USMNT face Honduras in MINUS 16 DEGREES in their World Cup qualifier in Minnesota

The US men’s national team took on Honduras in -18 degree weather in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

The USMNT hosted Honduras at the Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota in the early hours of Thursday morning in the extreme cold. The stadium has no roof and temperatures dropped from -16 to -18 degrees in the first-half but fortunately for the players were allowed to pile on the layers. 

The players were allowed to wear full overhead balaclava coverings and gaiters over their lower face and mouths during the game. And despite the freezing weather, Team USA took a 2-0 half-time lead thanks to goals from Weston McKennie and Walker Zimmerman.

Team USA faced Honduras in -17 degrees in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday

All players on the pitch were allowed to wear snoods and as many body layers as possible 

Meanwhile, Team USA goalkeeper Matt Turner – who is set to join Arsenal in the summer – was able to wear a muff around his waist, which was reportedly given to the team by the Minnesota Vikings. 

Fans were given hand warmers but relied on wrapping up warm and the added layer of blankets to fend off the chill in the stands.

Justin Borrell, Allianz Field’s general manager, revealed that snow first had to be removed from the pitch but 17 miles of underground tubing kept the ground warm during the game, according to CBS Minnesota.

Arsenal-bound Matt Turner (pictured) was allowed to wear a muff around his waist in the cold

The pitch was notched up to 60 degree heat to counteract the cold on Thursday morning

Fans were also provided with hand warmers but had to rely on wrapping up warm themselves

‘The soil itself will be around 50 or 60 degrees, so the feet of the players will be noticeably warmer than probably the rest of their body,’ Borrell said before the match.

‘Minnesotans are a little bit stubborn when it comes to admitting they’re cold. It’s something they enjoy and like to push the boundaries of.’ 

The US came into the game in second place, knowing a win would put them on the brink of World Cup qualification, while Honduras are rock bottom after becoming the first team to be eliminated. 

Supporters still turned out and enjoyed themselves despite the intense cold in Minnesota