U.S. national team has January chance for redemption.

(Thursday, July 16, 1998) -- The United States national team will have a chance in six months to regain some prestige lost in its abysmal performance in the 1998 World Cup with its participation in the FIFA Confederations Cup in Mexico, scheduled for January 8-20.

Other entries in what promises to be a mini-World Cup:

* France (Europe), the world champion.
* Brazil (South America), world runners-up, 1997 inaugural FIFA Confederations Cup winner (in Saudi Arabia), 1997 Copa America winner.
* Mexico (North America), 1998 Gold Cup champion.
* Bolivia (South America), 1997 Copa America runnerup.
* Saudi Arabia (Asia), 1996 Asian Cup winner.
* Egypt (Africa), 1998 Africa Cup of Nations champion.
* Oceania Nations Cup winner, from September competition in Brisbane, likely to be Australia.

The United States is in because Mexico is host. The U.S. finished second in the 1998 Gold Cup, won by Mexico

The U.S. Soccer Federation is unable to confirm reports about a match in November against Australia on the West Coast. The national team is without a coach following the departure-under-fire of Steve Sampson, who assumed the reins in 1995, but left after the United States finished last in France '98.

U.S. Soccer is hoping for a respectable showing in January to help erase the World Cup memories. One question sure to arise is the status of midfielder John Harkes, 31, dropped by Sampson this spring for disciplinary reasons. He has been playing well for D.C. United in Major League Soccer, and a decision on reinstatement would have to be made by the new coach.

The team needs to be rebuilt for the 2002 World Cup, and for qualifying that probably will start in 2000. But it's doubtful older players who might be questionable then will be excluded in January if they are thought to be able to contribute to a good showing in Mexico. Thomas Dooley, 37, the U.S. captain in France, is scheduled to retire from international competition after one more match.

The U.S. women's national team continues to be active, playing primarily against expected 1999 FIFA World Cup competition.

First up is the Goodwill Games in New York, scheduled for July 25 and 27. Defending world champion Norway meets Olympic runner-up China in the first match, followed by Olympic champion United States against Denmark. The winners vie for the gold medal two days later after the losers play for the bronze.

All games are at Mitchell Athletic Center on Long Island.

The United States then will square off against Canada in a preliminary match August 2 in Orlando, Fla., to the Major League Soccer All-Star game.

The U.S. Women's Cup will be held in September. The Americans will host Italy, Brazil and Russia. Only date finalized is the opener Sept. 12 at Foxboro Satdium outside of Boston where the United States meets Italy, followed by an MLS game between New England Revolution and Columbus Crew.

Brazil will play Russia in the other first-round game, tentatively September 15, in the New York area.

A doubleheader, at a still unspecified site, is eyed September 18, featuring Brazil-Italy and United States-Russia. This will be followed by a final doubleheader September 20, involving Russia-Italy and United States-Brazil.

Sites mentioned have included Richmond (Va.), Louisville (Ky.), Cincinnati (Ohio) and Chattanooga (Tenn.).

Jerry Langdon is sports editor of Gannett News Service and can be e-mailed at jlangdon@gns.gannett.com.