It all comes down to this: the U.S. men’s national team takes on Costa Rica Wednesday (8:05 p.m., Paramount+) in San José to confirm to confirm its ticket for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The top three nations from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, known as CONCACAF, will automatically qualify for November’s 32-team tournament. USMNT (7-2-4, 25 points) enters the final day of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying in second place and Costa Rica (6-3-4, 22 points) is fourth.
The Ticos can clinch an intercontinental playoff match in June against Oceania based on where they are as it stands. It would take a minimum 6-0 win over the U.S. to potentially leapfrog third-place Mexico, who only trail the USMNT on goal differential by that six-goal margin.
The U.S. tied Mexico last Thursday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, before thrashing Panama in Orlando on Sunday.
Here’s how to watch the USMNT vs. Costa Rica in a 2022 World Cup Qualifying finale.
Place: Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica (San José, Costa Rica)
Time: 8:05 p.m.
TV: CBS Sports Network
On DirecTV, CBSSN is channel 221. On Dish, CBSSN is channel 158.
Stream: Paramount+, NBC Universo, Peacock
USMNT routs Panama: Christian Pulisic scores first USMNT hat trick in emotional win.
Facing Mexico at Estadio Azteca:The USMNT earn a point in El Tri’s feared home.
Why 2022 USMNT isn’t 2017: How the U.S. is forging a new path in 2022 World Cup cycle.
Who’s in, who’s not?: Analysis of the USMNT’s final 2022 WCQ roster in March.
For stories about Nashville SC or Soccer in Tennessee, contact Drake Hills at DHills@gannett.com. Follow Drake on Twitter at @LiveLifeDrake. Connect with Drake on Instagram at @drakehillssoccer and on Facebook.