The United States men's national team hope to punch their ticket to the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Sunday when they play their penultimate qualifier and last one at home. The USMNT host Panama in Orlando. After a 0-0 draw at Mexico on Thursday, the U.S. is well situated, but there is work still to be done. Panama, meanwhile, sit in fifth place in Concacaf qualifying with 18 points four back of Mexico and the USMNT for the final two automatic World Cup bids. However, they still have lots to play for as they're only one point behind Costa Rica for fourth place and a spot in the intercontinental playoffs which would keep their World Cup dreams alive. Here's our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday, March 27 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Exploria Stadium -- Orlando, Florida
- TV: FS1 | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
- Live updates: Follow along
- Odds: USA -245; Draw +310; Panama +675 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
USMNT: It's all about qualifying, and here is how it can be done. If the U.S. beats Panama and Costa Rica fail to beat El Salvador, the U.S. clinches. If the U.S. draws and Costa Rica loses in San Salvador, the U.S. clinches. Otherwise, it will come down to the last matchday. But if the U.S. and Costa Rica both win (or both draw), the U.S. will likely hold a goal difference edge where they could lose by a couple goals in Costa Rica and still potentially clinch. As things stand though, it would take the U.S. losing not only against Panama but also in their final match against Costa Rica, combined with other unfavorable results for them to finish lower than fourth.
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Panama: Desperation time now. With just four points from their last 12, they are in a tough spot. They don't have to win, as the fourth-place spot could be within reach on the final matchday, even with a draw, but a point here could be the difference. Expect them to be aggressive and with nothing to lose, knowing a point would likely shift all the pressure on Costa Rica, if they don't win at Honduras.
Prediction
Ricardo Pepi ends his scoring drought and the red, white and blue clinch a spot at the World Cup. Pick: USA 3, Panama 0
Concacaf World Cup qualifying table
| TEAM | GP | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canada | 12 | 7 | 4 | 1 | +13 | 25 |
United States | 12 | 6 | 4 | 2 | +9 | 22 |
Mexico | 12 | 6 | 4 | 2 | +6 | 22 |
Costa Rica | 12 | 5 | 4 | 3 | +2 | 19 |
Panama | 12 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 18 |
El Salvador - e | 12 | 2 | 3 | 7 | -7 | 10 |
Jamaica - e | 12 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -7 | 8 |
Honduras - e | 12 | 0 | 4 | 8 | -17 | 4 |
