USMNT returns to World Cup action

Jake Epstein, Content Editor

Following the shocking failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the US Men’s National Soccer Team punched their ticket to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with a third-place finish in CONCACAF qualifying.

Going into their final match against Costa Rica, the Americans needed to lose by less than six goals to clinch a spot in Qatar and accomplished such with a two-zero loss. Despite a worrying loss to an inferior Costa Rican side, US Soccer fans rejoiced in the team’s return to the global stage.

The USMNT find themselves grouped with England, Iran, and the winner of a Scotland/Wales/Ukraine playoff in the three-match group stage in Nov. England are the clear favorites in the group, led by the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling. The matchup between the US and England, set for Black Friday (Nov. 25), is projected as one of the most watched soccer games in American history.

Fielding an average squad age of 24 in qualifying, the USMNT will be one of the youngest teams in the World Cup. With players spread throughout Europe’s top leagues, American fans are hopeful for a deep knockout run this winter. Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic, and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Giovanni Reyna headline a squad of talented young players eager to make waves in Qatar.