Preview: USA readies for key World Cup qualifier vs. Costa Rica Friday

USA vs. Costa Rica
Friday, September 1 – 5:30 pm CT
Red Bull Arena – Harrison, New Jersey
TV: ESPN, Univision, UDN

For all the hype surrounding the US national team's June trip to the majestic Estadio Azteca, Friday's qualifier against Costa Rica at the intimate Red Bull Arena is the Yanks' biggest match since Brazil 2014.

Encounters against Mexico may have the most pageantry of any in CONCACAF. But there is always room for both of the region's giants in the World Cup picture, provided they hold form against other opponents. And historically speaking, Costa Rica have been the United States' greatest threat to that form.