CONCACAF Hexagonal and Confederations Cup

The CONCACAF fourth round of qualifying, otherwise known as the hexagonal or "hex", will start on February 11, 2009. I've got the full schedule below. The USA will be participating in the FIFA Confederations Cup between June 14-28, so they've been permitted to schedule their June hexagonal dates earlier than the June 6 and 10 dates reserved by FIFA.

CONCACAF hexagonal dates for USA:
February 11
March 28
April 1
June 3-7 (two dates)
August 12
September 5
September 9
October 10
October 14

It could be speculated that the June 3-7 matches would be played on US soil, not only because of the special scheduling but because the US will be preparing for two weeks abroad and it would be tedious for them to be on the road for what would amount to the entire month on June. Of course our opponents would like for that to happen, but let's just hope Jack Austin Warner receives enough bribes to tip the balance in our favor.

There are two things of interest about these news. The first is that it gives us something to think about regarding possible trips to Mexico for the quadrennial qualifying match at Estadio Azteca. The second is that the FIFA Confederations Cup is in there and that is somewhat regarded as a test run for the World Cup.

The past two USA at Mexico qualies were July 1, 2001 and March 27, 2005. I tried to find information to whittle the possible dates for 2009 down, but with three teams (including Mexico) still to be determined for the hex and the randomness of scheduling this far out it is impossible. Word is that we'll know our opponents and locations shortly after the third round qualifiers close on November 19.

I want to put a call out to US Soccer to schedule our home match against Mexico here in Minneapolis at the new TCF Bank Stadium, which is scheduled to open on September 12, 2009. It will have a grass field and dimensions big enough for soccer. Although October isn't really cold up here, it could be cool enough to be unwelcoming for our southern friends on one of those October dates.

With respect to the Confederations Cup, I am toying with the idea of making the trip to start planning for 2010. I have to see if I can swing a trip to Mexico and South Africa in one year. Regardless, we should learn a few things that will be helpful in our preparations to make the trip in 2010.

The Confederations Cup draw is to be held November 22, with tickets going on sale November 23. FIFA is offering some silly pre-sale for Visa card holders the week prior. I don't imagine there will be a huge ruch for tickets, but I should try to make up my mind before then so I can place an order.