The U.S. Men’s National Team will begin its road to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in June 2021 away to an undetermined opponent.
We have been developing this group for more than a year to get ready for World Cup Qualifying, and now we know the path ahead,” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said.
“This campaign presents some unique challenges, so the message is to be prepared for the unexpected and control what we can control. One thing is certain: this group of players is hungry for the challenge.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing a change to the original World Cup Qualifying format, the Final Round will now feature eight teams playing a 14-game home-and-away round-robin format. Based on being the top five Concacaf teams in July’s FIFA World Ranking, the USA, Costa Rica, Honduras, Jamaica and Mexico automatically qualified for the Final Round, while the three remaining participants will be determined through two preliminary rounds of qualifying which will run from October 2020 to March 2021.
Also because if COVID-19 the schedule has been condensed which could make qualifying much more difficult for the USA if Berhalter’s side gets off to a slow start. Between May 31 and June 15 the USA will play four qualifying games making a good start essential.
Bernhalter also faces another challenge in the new year with qualifiers against Honduras (H) and Mexico (A) set for Jan. 24-Feb. 1, 2022, a down time for MLS.
USMNT 2022 World Cup Qualifying Schedule
- May 31-June 15, 2021 – at Group A/F winner
- May 31-June 15, 2021 – vs. Group B/E winner
- May 31-June 15, 2021 – at Honduras
- May 31-June 15, 2021 – vs. Jamaica
- Aug. 30-Sept. 7, 2021 – at Group C/D winner
- Aug. 30-Sept. 7, 2021 – vs. Costa Rica
- Oct. 4-12, 2021 – vs. Mexico
- Oct. 4-12, 2021 – at Jamaica
- Nov. 8-16, 2021 – vs. Group A/F winner
- Nov. 8-16, 2021 – at Group B/E winner
- Jan. 24-Feb. 1, 2022 – vs. Honduras
- Jan. 24-Feb. 1, 2022 – at Mexico
- March 21-29, 2022 – vs. Group C/D winner
- March 21-29, 2022 – at Costa Rica
With games not scheduled until May 2021, hopefully COVID-19 will be under control and fans can watch matches in person again.
