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Photo Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
North, Central America & Caribbean (Concacaf): After Canada clinched first place, the remaining two automatic qualifiers will be decided among three countries that each called up at least one MLS player. The U.S. Men’s National Team, with its 10 MLS players and 13 academy products, sits in second place after a commanding 5-1 victory over Panama that saw starts and consecutive goals by FC Dallas teammates Jesús Ferreira and Paul Arriola . A win over No. 4-ranked Costa Rica with Francisco Calvo (San Jose Earthquakes), who earned two starts this window, could give the U.S. its long-awaited World Cup return. However, a hosting Costa Rica is playing for its chance to catch No. 3 Mexico and Julián Araujo (LA Galaxy). The fourth placed team in Concacaf will face an Oceania (OFC) opponent in an intercontinental playoff.
South America (CONMEBOL): Peru’s four MLS players, including Edison Flores (D.C. United), Alexander Callens (NYCFC), Pedro Gallese (Orlando City SC), and Marcos López (San Jose Earthquakes) are one win away from finishing in fifth place with a chance to face Asia’s fifth place team in an intercontinental playoff. A victory over Paraguay today guarantees that scenario.
Africa (CAF): Cameroon – featuring Seattle Sounders FC defender Nouhou as a starter with Philadelphia Union’s Olivier Mbaizo on the roster – is among the final 10 group winners competing in a two-match series. The winner of each series advances to the World Cup, and Cameroon has momentum after defeating Algeria in first of the two matches on Friday, with Nouhou starting and putting in the full 90 minutes. The second and final leg takes place today.
Europe (UEFA): The New England Revolution’s Adam Buksa and Poland finished runners-up of Group I and will now compete in the Path B playoff final against Sweden today, with the winner directly earning a spot in the World Cup.
Asia (AFC): Columbus Crew SC’s Milos Degenek played full 90 minutes for Australia against Japan last week, as the Socceroos look ahead to a single match playoff on June 7 against either the United Araba Emirates, Iraq or Lebanon. With a victory, Australia advances to an intercontinental playoff against a South American opponent for a spot in the World Cup.
Oceania (OFC): New Zealand, with Seattle Sounders FC’s Bill Tuiloma on the roster, won its confederation semifinal and has advanced to face Solomon Islands in the final. With only one-half place to qualify in OFC, the winner will face Concacaf’s fourth place team in an intercontinental playoff. |
