Salt Lake City to host USMNT World Cup Qualifying tune-up on June 3

CHICAGO (Via U.S. Soccer) – U.S. Soccer has selected Rio Tinto Stadium to host the USA’s World Cup Qualifying tune-up on June 3 against Venezuela. Kickoff at Rio Tinto Stadium, is set for 8 p.m. MT, and the match will be broadcast live on FS1, Univision and UDN (with a pregame show on UDN starting at 7 p.m. MT).

The match against Venezuela comes at a critical time for the United States, just five days before a key home World Cup Qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago in Denver followed by a visit to the famed Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

“Salt Lake City has always been a fantastic host for the National Team,” U.S. MNT head coach Bruce Arena said. “When you combine the elements of the fan support, the stadium and the altitude, it’s a perfect match as we prepare for the critical World Cup Qualifiers against Trinidad & Tobago and Mexico.”

The MNT holds a perfect 3-0-0 record at the home of Real Salt Lake, including a pair of victories in World Cup Qualifying. Overall, the U.S. has won all four of its matches in Utah.

This will be the fourth meeting between the United States and Venezuela, with the USA posting a commanding 3-0-1 lead in the series. U.S. captain Michael Bradley earned his first cap for the MNT against Venezuela during the Send-Off Series for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Graham Zusi made his MNT debut six years later in the 1-0 win to open the USA’s 2012 campaign.