Despite loss, USMNT clinches first World Cup Berth in almost a decade

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, the adage remains wholly true: Good things come to those who wait. And wait. And wait. And wait.

After an eight-year absence from one of the most prestigious sports tournaments in the world, the United States Men’s National Team has officially clinched a World Cup berth. They almost made it (somewhat) interesting against Costa Rica (+260) in a 2-0 loss in the final qualifying game. Though, to sink to those putrid levels, the U.S. Men would’ve had to endure an all-time, unprecedented (again, somewhat) historic collapse.

Instead, it’s a night of joy. Behind a promising squad led by one of international soccer’s best players, Christian Pulisic, USMNT will head to Qatar in late November with high hopes. For a domestic soccer program that’s seen a lot of turmoil (much of it self-inflicted) in recent years, it’s been a long time coming to say the least.

While they won’t be one of the favorites in November, Pulisic and Co. do stand a good chance to make a dent. If they bring their A-game, the No. 13 team in the FIFA World Rankings will pose a solid test to most any comers when the greater soccer community gathers in the Middle East.

But it’s time to sit back for now. The USMNT should revel in getting the World Cup berth monkey off their back. Eight years is a long time, dear reader. To end such a drought was certainly no easy task.

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