USMNT vs Mexico: How Americans could qualify for World Cup tonight

USMNT has one route to qualification on Thursday night against Mexico, and it’s a longshot. But, ya know, what’s the harm in dreaming?

Yes there is a technical path to World Cup qualification on Thursday night as the United States faces off against their bitter rival, Mexico, in a crucial stage of the Hex. Even in CONCACAF, qualifying for the World Cup is never east these days.

While the United States sits in good position on Thursday, a loss to Mexico and any combinations of results from Panama and Costa Rica could put their spot in question.

However, just as easily as the United State could falter, they could triumph as well. The U.S. has seen recent success against Mexico. Another victory on Thursday night opens up a world of possibilities.

Could the USMNT qualify for the World Cup tonight?

Technically, yes. But there’s only one path.

First, the United States would have to defeat Mexico in Estadio Azteca. That’s a tough enough feat as is, and most fans would surely take such a result in a heartbeat, even if it meant waiting for future qualification.

Second, Panama would have to lose AT HOME to last-place in the Hex Honduras, which is surely the most unlikely result of the three outcomes the USMNT needs to occur.

Third, Costa Rica must lose or draw at home against first-place Canada. That result is far more likely.

The USMNT controls their own destiny to World Cup qualification. Should they win out, or even get a point in most of their remaining games, they are in. But we have been here before.

2018 was just four years ago. The pain of the past still stings. Getting a point on Thursday night on the road against a tough opponent in Mexico would be a good start to repairing those wounds.

The rest is just the cherry on top.