Stopped in town ahead of CONCACAF Nations Cup match in Jamaica
The United States Men's National Team has established its training camp in Osceola County as it prepares for crucial CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal matches against Jamaica. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino, coming off a mixed record with a 2-0 victory over Panama and a 0-2 loss to Mexico, has called up Christian "Captain America" Pulisic to lead a squad predominantly composed of European-based players.
Michael Kammarman, Director of Communications for US Soccer, highlighted the strategic advantages of the Central Florida location.
"Central Florida serves as an ideal hub for the US National Team," Kammarman said. "The combination of warm weather and our strong relationship with Orlando City makes this an excellent choice for our preparation camp."
The USMNT plays the first leg tonight (Thursday) at 8 p.m. in Kingston. The second leg follows on Monday Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. at Energizer Park in St. Louis.
The squad departed for Jamaica Wednesday to acclimate before the first leg.
The region's proven track record for attracting fans was recently demonstrated when 60,000 supporters filled Camping World Stadium for a match against Brazil. The selection of Osceola County as a training base reflects a strategic approach to tournament preparation, combining practical advantages with business support from key partners including Orlando City SC and Greater Orlando Sports. The location's accessibility and climate provide optimal conditions for the team as they prepare for the challenges of Concacaf competition, particularly the demanding away fixtures characteristic of the region.