All four Concacaf nations have now played two group games at the 2022 World Cup, with their situations and requirements clear heading into matchday three.
The final round of group games is always dramatic, with teams playing at the same time and so many twists and turns meaning you can go from top and through to bottom and out in the space of a few short minutes.
Prepare yourself for the drama by finding out just what each Concacaf nation needs to do to reach the knockout rounds of the 2022 World Cup:
The USMNT have taken two points from their first two games, drawing 1-1 with Wales and 0-0 with England. That leaves them two points behind the latter and just one adrift of Iran, Tuesday’s opponents.
For Gregg Berhalter’s side, the equation is simple: beat Iran and you’re through, fail to do so and you’re out.
The USMNT can still top Group B if they beat Iran and England lose to Wales, or if England draws against Wales and the US wins by five or more goals.
With just one point from two games, things haven’t really gone to plan so far for Mexico, who drew 0-0 with Poland then fell 2-0 to Argentina.
El Tri absolutely must beat Saudi Arabia in their third match to stand a chance of progression, but even that might not be enough.
Tata Martino’s side must then rely on Poland beating Argentina to climb above Lionel Messi and Co. Poland and Argentina could also draw, but then Mexico would have to overturn a -3 goal difference deficit on La Albiceleste.
After getting annihilated 7-0 by Spain in their opening match, Costa Rica must be given massive credit for beating Japan 1-0 on Sunday.
The result has given them a chance, but it’s a very slim one.
Los Ticos must now get something against the mighty Germany, with even just a draw enough provided Spain beat Japan. If Spain vs Japan ends in a draw, Costa Rica must win.
Costa Rica can even make it through if Japan win, but that would require them to beat Germany while overturning what would be at least a -7 goal difference deficit on the Japanese.
The CanMNT’s defeat to Croatia means they can no longer qualify for the knockout rounds. However, they still have the chance to post their first-ever World Cup points in their final Group F match against Morocco on Thursday.
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