USMNT vs. Honduras played in the cold: Response to Minnesota weather conditions for World Cup qualifying football
The United States has received a lot of criticism for its decision to host the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying home game in St. Paul, Minn., in early February.
With Honduras arriving in town to begin 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. local time), the USMNT will brace for near-zero temperatures with wind chills of around minus-15 degrees.
While athletes can sometimes be more congenial than the average Joe in frigid conditions, frigid temperatures can be dangerous for skin contact, meaning it’s unlikely any player would wear short-sleeved shirt or leave any cold-weather gear by the side. At this temperature, skin contact can cause frostbite in as little as 10 to 20 minutes, the National Weather Service says.
MORE: USMNT vs. Honduras, updates, highlights
The temperature at the start of this match will break the record for the lowest for a USMNT game, set on Sunday against Canada. The temperature at the start of the game in Hamilton, Ont., for the Americans’ 0-2 loss was 22 degrees Farenheit. These records date back to 1999 when the warm-up temperatures were first officially recorded.
Temperatures for tonight’s 🇺🇸-🇭🇳 qualifiers are predicted to be ~4 degrees at the start.
Coldest #USMNT Matches starting from 1999:
❄️ 22: Sun. in Hamilton
❄️ 29: Autumn. vs El Salvador
❄️ 29: 2013 SnowClasico
❄️ 29:2001 Dos A Cero– Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) February 2, 2022
“Obviously it’s going to be cold,” midfielder Weston McKennie said before the game. “It’s just something that we have to adapt and play like in any other game. Obviously, with the weather, we’re going to use the right gear and wear what we’re supposed to wear, but they’re not. I don’t want to focus too much on the weather. We just need to go out there and get the job done.”
Arctic air with dangerously cold winds has swept across the region. Cold winds of -25 to -30 are likely through tomorrow morning. If you plan on being outdoors, be sure to dress appropriately as bites can appear within 10 to 20 minutes. #mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/HpD2wuqY9h
– NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) February 2, 2022
The media responds to the weather in Minnesota
The United States announced that the team will provide players from both teams with appropriate equipment to wear in the conditions, and that players will be allowed to wear equipment such as thermal head coverings that are only left in the area. around their eyes are not protected.
Guide the group to prepare for the cold in St Paul tonight#usmnt v #honduras pic.twitter.com/5xHj329VDg
– Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) February 2, 2022
A spokesperson for the USMNT confirmed that players will be able to wear balaclava capes and headscarves over their face/lower mouth during tonight’s game.
You’ll probably see quite a few guys looking like this at Allianz Field. pic.twitter.com/OcstvodebH
– Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) February 2, 2022
Before the upcoming match at 7pm EST ON @ FS1 in front of the big WCQ for @USMNT vs Honduras. Join us!! @AlexiLalas @MauriceEdu @RobStoneONFOX @RodolfoLanderos @JohnStrong pic.twitter.com/JDYC4YXBW6
– Stu Holden (@stuholden) February 2, 2022
Greggg predicts the starting lineup:
Winter Warriors
Iceman, Frozone, Werewolf, Frozen Giant from Thor
Wun Wun from Game of Thrones, Polar Boy, Elsa,
Mr. Freeze, Polar Boy, Mumble from Happy Feet– Man in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) February 2, 2022
Gregg Berhalter speaks to the group during the morning walk. #USMNT pic.twitter.com/tWx8MlhrLY
– Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) February 2, 2022
Fans react to the weather in Minnesota
Live shot of some of the early prep work set up ahead of tonight’s big show #USMNT qualifying in Minnesota.
Go to the USA! pic.twitter.com/7k1OtytfCi– Steve Davis (@SteveDavis90) February 2, 2022
Vamos #USMNT pic.twitter.com/ucRmrvsVVZ
– Mark Fishkin (@MarkFishkin) February 2, 2022
A spokesperson for the USMNT revealed the team’s updated outfit to match the Minnesota weather tonight pic.twitter.com/uGuwnar8Et
– Connor Finnegan (@ConnorFinnegan) February 2, 2022
A spokesperson for the USMNT revealed the team’s updated outfit to match the Minnesota weather tonight pic.twitter.com/uGuwnar8Et
– Connor Finnegan (@ConnorFinnegan) February 2, 2022
– Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 2, 2022
Give #USMNT tonight’s game do I stick all of this up like I’m smuggling drugs and cash or just tape it directly to my nipples. pic.twitter.com/EAeJT0ONQ7
– Matt VanBenschoten (@mschoten) February 2, 2022
