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USA to test young talent against Slovenia in January / Photo: ALEX GRIMM - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File
USA to test young talent against Slovenia in January
The United States national team will begin its 2024 campaign with a January 20 friendly against Slovenia at San Antonio, US Soccer announced on Monday.
US coach Gregg Berhalter plans to look at young talent in launching a year that will feature a host role in Copa America, the Paris Olympics and a bid to win a third consecutive CONCACAF Nations League title.
"This is an opportunity for us to identify and work with the next generation of players who have the potential to make an impact on our program," Berhalter said.
"With the World Cup coming to the United States in 2026, we have placed a huge priority on getting as many players as possible experience in important competitions.
"Between the Olympics, CONCACAF Nations League and Copa America, the chances are there for players to make a statement and, for many of them, the game in San Antonio can be an important first step."
It will be the Americans' first visit to San Antonio since 2015, when they blanked Mexico 2-0.
Slovenia, which has booked a berth in the 2024 UEFA European championship, drew 2-2 with the USA in the 2010 World Cup and fell 3-2 at home to the Americans in a 2011 friendly in their only prior matches.
The host Americans will face Jamaica in a Nations League semi-final in March. They have already qualified for June's Copa America, featuring 10 South American sides and six from North America.
Lionel Messi-led Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, will try to defend the Copa America crown.
W.Fortin--SMC
