Key absences are nothing new for the U.S., but one vital injury and another close call illustrate how much of a collective effort will be required to clinch a World Cup berth.
Poland, Czech Republic and Sweden have announced they will not travel to Russia for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers due to the country's ongoing military escalation.
It's the 2026 tournament cohosts who are in the strongest shape to make it to Qatar later this year. Here's what lies ahead in the final qualifying window.
In need of another win to close a qualifying window, the U.S. responded in adverse conditions by turning to a staple of its game that thawed at the right time.
The few times the U.S. has had its back to the wall under Gregg Berhalter, it has responded. Another such effort is needed under daunting circumstances vs. Honduras.