The U.S. Under-23 men’s national team will have its first preparation matches ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Mexico and Japan will oppose Marko Mitrovic’s squad in Phoenix, Arizona on Oct. 11 and Oct. 17 respectively, U.S. Soccer announced Wednesday. Phoenix Rising Stadium will serve as the host venue for the pair of matches.
Mexico will also square off with Japan on Oct. 14.
Mitrovic was announced as head coach of the USMNT U-23’s earlier this summer. The former U.S. Under-19 men’s national team head coach will lead the Americans into their first Olympic involvement since 2008.
Thanks to the USMNT U-20’s 3-0 victory over Honduras at the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship, the Americans will make the trip to Paris next summer.
Mexico will not compete in the Olympics, missing the tournament for the first time since 2008.
Japan is preparing for next spring’s 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar, which will qualify three Asian nations to Paris 2024. Japan is currently competing at the Asian Games.
Several young talents in the USMNT player pool will be eligible for the Olympics including Gio Reyna, Yunus Musah, Gabriel Slonina, and Ricardo Pepi.
Source : SBI Soccer
