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The U.S. men’s team will be looking to surprise a few at the World Cup — having just snuck an automatic qualification berth for the tournament.
In qualifying for Qatar, whose hosting of the tournament is controversial for the reasons outlined in this article, the U.S. were given a bye to the third round of the CONCACAF qualification process. At that stage, the top three sides qualify for the competition proper, with the fourth going into an inter-confederation play-off.
Canada and Mexico were the sides who topped the group, both finishing on 28 points. The U.S., meanwhile, took third place but only on goal difference after finishing level on points with Costa Rica.
Luckily for the U.S., they had already essentially guaranteed qualification when they travelled to Costa Rica for their final game day. They lost 2-0 in San Jose with their opponents just missing out on an automatic place at the World Cup.
Now, Gregg Berhalter’s side will face big challenges in Group B and will be itching to start well, having not tasted victory in win a World Cup match since June of 2014.
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The USMNT’s World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath (Luton), Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Matt Turner (Arsenal);
Defenders: Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic), Sergino Dest (AC Milan), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Shaq Moore (Nashville), Tim Ream (Fulham), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville);
Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds), Kellyn Acosta (LAFC), Tyler Adams (Leeds), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Yunus Musah (Valencia), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders);
Forwards: Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Josh Sargent (Norwich), Tim Weah (Lille), Haji Wright (Antalayaspor).
Monday, November 21: USA 1-1 Wales
Friday, November 25: England vs USA
Tuesday, November 29: Iran vs England
The USMNT squad analysis
After the painful failure to qualify for the previous World Cup in Russia four years ago, the United States have a point to prove in Qatar — and many believe they have the players to do just that. With more Americans at top European clubs than ever before, some are even calling this a ‘Golden Generation’. Now all they need to do is break down the defences of Wales, Iran and England…
For a full analysis of the United States’ chances in Qatar, click here.
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(Photo: Getty Images)
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