USA vs. Honduras: World Cup 2018 Qualifying Live Stream and Preview

The United States men's national team will be hoping to kick-start their qualifying campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Friday in San Jose, California, at the Avaya Stadium, as they welcome Honduras for a crucial fixture.

Having lost their first two matches in the Hexagonal phase, the USMNT already have ground to make up on the likes of Costa Rica and Mexico. New boss Bruce Arena will be desperate to get the team on track in what is his first competitive game in charge since his November reappointment.

Honduras are determined opposition, though, and they will feel confident of exploiting a United States side that have been short on confidence lately.

Here are the key viewing details for the game and a closer look at how this vital encounter will likely pan out.

Date: Friday, March 24

Time: 7:30 p.m. (PT), 10:30 p.m. (ET), 2:30 a.m. (GMT)

TV Info: FOX Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: FOX Sports Go (U.S.)

Preview

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Although Arena would have been content with the team's performances in friendly matches against Serbia and Jamaica—a 0-0 draw and a 1-0 win, respectively—preparation for this fixture against Honduras hasn't been ideal.

Indeed, he's going to be without some crucial players for this match in San Jose. Borussia Monchengladbach man Fabian Johnson was ruled out of the double-header with Honduras and Panama with a thigh problem, while star striker Bobby Wood, who has been in fine form for Hamburg this term, will also miss out with a back issue.

As noted by the Kick Twitter feed, with Brad Guzan also poised to miss out with his wife set to give birth to their second child, the team seems short in numbers:

Even so, Arena has hailed the quality at his disposal and a squad that he feels is capable of winning matches in this qualifying process.

"It's a roster where the primary rationale is to help us be successful in these two games," he said upon announcing the squad, per the team's official website. "But we're also looking down the road and bringing in some young players that we think have an opportunity to be an important part of the national team program as well."

Indeed, for all the concerns over injuries and form, there are reasons to be positive for the USMNT fans as they gear up for these two matches.

John Brooks has recovered from a knock in time to be part of the squad, while the experience of men like Geoff Cameron, Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey, who were doubts for the qualifying games, will be key in what promise to be high-pressure occasions.

Shaun Clark/Getty Images

In Christian Pulisic, the United States have one of the rising stars in world football at their disposal, too. As noted by sports writer Cristian Nyari, the 18-year-old is making rapid progress with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga:

The creative midfielder will need to be on top form if the United States are going to pick up their first points of the Hex.

Honduras may not be the most intricate and enterprising team in the CONCACAF, but manager Jorge Luis Pinto has a determined and tenacious group of players at his disposal. They showcased those traits in their previous qualifying game, a 3-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago.

RODRIGO BUENDIA/Getty Images

But even with all those factors considered, the United States will be big favourites. As noted by ESPN's Paul Carr, the USMNT should still be able to field a strong side:

It's a big game for Arena. Having taken over the USMNT when they were at a low ebb, supporters have felt a little disillusioned with the way the team has been going. But in front of their home crowd in an important game, there's a chance to show improvements have been made.

Honduras will be aware of the issues that have crippled this group of players in the Hex so far, and with that in mind, their modus operandi will surely be to frustrate the hosts. However, the United States will do just enough to get their first win on the board in World Cup qualifying.

Prediction: United States 1-0 Honduras

Team news courtesy of Ives Galarcep of Goal.