More winter, Honduras next for US in World Cup qualifier

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Since World Cup qualifying entered this special winter session, the U.S. has embraced the cold and its accompanying advantage over an opponent from a tropical country.

The bring-it-on attitude will be put to a stiff test Wednesday night in Minnesota, where the U.S. will stage a critical match against already-eliminated Honduras. The forecast: a high of 8 degrees (minus-13 Celsius), a kickoff temperature around 5 (minus-15) and a wind chill factor well below zero.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

So players will layer up, turn loose their attack and aim for those precious three points in the standings — even if they have to take a few minutes afterward to thaw out.

The game will set a U.S. record for the coldest home start. The U.S. Soccer Federation's cold weather guidelines call for a cancellation or a switch to an indoor venue when the wind chill is below zero, but the team said there are no plans to postpone the match.

"I have a pretty big head, so I don’t think it will really affect the way I head the ball," star midfielder Weston McKennie said with a laugh during a video interview prior to practice Tuesday at Allianz Field, home of Minnesota United of Major League Soccer.

Every player on the team, McKennie said, has plenty of experience in cold and rain and the negative effect those conditions have on the feel of the ball. The U.S. team said it was told by the FIFA match commissioner that neck gaiters will be allowed for the players.

"We’ve played in two cold places previously before this game so I think we’re kind of used to it now," McKennie said. "I think we’ve adapted well, and I think we’ll be prepared."

The U.S.