Dec 15, 2015
StubHub Center to Host U.S. Men’s National Team Opening Matches in 2016
CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015) – StubHub Center will host a pair of U.S. Men’s National Team friendlies against Iceland and Canada in 2016, U.S. Soccer announced today. The USMNT will face Iceland on Sunday, Jan. 31, before hosting Canada on Friday, Feb. 5, at StubHub Center, which has become the traditional host of the opening games of the year for the United States.
Tickets for both games go on sale to the general public Friday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. PT. Fans can purchase tickets to the match versus Iceland on Jan. 31 here, with a special presale beginning Thursday, Dec. 17, by using the password “FRIENDLY.” For the match against Canada Feb. 5, fans can purchase tickets here, with a special presale available beginning Thursday, Dec. 17, by also using “FRIENDLY.”
Tickets are also available through www.stubhubcenter.com, by calling 1-888-929-7849, and at the StubHub Center ticket office (open this Friday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT and on Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT). Groups of 20 or more can order through www.ussoccer.com. Ultimate Fan Tickets (special VIP packages that include a premium ticket, a custom-made official U.S. National Team jersey with name and number, VIP access to the field before and after the game, and other unique benefits) are also available exclusively through www.ussoccer.com.
StubHub Center will be the site of the USA’s first match of the year for the eighth time since 2004, the U.S. posting a 4-1-2 record in those games. On Feb. 1, 2014, the United States kicked off preparation for the World Cup with a 2-0 win against Korea Republic. StubHub Center most recently hosted the USMNT’s win over Panama on Feb. 8 earlier this year.
This will be the first meeting between the United States and Iceland in more than 20 years, the teams splitting the lifetime series with a 2-2-2 record dating back to 1955. The tiny island nation made history when they qualified for the 2016 European Championship, twice defeating 2014 World Cup bronze medalists Netherlands in qualifying as they finished second in their group and advanced to a major tournament for the first time.
The U.S. and Canada have 32 times since 1925. The USMNT is unbeaten against its northern neighbors for the last 35 years, a run that includes eight wins and 13 shutouts. The teams last met Jan. 29, 2013, a 0-0 draw in Houston that opened the celebration of U.S. Soccer’s 100-year anniversary.