A resounding 4-0 win over Panama on Friday did wonders for the U.S. Men's National Team in its pursuit of the country's eighth straight World Cup appearance.
Trailing the Panamanians by a point going into the match, the U.S. vaulted into CONCACAF's third automatic qualifying spot and also built a sizable advantage over Los Canaleros in goal difference.
With the final matchday of the Hex slated for Tuesday, here's a look at the updated standings.
Sporting Kansas City's Matt Besler, Benny Feilhaber and Graham Zusi will remain with the U.S. MNT for Tuesday's all-important Hexagonal finale at Trinidad & Tobago, kicking off at 7 p.m. CT on beIN SPORTS and Universo. Here's how the Americans can seal a top-three finish and officially make travel plans for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia next summer.
- USA wins at Trinidad & Tobago, or
- USA ties at Trinidad & Tobago, AND Honduras and Panama do not make up goal difference in wins vs. Mexico and Costa Rica, respectively
- USA loses at Trinidad & Tobago, AND Honduras and Panama both draw/lose vs. Mexico and Costa Rica, respectively
Given the U.S. MNT's advantage in goal difference on both Honduras and Panama, a draw in Trinidad & Tobago would almost certainly do the job for head coach Bruce Arena's side. Nevertheless, the #Get3GetThru mantra heading into Tuesday puts an emphasis on taking all three points.
