Temperatures in the single digits. Wind chill at least 15 below. It’s gonna be cold when the U.S. takes on Honduras in World Cup qualifying on Wednesday night. Here’s how the USMNT plans to keep warm.
U.S. Soccer decided to play a World Cup qualifier in February at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota. They knew it would be cold, and it’s no surprise the scheduled temperature is going to be close to 1 degree Fahrenheit at kickoff, with threat of frostbite in less than a half of soccer. That’s not normally shorts weather, but the USMNT came prepared.
Frigid wind chills will continue to deteriorate this evening. Wind chills of -25°F to -35°F are likely through Thursday morning. If you have outdoor plans this evening, please be sure to dress appropriately as frost bite can occur in as little as 10 to 20 minutes. #mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/cvErPHRE1O
— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) February 2, 2022
The U.S. has a number of cold mitigation techniques prepared, including some help from the Minnesota Vikings (who play indoors). Here’s a rundown of how soccer players stay warm in temperatures this cold, with a list of what the USMNT is utilizing to fight the cold.
How Soccer Players Stay Warm In Cold (USMNT vs. Honduras Cold Mitigation)
- Compression shirts/tights
- Nike Hypertherm headcovers/gloves
- Handwarmers
- In-sole warmers
- Quarterback pouch for keepers
- Topical heating cream
- Heated bench
- Heated vests for players on bench
- Heated seat-warmers
- Nike stadium jackets
- Blankets
- Hot beverages (apple cider, black tea)
The in-sole warmers and quarterback pouches were provided by the Vikings, whose practice facility is across the street from the USMNT team hotel. H/T to Jeff Carlisle for compiling this list.
Here are some of the cold mitigation steps the #usmnt is taking, per a USSF spokesperson. "We also got a great assist from the equipment manager from the Minnesota Vikings – their practice facility is across the street from our team hotel." pic.twitter.com/Ggn1WvEqLm
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) February 2, 2022
U.S. Soccer also kindly supplied Nike Hypertherm headcovers for the referees and Honduras team.
Fans in attendance will all receive free hand warmers in addition to other cold mitigation, such as additional warm food/beverages available at concessions. Allianz Field will also have warming areas for fans should they need it, with roving medical teams checking in on fans.
The18’s Connor Fleming is at the game and will be providing updates on The18’s Instagram, so be sure to give us a follow to see how it looks from the stands. And we’ll be sure to check in with Connor to make sure he doesn’t get frostbite.
