The United States Men’s National Team opens what could be the final window of 2022 World Cup Qualifying at second place in the CONCACAF Octagonal table. The next match on the schedule is always circled far in advance: Mexico in the elevated confines of the Estadio Azteca. The stakes are heightened as a stumble by Gregg Berhalter’s side could compound into greater issues with the subsequent fixtures against Panama and Costa Rica.
Mexico is led by Gerardo “Tata” Martino, hired in January of 2019. The experienced Argentine manager has weathered the storm of domestic criticism and put El Tri in position to secure an eighth consecutive qualification.