Russia 2018 is a painful memory for the US Men National Team and all of its fans, cause it meant breaking a seven World Cup attendance streak. With that in mind, Gregg Berhalter's squad is ready to face the final dates of the Concacaf Qualifiers.
The ticket to Qatar 2022 is fully on its hands and only a real tragedy could make it lose it. The USMNT has taken a huge step towards the World Cup by destroying Panama at home as they have secured a top-four finish, meaning they can at least clinch a playoff spot. Now it looks like it's just a matter of time before it clinches a berth.
It's been a long wait for the USA but now it's set to be over when they take on Costa Rica on Matchday 14. Here, let's take a look at the clinch scenarios for the USMNT ahead of the final matchday.
USMNT's background vs its upcoming rivals in the World Cup Qualifiers
Costa Rica will battle it out with the USA in what could be a crucial game for both sides, who will try to avoid the inter-continental playoff. The USMNT is in a better spot, so the Ticos might depend on Mexico's result to finish among the top three.
The scenarios that take the US Men National Team to Qatar 2022
The outlook is pretty encouraging for Gregg Berhalter's men. The USMNT only needs a point to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 group stage. However, even if they lose to the Ticos, the USA could still secure a top-3 finish.
To leapfrog the USA, Costa Rica would need to improve their goal difference by at least six goals, something that looks very unlikely. But even if that happens, the USMNT can still qualify directly for Qatar if Mexico lose to El Salvador.
Clinch scenarios for the USMNT:
- USA qualify with win or draw vs. Costa Rica
- USA qualify if Costa Rica don't win by 6+ goals
- USA qualify if Mexico don't win
