USMNT schedules January friendly with Venezuela

The United States men will face Venezuela in a friendly on Jan. 18 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced Monday evening.

The match doesn't fall within a FIFA international window, meaning the U.S. roster will likely be comprised of MLS players that are taking part in the USMNT's annual January camp. Another friendly is slated for later that month against an opponent that is still to be determined.

The January camp has historically proved to a launching pad for numerous USMNT careers. From the U.S. squad at Qatar 2022, nine players earned their first or second cap during a January camp match, including captain Tyler Adams, forward Brenden Aaronson, defenders Walker Zimmerman and Tim Ream and starting goalkeeper Matt Turner.

"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," USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino said. "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."

The U.S. has an all-time record of 3-1-2 against La Vinotinto, with the lone defeat coming in the most recent meeting between the two teams, a 3-0 loss in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 9, 2019.

Venezuela currently sits in seventh place in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, level on points with Bolivia following 11 of 18 matches played, and having recorded draws against Argentina and Brazil.

With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams in 2026, Venezuela's spot would see it qualify for the inter-confederation playoffs. Venezuela also enjoyed a strong run in last summer's Copa América, reaching the quarterfinals.