Minnesota United's Francisco Calvo playing for Costa Rica in World Cup

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - Minnesota United FC fans will have a familiar face to root for during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia this summer.

Loons defender and captain Francisco Calvo will be representing the Costa Rica national team, also known as Los Ticos, during the World Cup. 

“We are delighted for Francisco,” said MNUFC Head Coach Adrian Heath in a press release. “This could be the pinnacle of his career. He’s played an instrumental part in getting Costa Rica to the World Cup and this is a fantastic opportunity for him to show the world the level of his ability.”

Calvo began playing for the Costa Rica's senior national team in May 2011. He has played a key role in the team's World Cup qualifiers, including a 2-0 victory against the United States.

Calvo became a captain last year with the Loons and has been a starter for all the games so far. 

With Los Ticos, Calvo will play in Group E in the group phase of the World Cup along with Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland. Their first game is against Serbia on Sunday, June 17 at 7:00 a.m. CT.