After missing the World Cup in 2018, the U.S. men's soccer team is returning to the global tournament that will take place in Qatar—despite losing its March 30 game against Costa Rica.
The United States lost 2-0, but still managed to secure one of CONCACAF's three automatic berths, along with group winner Canada and rival Mexico, according to ESPN.
The team went into the game at Estadio Nacional needing only to avoid a loss of six goals or more to punch its ticket. The U.S. squad finished the 14-game qualifying cycle with a record of seven wins, three losses and four draws, for 25 points. That total left the United States three points behind Canada and Mexico, and level with Costa Rica; however, a goal differential of +11 ensured the U.S. finished ahead of the Central American country.
Only three teams in the 32-side field haven't been determined. In a pair of one-game playoffs in Qatar in June, Costa Rica will play New Zealand while Peru will play either Australia or the United Arab Emirates. The final spot will belong to the winner of Wales vs. Scotland/Ukraine.
