Mexico starters (pictured) gather for a team photo prior to a World Cup qualifier against visiting Honduras on September 6, 2016, in Mexico City. (Photo: Carlos Ramirez/Straffon Images)
MEXICO CITY – Mexico will launch its 15th annual tour of the United States on February 8, 2017, with an international friendly against 2016 European Championship quarterfinalist Iceland at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol announced Monday.
The game will serve the Tricolor as preparation ahead of CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup against Costa Rica (home) and Trinidad & Tobago (away) on March 24 and 28, respectively.
“Soccer is the world’s game and Las Vegas is the world’s city, so I can’t think of a better match for this event,” Carolyn G. Goodman, the mayor of Las Vegas, said. “Having the Mexican national team in Las Vegas is very exciting, and of course we all watched Iceland’s amazing run in Euro 2016 play. This should be a competitive match that I’m sure fans will enjoy.”
Mexico and Iceland have met on two previous occasions, with both games being played in the U.S. and ending in scoreless draws. Their last encounter drew more than 60,000 fans to Bank of America Stadium, in Charlotte, North Carolina, on March 24, 2010.
Although Mexico youth national teams have played in Las Vegas in the past, the Feb. 8 game will be the first time the senior squad will visit the city.
