For the U.S. national soccer team, qualifying for the World Cup doesn’t really heat up until the final round. In the Hex (short for hexagonal because the round features six teams), we actually have to face teams like Mexico and Costa Rica who can put real dents in our plans to make the final 32 teams.

So what better way to start out the upcoming Hex than by facing Mexico at home in the middle of February? The qualifying schedule for 2009 was announced today. Actual sites will be announced later, but the Mexico match has to be in Columbus, Ohio.

Not only do we get a good opportunity to start off qualifying with a win – we haven’t lost at home since the debacle against Honduras in late 2001 and we pretty much own Mexico at home – but fans can relive the “La Guerra Fria” where the U.S. knocked off El Tri 2-0 in frigid February temperatures in Columbus. The game has risen to mythic proportions amongst U.S. soccer fans.

I didn’t get to attend that game and really regret it. I went to the game against Mexico in Columbus in 2005, but that was over Labor Day weekend and just want’s the same. I usually don’t get into attending sporting events in freezing weather, but this is U.S-Mexico with something at stake. I might have to bundle up and deal with it.

Of course, we have to go to the smog and altitude of Mexico City in the middle of August, but that’s fine as long as we make them freeze their butts off first.