The U.S. Soccer Federation typically aims to maximize home-field advantage in World Cup qualifiers by choosing small MLS stadiums that furnish crowds heavily supporting the men’s national team.
For two upcoming matches against warm-weather foes with large fan bases in the United States, the federation stayed on that path and picked two locations that promise bitter cold.
“As we have seen throughout the qualifying process so far, great stadiums and great atmospheres provide a huge advantage to our team,” Coach Gregg Berhalter said in a written statement. “We’ve had fantastic experiences in Columbus and the Twin Cities, and look forward to continuing our World Cup qualifying campaign in front of our fans.