be looking to implement his style of play, and it will be interesting to see how the team responds to his instructions.
5. Can the USMNT pick up a win against a strong Costa Rican side? Costa Rica is a tough opponent, and a victory would be a great confidence booster for the USMNT as they continue their preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Overall, there is plenty to look forward to in the upcoming match between the USMNT and Costa Rica. With a mix of young talent and experienced players, the MLS-heavy squad will be looking to make a statement and impress Mauricio Pochettino as they continue their preparations for the upcoming international fixtures.
LINEUP NOTES USMNT vs. Costa Rica International Friendly Jan. 22, 2024 Inter&Co Stadium; Orlando, Fla. Pre-Game Coverage: 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV, Universo, Max, Peacock Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV, Universo, Max, Peacock and Fútbol de Primera Radio. Social Media: @USMNT on X and Instagram; U.S. Soccer on Facebook, The U.S. Soccer App
Today’s USMNT Starting XI vs. Costa Rica: 22-Zack Steffen; 12-Miles Robinson, 3-Walker Zimmerman, 13-Tim Ream (Capt.), 5-DeJuan Jones; 14-Emeka Eneli, 6-Benjamin Cremaschi; 19-Indiana Vassilev, 10-Diego Luna, 17-Brian Gutiérrez; 8-Brian White
USMNT Starting XI Cap Numbers (including this match): Tim Ream (67), Walker Zimmerman (43), Miles Robinson (32), Zack Steffen (30), DeJuan Jones (10), Benjamin Cremaschi (3), Diego Luna (3), Brian White (3), Emeka Eneli (2), Brian Gutiérrez (2), Indiana Vassilev (2).
Mauricio Pochettino makes eight changes from the lineup that began Saturday’s match against Venezuela, holding over defender Miles Robinson and midfielders Benjamin Cremaschi and Brian Gutiérrez.
Tonight’s lineup has an average age of 26 years, 308 days, marking the oldest Starting XI for a USMNT early-year friendly since the lineup that faced Japan on Feb. 10, 2006 in San Francisco (27 years, 332 days).
The roster also averages 17 caps.
Robinson will start his first international match at right back, making way for veteran center backs Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman who pair together for the first time since the Round of 16 match against Netherlands at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Ream and Zimmerman partnered centrally in three of the four U.S. matches in Qatar.
Captaining the USMNT for the 14th time tonight, Ream will also earn his 67th cap, equaling the career total of fellow St. Louis native and 1994 World Cup veteran Mike Sorber.
Goalkeeper Zack Steffen earns his first international appearance since March 30, 2022 at Costa Rica,the final match of the USA’s successful run in 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying. The 29-year-old also becomes the eight USMNT goalkeeper to reach 30 caps.
Robinson and Zimmerman also featured with Steffen in the 2022 ‘qualifying finale, which was also the last meeting between the USA and Costa Rica.
Emeka Eneli, Diego Luna and Indiana Vassilev earn their first starts for the USMNT tonight.
With Eneli and Luna in the lineup, Real Salt Lake leads the list of 10 MLS clubs represented in tonight’s Starting XI and are joined by Charlotte FC (Ream), Chicago Fire (Gutiérrez), FC Cincinnati (Robinson), Colorado Rapids (Steffen), Columbus Crew (Jones), Inter Miami (Cremaschi), Nashville SC (Zimmerman), St. Louis CITY (Vassilev), Vancouver Whitecaps (White).
Eight starters are products of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, with five developed by MLS clubs: Benja Cremaschi (Weston FC, Inter Miami), Emeka Eneli (Columbus Crew), Brian Gutiérrez (Chicago Fire), Diego Luna (San Jose Earthquakes), Miles Robinson (FC Boston Bolts), Zack Steffen (Philadelphia Union, FC DELCO), Indiana Vassilev (IMG Academy), Brian White (Players Development Academy).
The USA is 19W-17L-6D in 42 all-time meetings with Costa Rica.
USMNT vs. Costa Rica: Starting XI & Lineup Notes
As the US Men’s National Team prepares to take on Costa Rica in a crucial World Cup qualifier, here is the starting XI and lineup notes for the match:
Lineup Notes:
– Coach Gregg Berhalter has opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Pulisic and Aaronson providing support for lone striker Pepi.
