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US to play Honduras in WCup warmup Jan. 23

CHICAGO -- The United States will play its first World Cup warmup of 2010 against fellow qualifier Honduras on Jan. 23 in Carson, Calif.

Both teams are likely to be missing several starters for the match. The only date clubs are required to release players prior to the end of the European seasons is March 3, when the Americans tentatively are slated to play the Netherlands in Amsterdam.

The U.S., getting ready for its sixth straight World Cup appearance, also is trying to arrange a home game against Mexico in late February. The Americans open the World Cup in South Africa on June 12 against England, play Slovenia on June 18 and Algeria on June 23.

Honduras, preparing for its first World Cup since 1982, opens against Chile on June 16, plays Spain on June 21 and Switzerland on June 25.