Costa Rica vs United States: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction
By Chris Smith
The United States will look to seal their place at the 2022 World Cup when they travel to Costa Rica on Wednesday evening.
Despite the players celebrating on the pitch following a 5-1 win over Panama at the weekend, the USMNT aren't quite done yet and could still slip into the intercontinental playoff place.
Any result better than a six-goal loss will be enough for Gregg Berhalter's men. Missing out on the trip to Qatar seems highly unlikely now, but it's vitally important to remember that San Jose has not been a happy hunting ground for the United States, who have a 0W-9L-1D World Cup qualifying record away at Costa Rica - who will look to do the unthinkable and leapfrog their visitors.
A professional performance is required and it's sure to be an exciting game either way. Read on for team news, broadcast info, head-to-head records, and more:
How to watch Costa Rica vs United States on TV/live stream
When is kick-off? Wednesday, 30 March, 9:05pm (EST)
Where is it being played? Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, San Jose
What TV channel is it on? CBS Sports Network (US)
Highlights? US Soccer YouTube channel
Costa Rica team news
Left-back Ronald Matarrita remains sidelined with an ankle injury but Costa Rica have no further concerns and will field their strongest XI to try and achieve the impossible.
Bryan Ruiz, Celso Borges, Joel Campbell, Francisco Calvo, Bryan Oviedo, Johan Venegas, Keysher Fuller, Jewison Bennette, and Alonso Martínez are all one yellow card away from suspension for the intercontinental playoff, so Costa Rica might well take some caution without the ball.
Costa Rica predicted XI: Navas; Fuller, Waston, Vargas, Calvo, Oviedo; Contreras, Borges, Tejeda, Martinez; Campbell.
United States team news
The USMNT will welcome back DeAndre Yedlin and Tim Weah from suspension for this match. There were no extra injury concerns following the 5-1 win over Panama, but both Yedlin and Weah could be restored to the starting XI for their fresh legs.
USMNT predicted XI: Steffen; Yedlin, Zimmerman, M. Robinson, A. Robinson; Adams, Musah, De la Torre; Weah, Ferreira, Pulisic.
Costa Rica vs United States head-to-head record
The USMNT won 2-1 in Columbus during their previous meeting with Costa Rica, extending their victorious run over Los Ticos to four games across all competitions. In the overall series, the US lead 19 wins to 16, with five draws.
But as mentioned, the Stars and Stripes have never won a World Cup qualifier away at Costa Rica, which will surely be the cause of some superstitious doubt in the back of some American minds.
Costa Rica vs United States score prediction
The USMNT's record in Costa Rica may be terrible, but this young group won't fear that one bit. In fact, they may even use it as motivation.
Costa Rica will come out fast in search of early goals to get the nerves going, but if Berhalter's side can weather the storm, they should be able to get a grip of this game and overturn another unfavorable piece of history.
Prediction: Costa Rica 1-2 United States