Those of you who can't wait for the U.S. national team to face off against Mexico in World Cup qualifying next year won't have to wait too long. The CONCACAF super powers will square off in the opening match of 2009 qualifying in the United States.
The draw for the Hexagonal round of qualifying took place earlier this morning and the first of two USA-Mexico tilts was drawn first and is set for Feb. 11.
Here is the full USA schedule:
| Feb. 11 | Mexico | Home |
| March 28 | El Salvador | Away |
| April 1 | Trinidad & Tobago | Home |
| June 3 | Costa Rica | Away |
| June 6 | Honduras | Home |
| Aug. 12 | Mexico | Away |
| Sep. 5 | El Salvador | Home |
| Sep. 9 | Trinidad & Tobago | Away |
| Oct. 10 | Honduras | Away |
| Oct. 14 | Costa Rica | Home |
The United States will benefit from starting out at home and facing the weakest team in the Hexagonal (El Salvador) in the first road game. Things get much tougher in the summer, with road trips to Costa Rica and Mexico.
What do you think of the schedule? Excited to get Mexico first? Is there any doubt the USA-Mexico game will be in Columbus on Feb. 11? What other cities do you see hosting one of the five USA home games?
Share your thoughts below.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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