Major League Soccer officially has its first confirmed representatives at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Defenders Ronald Matarrita (FC Cincinnati), Bryan Oviedo (Real Salt Lake) and Daniel ChacĂ³n (Colorado Rapids 2) were included in Costa Rica's 26-man roster for the tournament, as announced Thursday by head coach Luis Fernando SuĂ¡rez.
They'll open Group E play against 2010 World Cup winners Spain (Nov. 23), then face Japan (Nov. 27) and 2014 World Cup winners Germany (Dec. 1). The top two finishers will advance to the 16-team knockout round.
Matarrita, 28, has the most league experience of the MLS-based Ticos, having just completed his seventh-straight season in the league (second with Cincy). However, the former NYCFC fullback's 2022 campaign was significantly shortened due to an ankle injury suffered during World Cup qualifying in March. Injuries also prevented him from participating in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Oviedo, a member of Costa Rica's 2018 World Cup squad, joined RSL during the Secondary Transfer Window after more than a decade of playing in Europe at clubs such as Everton, Sunderland and FC Copenhagen. The 32-year-old had two assists in six appearances with the Claret & Cobalt this season.
ChacĂ³n, 21, signed with MLS NEXT Pro side Rapids 2 in June from Costa Rican club CS Cartagines.
Los Ticos will also have several former MLS players within their ranks, including Francisco Calvo, Kendall Waston and Johan Venegas.
Costa Rica are in their third straight World Cup, making the 2014 quarterfinals. They reached Qatar by winning an inter-confederation playoff against New Zealand, all after slotting fourth in Concacaf's pathway.
