US eyes pre-World Cup camp in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO - The US soccer team is set to take part in a 12-day training camp in Sao Paulo in January as it steps up preparations for next year's World Cup.

The country's football federation, US Soccer, has sought permission from Sao Paulo FC to use the Barra Funda training facilities from January 13 to 25, local newspaper Folha de S.Paulo reported.

Sao Paulo is expected to agree to the arrangement, having already organized to train at an alternative venue during the days requested, the newspaper said.

The camp will comprise only the national squad's US and Mexico-based players, who will be in pre-season training with their clubs.

"Apart from adapting to the country five months before the World Cup, the Americans hope to test facilities that they aim to use during the tournament, like the training centre and hotel," the newspaper said.

The US team is understood to have agreed in principal to use Barra Funda as its training base during the June 12 to July 13 tournament, although an official announcement has not been made.