Qatar Bound

The last World Cup Qualifier window for the USMNT looked ominous, but the boys got the job done and booked their ticket to Qatar 2022. Going into these last three matches, there was still a lot to play for, and due to the tough fixture, it was possible to see a repeat of the nightmare that was the 2018 process. 

Before this set of matches, the USMNT visited Canada in what could have been a heroic win on the road, but it, unfortunately, ended in a bitter loss to the northern rivals. Nevertheless, wins against El Salvador and Honduras at home ensured that the USMNT remained in 2nd place, ahead of Mexico on goal differential. These wins proved to be crucial ahead of this window, which saw the USMNT face Mexico in Ciudad de Mexico, Panama in Orlando, FL, and Costa Rica in San Jose. Four out of nine points were all the United States would really need to book a spot in Qatar, which meant winning at home and stealing a point away from home were a must.

Canada vs USMNT Photography by Michael Chisholm for Club Eleven.

Up first was Mexico. With the USMNT having never won at the Azteca for qualifiers, getting any sort of positive result was going to be a huge feat. Ahead of the match, many were calling for Gregg Berhalter to rest the starters and play with a B-team in order to save legs for the crucial game against Panama at home. Berhalter stuck with his A-team, though, and they responded. The USMNT went toe to toe with Mexico at the Azteca, and they even had clear chances to go up on the score. Memo Ochoa had an inspired night and frustrated many of the American attacks, but the USMNT were still able to bring a point back home and punch half of their ticket to Qatar. 

Mexico vs USMNT Photography by Peter Bonilla for Club Eleven.

Up next was Panama. After drawing with Honduras in their first match of the window, Panama was in a dire situation and facing elimination. As a result, the game was a must-win for both sides, and the stage was set for a true battle in Orlando. This game could have easily turned wrong for the USMNT, but they came out of the gate firing on all cylinders and put the match to bed before the end of the first half. Pulisic opened the score from the spot just 17 minutes in, Paul Arriola added a second just five minutes later, and Jesus Ferreira bagged a third in the 27th minute. Right before the break, Pulisic once again slotted one in from the spot to put the USMNT up 4-0. On the other side of halftime, Pulisic completed his hattrick with a beauty of a goal, which will certainly go to the top of his career highlight reel. 5-0 and the crowd in Orlando was buzzing. Panama was able to pull one back very late, but the deal was done. 5-1 for the U.S. and a ticket to Qatar  99% secured.

USMNT vs Panama Photography by Peter Bonilla for Club Eleven.

The final step was against Costa Rica away. The game was almost a formality. The only result that would see the U.S. fail to qualify directly to the World Cup would be a 6-0 loss. The score did not move in San Jose during the first half, but after two quick goals in the first ten minutes of the second half, things got nervy. Still, the USMNT were able to see out the match, and although they didn’t level the score, they were able to secure qualification. 

After disastrously missing out on the 2018 World Cup, the USMNT is finally back on the biggest stage. Though this team has been doubted time and time again, they’ve brought the country back to where it belongs. With the USMNT having to face off England, Iran, and another European team (TBD), November can’t come soon enough. The job to qualify is done. Now comes the real fun.