– Dest and Antonee Robinson will be crucial in providing width and overlapping runs from the fullback positions.
– McKennie, Adams, and Musah will be tasked with controlling the midfield and breaking up Costa Rica’s attacks.
– Brooks and Miles Robinson will anchor the defense and look to nullify any threats posed by Costa Rica’s attackers.
– Steffen will be relied upon to make key saves and organize the defense from the back.
With a spot in the World Cup on the line, the USMNT will be looking to secure a crucial victory against Costa Rica. Stay tuned for updates and analysis from the match. Let’s go Team USA! #USMNT #WorldCupQualifier
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USMNT, Costa Rica, Starting XI, Lineup Notes, Soccer, International Friendly, Match Preview, Player Analysis, Team News, Tactical Outlook, Key Matchups
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — For a player like John Tolkin, this month’s two national team friendly games seemed like the perfect chance to climb U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino’s depth chart. The 22-year-old left back was coming off a career season in 2024, a year that began with his first senior cap, included a starting role for the U.S. Olympic team at the Paris Games, and culminated with a Cinderella run to the MLS Cup final with his hometown New York Red Bulls.
Tolkin won’t play for the USMNT here on Saturday against Venezuela or next week versus Costa Rica; he left camp on Wednesday and flew to Germany to sign with Bundesliga strugglers Holstein Kiel. Three other 2026 World Cup hopefuls, 2022 squad member Jesús Ferreira, Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender and young CF Montreal central defender Jalen Neal, have all departed South Florida for different reasons, leaving Pochettino with just 20 remaining players to assess over these two games.
Here are five guys well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunity.
A surprising omission from the 2024 Olympic team, the Illinois native is entering his sixth season with the Fire and has more than MLS regular season appearances under his belt. A technically gifted playmaker, Gutiérrez scored a career-high six goals last year and ably ran the show in Chicago’s midfield after Swiss national team star Xherdan Shaqiri left the club in August.
“I didn’t get the chance to play at the U-20 level and the Olympics, [so] being able to do it at the senior level is honestly a great feeling,” he said on Thursday.
His play in Chicago also caught the attention of Mexico’s national team, for which “Guti” remains eligible. This month at least, his priority is on showing Pochettino what he can do.
“Getting into the picture with the U.S.,” he said, “That’s what my full focus is here.”
Things couldn’t have gone much better for Schulte over the last two years. After leading the Crew’s development team to the MLS Next Pro title, he backstopped the varsity to the 2023 MLS Cup crown and a runner-up finish in Concacaf last year. He also won his first two USMNT caps and started all four games for the Olympic side in France.
He has yet to play under Pochettino, though. Expect that to change on Saturday. If he does well against La Vinotinto and keeps his place, it would be a clear indication that the coach sees Schulte as the best of an MLS crop of keepers that includes fellow January invitees Zack Steffen and the uncapped Matt Freese. With U.S. No. 1 Matt Turner still only getting the occasional cup match in England, that distinction matters.
The youngest player on the Olympic squad, there was some thought that Cremaschi could end up with the U.S. under-20 side this month instead. Yet here he is, back with the senior team for the first time since making his debut under then coach Gregg Berhalter in September 2023.
Cremaschi played north of 600 fewer minutes for Miami last season than during his first as a pro. But his potential is obvious, and he’s getting an all-world education, sharing a locker room with club teammates/Barcelona legends Jordi Albi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez and (of course) Lionel Messi. There’s also a natural connection with Pochettino; Cremaschi was born and raised in Miami to Argentine parents.
With Saturday’s match at Chase Stadium, Inter’s home field, Cremaschi has even more motivation to perform well. “I’ll definitely have family and friends out here supporting me,” he said last week. “Hopefully I can just make this opportunity count in front of everyone.”
Perhaps the best U.S. performer at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Luna’s failure to make the Olympic squad was more shocking than Gutiérrez. But “Moon Boy” took whatever frustration he felt out on MLS defenses in 2024 with career highs in games, starts, goals and minutes played under RSL coach and USMNT great Pablo Mastroeni. It paid off: in November, Luna took home the MLS Young Player of the Year award.
