USMNT to play away game at Wales in November

After over nine months of sitting idle because of the coronavirus pandemic, the United States Men’s National Team will be back in action next month. 

The U.S. Soccer Federation announced on Friday that the USMNT will play Wales at Liberty Stadium, home of EFL Championship side Swansea City, on Nov. 12. Because of the UEFA Return to Play Protocol, supporters won't be permitted to attend the fixture. 

It's the first time the U.S. will play since a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in Carson, Calif. on Feb. 1, and the program's first match on a FIFA fixture date since the U.S. downed Cuba 4-0 last November. 

The U.S. is attempting to schedule a second contest in Europe for the November window. 

"First and foremost, we are looking forward to getting the group together after such a challenging year," USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said. “Wales is a quality opponent with high-level players, so it’s a good opportunity to test ourselves. We appreciate all the work by the Football Association of Wales and here at U.S. Soccer to provide this opportunity to compete.”

Because the Major League Soccer regular season ends on Nov. 8, it's expected the U.S. squad will be comprised of players competing in overseas leagues. American players and other personnel will isolate in a "bubble" scenario at a hotel near Cardiff and will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before traveling for the team's camp, when they arrive, and at least every two days they're together.