USA will host Mexico in Cincinnati for the World Cup qualifier

The United States will face Mexico in the World Cup qualifying match at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on November 12, the United States Soccer Federation announced on Wednesday.

The choice of the venue represents a break with recent tradition. While the game will mark the sixth time in a row that the United States has hosted Mexico in a World Cup qualifier in Ohio, the previous five such encounters were played at Crew Stadium in Columbus.

The last time the United States hosted a World Cup qualifying match against Mexico outside of Columbus was in April 1997, when the two teams tied 2-2 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

The United States Federation also announced that due to high anticipated demand, it will once again use a random drawing to deliver the tickets.

“When it comes to big rivalries in our sport, the United States-Mexico is one of the best,” said United States coach Gregg Berhalter. “We are fortunate to have so many great venues in this country, and for this game, Cincinnati ticks all the boxes. This is a special game that requires a special atmosphere, and we know it will be one that Cincinnati will provide. “

The match will mark the first of two games in the November window. The United States will travel to Jamaica to face the Reggae Boyz four days later. It is the only time during qualifying for the 2022 World Cup that a double day will be used.

Under the new qualifying format, a total of eight teams, compared to six in previous cycles, will compete in the final round, with the top three teams advancing to Qatar 2022. Fourth place will participate in an Intercontinental playoff for last place.

Mexico has the historic advantage in the series, winning 36 of the previous 71 meetings along with 15 draws. But the United States has moved on from 2000 by amassing a 15-9-6 record against its longtime rival. His record in the World Cup playoffs at that time is 4-4-2. The most recent game came last June when the United States claimed a 3-2 overtime victory in the inaugural Concacaf Nations League final.