Despite Wednesday’s 2-0 loss to Costa Rica, the USMNT has qualified for the 2022 World Cup.
Gregg Berhalter’s young team won’t be the most talented once the tourney starts in Qatar, but anything can happen once the games begin.
The team finished third in the standings—avoiding a playoff via goal difference—below group-winner Canada and Mexico.
The team failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after seven consecutive appearances, so this qualifying is a tad sweeter than usual.
The team had its ups and downs this season—including a frigid game in Minnesota—and averages younger than past teams, but there’s a reason for the phrase: “That’s why they play the games.”
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar kicks off on November 21 and runs through December 17.
