On March 27, The USA defeated Panama comfortably at 5-1. What seemed to many as just another World Cup qualifying match, was a night awaited by millions for over four years. With this victory, The United States basically punched their ticket to the FIFA World Cup. The United States was looked at as a joke after failing to qualify for the tournament due to a shock 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago, making this achievement that much more rewarding.
Since that night in Oct. 2017, The United States ushered in a brand new generation of players, with many of them competing, and eventually succeeding in some of Europe’s top leagues. Stars such as Giovanni Reyna, Weston Mckennie, Tyler Adams of, Brenden Aaronsonand of course, Christian Pulisic, are proving that the United States is a nation that will continue to compete with the best.
Players took to social media to express how much it means to qualify for the tournament that will take place this winter in Qatar. Outside back Sergiño Dest said on Twitter, “As a kid, I always enjoyed watching the World Cup, and now to represent the USA in the World Cup makes me so proud!” After sitting at home and watching the last group of Americans fail to qualify for the World Cup, many of the young stars felt that they had a duty to bring their nation back to the world’s biggest stage.
After the official World Cup Draw on April 1, the USA will be set to face England, The Islamic Republic of Iran, and the winner of the European play-off, which could be Ukraine, Scotland, or Wales. With this being said, the United States does have its hands full with a challenging group of opponents, but has had a history of making it out of some of the toughest countries.
As the tournament is on the horizon, the United States will be eagerly anticipating their long-awaited return, and will be looking to shock everyone with how much they have improved since their last appearance in the World Cup.
Lyon Life 