US starts looking to 2022 with exhibition at Portugal
CHICAGO (AP) The United States has started turning its attention toward the 2022 World Cup, announcing an exhibition at Portugal on Nov. 14.
The game was finalized Monday, six days after the Americans' stunning 2-1 loss at Trinidad and Tobago eliminated them from the 2018 World Cup field and ended their streak of appearances at seven.
Coach Bruce Arena quit Friday, and the U.S. Soccer Federation said it will determine an interim replacement ''in the coming days.''
A match in Europe a few days earlier in the FIFA fixture window also is possible.
The Americans have more than five years to prepare for the World Cup in Qatar. The U.S. is not likely to play a competitive match until the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Portugal and the U.S. tied 2-2 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Portugal has qualified for next year's World Cup in Russia.