Now he’s back with the senior team and looking to add to the lone cap he won last January. Luna feels like exactly the sort of player who could thrive under Pochettino. He’s technical, sure, but also wholly unpredictable when he gets into the opponent’s half of the field, with a creative flair that is rare in the American player pool. There’s an edge to his on-field personality, too — a quality that is highly valued by the Argentine manager.
Like Gutiérrez, Luna is a dual citizen who can also represent Mexico.
As much as January camps are all about serving the youth, this month is a big one for Zimmerman. The 2022 World Cup alum is one of three veteran center backs on the current squad, along with Tim Ream, his partner for three games in Qatar, and Miles Robinson.
Ream and Robinson have both played for Pochettino since he took the U.S. job ahead of last October’s international window. Zimmerman, meantime, is getting his first look under the new boss. With Ream turning 37 later this year and a wide-open field of other candidates in the position, that can’t hurt his chances of staying in the mix alongside his MLS-based brethren and European options like Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
“That’s the unique thing about the national team — it’s never [that] you’re on the team for this year. You’re on the team for this roster, this camp, this training session,” Zimmerman said on Monday.
“It’s always a competition.”
Doug McIntyre is a soccer writer for FOX Sports who has covered the United States men’s and women’s national teams at FIFA World Cups on five continents. Follow him at @ByDougMcIntyre.
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As the US Men’s National Team prepares for their upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica, here are five players who have the most to gain with strong performances:
1. Christian Pulisic – The Chelsea star has been in top form for his club and will be looking to carry that momentum into the international break. A standout performance against Venezuela and Costa Rica could solidify his status as a key player for the USMNT.
2. Weston McKennie – The Juventus midfielder has been a consistent performer for the USMNT and will be looking to continue his strong play in these friendlies. With competition for midfield spots heating up, McKennie will need to show his worth against tough opponents.
3. Tyler Adams – The RB Leipzig midfielder has been a key player for the USMNT in recent years and will be looking to further establish himself as a leader on the team. A strong showing against Venezuela and Costa Rica could cement his place in the starting lineup.
4. Sergiño Dest – The Barcelona fullback has been a rising star for the USMNT and will be looking to continue his development in these friendlies. With competition for fullback spots increasing, Dest will need to show his defensive and attacking abilities against tough opponents.
5. Josh Sargent – The Werder Bremen striker has been in good form recently and will be looking to showcase his goal-scoring abilities against Venezuela and Costa Rica. With competition for the striker position heating up, Sargent will need to make a strong case for his inclusion in the starting lineup.
Gisele Bündchen spent Christmas Eve baring her baby bump.
The pregnant model enjoyed a Costa Rica beach trip with boyfriend Joaquim Valente last week, in photos obtained by Page Six Monday.
The 44-year-old wore her hair down and showed her stomach in a bikini while walking barefoot in the shallows.
Gisele Bündchen bared her bump in a bikini on Christmas Eve. BACKGRIDShe enjoyed a low-key beach trip on Dec. 24. BACKGRIDThe model was photographed in Costa Rica. BACKGRIDShe was joined by boyfriend Joaquim Valente. BACKGRID
The former Victoria’s Secret Angel was joined by Valente, who sported a pair of swim trunks, as well as a dog and some pals in the sunny snaps.
“That’s a lie,” she insisted in March. “This is something that happens to a lot of women who get blamed when they have the courage to leave an unhealthy relationship and are labeled as being unfaithful.”
The former NFL player, notably, has yet to publicly react to his ex-wife starting a family with Valente.
Page Six reported in October that the “stunned” ex-quarterback “never imagined” Bündchen would have a baby as the possibility “just wasn’t something that was on his radar.”
Supermodel Gisele Bündchen recently flaunted her growing baby bump while vacationing in Costa Rica with her husband, Joaquim Valente. The stunning Brazilian beauty was spotted soaking up the sun in a bikini, proudly showing off her pregnancy glow.
Gisele, who is already a mother to two children, looked radiant and relaxed as she enjoyed some quality time with her family in the picturesque beach destination. The 41-year-old model has always been open about her love for motherhood and her commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.
Fans were quick to shower Gisele with compliments, praising her for embracing her pregnant body and looking absolutely gorgeous. With her signature long locks and toned physique, it’s no surprise that she continues to turn heads even while pregnant.
Congratulations to Gisele and Joaquim on their growing family! We can’t wait to see more adorable moments from their vacation in Costa Rica.
