San Antonio FC's Toyota Field will play host to the United States Men's National Team for the first time on Saturday, January 20 as the side hosts Slovenia in an international exhibition. | Photo courtesy Darren Abate / San Antonio FC
CHICAGO – The United States Men’s National Team will open its 2024 schedule with a friendly against Slovenia on Saturday, Jan. 20 at Toyota Field, home of the USL Championship’s San Antonio FC. Coverage of the United States’ first match of the campaign begins at 3 p.m. ET (2 p.m. CT) on TNT, Telemundo, Universo, MAX and Peacock. Live Spanish-language audio for the match will be available on Fútbol de Primera radio.
With the match date falling outside a FIFA international window, the training camp and match against Slovenia provide a huge opportunity for the next generation of players to make a statement during an important year for U.S. Men’s National Team programs. Not only will the United States try to claim a third consecutive Concacaf Nations League title in March, but the program will also compete next summer in the 2024 Copa America and 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“This is an opportunity for us to identify and work with the next generation of players who have the potential to make an impact on our program,” said USMNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “With the World Cup coming to the United States in 2026, we have placed a huge priority on getting as many players as possible experience in important competitions. Between the Olympics, Concacaf Nations League and Copa America, the chances are there for players to make a statement, and for many of them the game in San Antonio can be an important first step.”
Playing at the home of 2022 USL Championship winners San Antonio FC, this marks the second time U.S. Soccer will host a match in the venue of a club currently playing in the United Soccer League during the modern era. Toyota Field has hosted several notable matches throughout the years which have included European teams like Cardiff City, Sunderland AFC, as well as several Liga MX teams.
“This is a celebratory moment in Toyota Field’s history,” said Jose Lizardo, Director of Toyota Field and STAR Soccer Complex. “Hosting the U.S. Men’s National team is a tremendous honor for Spurs Sports & Entertainment and all of South Texas. San Antonio FC fans know the incredible home field advantage Toyota Field showcases weekly, and we are thrilled for it to be on full display for U.S. Soccer supporters across the country.”
“We are excited to return to San Antonio for the first time since 2015. As part of our core mission to grow the game, we think it’s important to bring the National Teams to different markets across the United States as well as showcase the great work being done at all levels of the sport,” U.S. Soccer Chief Commercial Officer Dave Wright said. “San Antonio certainly deserves that recognition, and we’d like to thank the City of San Antonio, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, and San Antonio FC for their incredible partnership and support to date. The match against Slovenia promises to be great showcase for soccer in South Texas.”
Slovenia recently qualified for the UEFA Euro 2024 championship, finishing tied on points with Group H winners Denmark. The USA and Slovenia have met twice in international competition, including the dramatic 2-2 draw during the group phase of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.