Happily qualified for the 2022 World Cup, the United States men’s national team awaits Friday’s tournament draw like everyone else.
It’s hoping for a favorable group — say, led by host country Qatar. It’s fearing a difficult one — say, one involving Brazil, Serbia and Wales. As always, the goal of the group stage, be it of dream or death, is to advance.
“It all starts with getting out of the group,” coach Gregg Berhalter said. “Once you do that, it’s tournament time.”
Advancing out of group play come November shouldn’t be the ultimate goal of this USMNT, though.