MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – Excitement is building on both sides of the Atlantic as Liberia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and Minnesota United FC prepare for a landmark international friendly against the Liberia national football team on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Allianz Field.
The highly anticipated encounter will mark the first time Minnesota United faces a senior national team in an international friendly and will also represent Liberia’s first football tour of the United States since 1992, making the occasion a historic one for Liberian football and the country’s diaspora community.
As preparations intensify, Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Andy G. Quamie, continued his engagement with Liberian football talents in the United States by attending Minnesota United 2’s dominant 5-2 victory over St. Louis City 2 at Allianz Field, where he watched Liberian duo Philip Tarnue and teenage sensation Darius Randell play key roles in the impressive performance.
Minister Quamie’s visit followed his June 19 tour of Allianz Field, during which he met with Minnesota United officials Eddie Hagberg and Zach Litzelswope as both sides finalized preparations for the July 26 international fixture, which coincides with Liberia’s Independence Day celebrations.
Speaking on behalf of Minnesota United, Eddie Hagberg expressed the club’s excitement about hosting the Liberian National Team, describing the upcoming match as a historic occasion for the organization.
He noted that Minnesota United is looking forward to welcoming the Lone Star and the thousands of Liberians and soccer fans expected to attend, emphasizing that the July 26 fixture will be the club’s first-ever international friendly against a senior national team and a unique opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Minnesota’s vibrant soccer community.
Deputy Minister Quamie also expressed confidence that the Government of Liberia is fully committed to ensuring the National Team makes the historic trip.
“We are doing everything humanly possible to have the National Team travel to the United States for this important match and celebration,” Quamie said, describing the fixture as an opportunity to showcase Liberian football while strengthening ties with the Liberian diaspora and international partners.
The Deputy Minister used the occasion to encourage Liberians throughout Minnesota, across the Midwest, and around the United States to support the Lone Star by purchasing tickets and filling Allianz Field on July 26.
“This is more than just a football match; it is an opportunity for Liberians in the diaspora to celebrate our country, our culture, and our football together. We encourage everyone to get their tickets early and come out in large numbers to support the Lone Star,” Quamie urged.
On the field, Quamie was particularly impressed by the performance of Darius Randell, who delivered a sensational display with two goals and two assists in Minnesota United 2’s emphatic 5-2 victory. The teenage forward’s four-goal involvement further reinforced his growing reputation as one of Liberia’s brightest young talents abroad.
Following the match, the Deputy Minister shared a light-hearted exchange with the youngster, jokingly encouraging him to commit his international future to Liberia.
“I’ll get your number—and your parents’ number too—so we can have a conversation,” Quamie said with a smile, drawing laughter from those nearby while underscoring Liberia’s desire to see the talented attacker represent the Lone Star.
The evening also featured a special moment for Liberian defender Philip Tarnue, who was presented with the Liberia Football Association Championship Medal in recognition of his contribution to Watanga FC’s successful National League title-winning campaign.
Tarnue played a significant role in Watanga FC’s championship season before joining Minnesota United on a one-year loan, and the medal presentation served as a fitting acknowledgment of his achievements in Liberian football while continuing his development in the United States.
Randell’s outstanding performance increased his 2026 MLS NEXT Pro tally to six goals and four assists in 15 appearances, further strengthening his credentials as a player to watch for both club and country.
With just weeks remaining before the historic July 26 encounter, anticipation continues to grow among football fans in Minnesota and Liberia alike as the Lone Star prepares for its first visit to the United States in more than three decades and Minnesota United gets set to make history by hosting its first-ever international friendly against a senior national team.
