The USA’s delayed journey to Tokyo, and back to the men’s Olympic soccer tournament after a 13-year absence, began Tuesday with the release of the preliminary rosters for next month’s qualifying tournament in Mexico. The U.S. list featured several players based in Europe whose availability is uncertain, as well as one player, LA Galaxy midfielder Efrain Álvarez, who appears on Mexico’s squad as well. That tug-of-war will be resolved on March 8, when the 20-man final rosters are due.
The eight-team qualifying tournament will take place March 18-30 in Guadalajara. The USA will face Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Mexico in the first round.