Just how far can this US team go at the 2022 world cup?
Published on 15 Jun 2022 | Last updated on 15 Jun 2022 | Reading time: 3 minutes
The US men’s football team qualified for the 2022 World Cup after finishing third in the Concacaf qualification stages. The achievements will be seen as an initial success after the USMNT failed to reach the finals in Russia in 2018.
However, before missing out on the 2018 World Cup, the US were improving on the highest international stage. In 2010 and 2014, the USMNT reached the round of 16 on both occasions and boss Gregg Berhalter will be hoping to improve in Qatar 2022.
We look at the US’s chances of progressing from Group B in Qatar and we highlight some of the key players in their current squad.
Route to Qatar 2022
World Cup qualification was far from straightforward for Berhalter’s side in 2021 and 2022. The campaign got off to a slow start after back-to-back draws with El Salvador and Canada. Despite picking up some consistent form in the October and January qualification matches, the US still suffered some disappointing results. Losses to Panama and Costa Rica and draws with Jamaica and Mexico took qualification to the wire.
Eventually, the US qualified without having to go through the knockout stages after beating Costa Rica to the third spot on goal difference. But, following some shock results in qualifying, Berhalter will be aware of some work to do before the World Cup kicks off in November 2022.
USNMT Chances at the 2022 World Cup
In Qatar, the US will face tough opposition in England, Iran and Wales in group B. England are ranked fourth in the FIFA rankings, Wales 18th and Iran 21st and Group B are likely to be a competitive group to progress from.
The US will first face Wales in their opening match before taking on England and then finishing by playing Iran. As a result, a fast start against Wales would put the US in a good position and Berhalter’s side are likely to be targeting a positive result against Iran in the final group game to progress to the round of 16.
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In the current crop of USMNT players, there is no shortage of established and emerging talent, particularly in attack. The US team contains some of the top players in European football, with attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic representing Chelsea and forward Weston McKennie playing regularly for Serie A club Juventus.
In addition, 23-year-old RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams has had a strong season in the Bundesliga, while 22-yeard old winger Timothy Weah has improved for Lile this season too.
As a result, Berhalter should have plenty of options in the attacking department. But he will need to see improvements from his side in this area, after they have failed to hit the net in four of their last seven matches.
In defence, the USMNT has shown improvements in recent matches, keeping two consecutive clean sheets in recent friendlies against Uruguay (0-0) and Morrocco (3-0). They have also conceded just three in their last six matches.
At the heart of the US defence, and possibly the key to a strong rear-guard in Qatar is the centre back pairing of Walker Zimmerman (Nashville) and Miles Robinson (Atlanta). The duo was preferred in the heart of the US defence during qualification in a 4-3-3 formation. However, as the pair have not had experience outside of the MLS Berhalter may be tempted to lean on 24-year-old Cameron Carter-Vickers moving forward after the Tottenham defender impressed on loan at Celtic this season.
The USMNT have every chance of progressing from Group B to the knockout stages. Berhalter is likely to have some selection headaches leading up to the 2022 World Cup. But the manager has plenty of good quality options at his disposal and if he gets the balance right, his US side could have their best World Cup for generations.
