CHICAGO — Led by captain Carlos Bocanegra, the United States will play a key World Cup qualifier at Mexico next week with a roster loaded with players from its big upset of Spain.

The Americans have never won in Mexico and will try to end the 0-22-1 tailspin on Aug. 12 at Azteca Stadium before an expected crowd of more than 100,000.

Coach Bob Bradley is bringing 17 players from the team that defeated No. 1-ranked Spain in June and finished second to Brazil in the Confederations Cup. Notably absent are defender Frankie Hejduk and midfielder DaMarcus Beasley.

Also on the roster is former Haleiwa resident and Kamehameha Schools alum Brian Ching.

The U.S. is second in its group at 3-1-1 while Mexico is fourth at 2-3. The top three teams automatically qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

THE ROSTER

Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan.

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Chad Marshall, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector.

Midfielders: Michael Bradley, R icardo Clark, Clint Dempsey, Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden, Jose Francisco Torres.

Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Conor Casey, Brian Ching, Charlie Davies, Landon Donovan.