USMNT to host Uruguay in pre-World Cup friendly | OneFootball

The United States men’s national team is set to host Uruguay in a friendly at Children’s Mercy Park on June 5 as the two sides prepare for the World Cup.

La Celeste is ranked 13th in the World, two places higher than the United States in the most recent Fifa standings. Uruguay secured a ticket to the World Cup after winning its last four qualifiers to earn third place on the Conmebol table, behind Argentina and Brazil.

Equipped with Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Fede Valverde, and Diego Godin, Uruguay will not be an easy opponent.

“We’re looking forward to facing another high-level opponent that is also preparing for the World Cup. Uruguay has some world-class talent and is one of the top teams in South America,” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said.

“These are the kinds of opportunities we need to continue to grow as a group and set ourselves up to be successful in Qatar. Once again we’ll have the benefit of outstanding facilities in Kansas City and a venue that has shown tremendous support for the National Team.”

The two sides have met just twice in the last 20 years, with the United States winning a friendly 2-1 in 2002 before drawing 1-1 in September 2019. Overall, the USMNT have two wins, two losses, and three draws against La Celeste.

The June 5 meeting will serve as good practice for the USMNT, as they go into Qatar in Group B to face England, Iran, and either Wales, Scotland, or Ukraine. Uruguay, on the other end, landed in Group H with Portugal, Ghana, and South Korea.

That same window, Diego Alonso’s side will face Mexico in Arizona on June 2 while the USMNT hosts Morocco in Cincinnati.