As the U.S. men’s national team prepares for the World Cup in Qatar, a report has recently surfaced stating that arrangements are being made to schedule September friendlies against Japan and Saudi Arabia in Europe.
According to the report that was posted on Sunday by Daniel Nohra of TUDN, U.S. Soccer is in advanced talks with both the soccer federations of Japan and Saudi Arabia to play the games in Europe in September. The international window allows for games to be played on Sept. 19-27.
Nohara added that Germany and Spain are the proposed destinations to host the games.
To face a team from Asia prior to the start of the World Cup would make sense as the U.S. is scheduled to play against Iran in their final Group B game. Head coach Gregg Berhalter did mention in his postgame comments following the 0-0 tie with Uruguay that they were looking to play two Asian teams in September.
Both Japan and Saudi Arabia qualified for the World Cup, finishing first and second respectively out of Group B in Asian Football Confederation qualifying.
Once confirmed, it will be the first time in more than ten years that the U.S. has played against both countries.
