Fans of the United States men’s soccer team should start researching travel options to Russia.
USA moved to within touching distance of a spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia on Friday night when it defeated Panama 4-0. The victory propelled USA over Panama into third place — and the final automatic qualification spot — in the CONCACAF hexagonal standings, which you can see below.
Mexico defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-1 on Friday night to all but confirm its place atop the CONCACAF standings in the final reckoning.
Costa Rica will host Honduras on Saturday evening in a game CONCACAF postponed due to a tropical storm. The result of that contest will bear significantly on USA’s World Cup qualifying hopes, as a Costar Rica win would virtually assure the U.S. at least a spot in the inter-continental playoffs next month.
Up next for USA
Team USA will visit Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, and a victory over the “Soca Warriors” will clinch its place in the World Cup for the eighth consecutive cycle.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
