The United States Men’s National Team will face Costa Rica in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in 2022, know the Costa Rica vs USA prediction and H2H record
Following a 5-1 thrashing of Panama on Sunday at Exploria Stadium, the US men’s national team is on the verge of securing a spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup when they face Costa Rica on Wednesday night in San Jose.
Gregg Berhalter’s team is second in the Octagonal table, six goals ahead of third-placed Mexico. With 22 points, the Ticos sit three points behind the fourth-placed pair.
Costa Rica vs USA Date, Time, Prediction, Head To Head, Playing 11, Tickets, Live Stream: FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifier
Here’s everything you need to know about the game on Wednesday.
When
Wednesday, March 30 | 9:05 pm ET
Where
Costa Rica’s National Stadium (Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica) is located in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Clinch Scenarios For The USMNT
A win or a tie in Costa Rica OR… Losing by no more than six goals in Costa Rica ALSO… Fourth place has already been guaranteed (at the very least).
Costa Rica
The United States Men’s National Team gave Costa Rica a great performance on Sunday, defeating Panama, the lone team chasing the Ticos for one of the top four berths. Costa Rica defeated El Salvador 2-1 in San Salvador, ensuring the US didn’t enjoy a qualification-clinching party on Church Street.
The Ticos are guaranteed at least a fourth-place finish, putting them in an inter-confederation playoff against the winner of Oceania in June. With a big win over the USMNT, there’s a chance they’ll get an automatic ticket to Qatar. Prior to El Tri’s final match versus El Salvador at Estadio Azteca, Mexico has a +4 goal differential over Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has made a strong start to the new year, leapfrogging Panama into fourth position and going undefeated in their previous five games (4W-0L-1D), including their sole loss of the Octagonal stage to Canada.
Former MLS veteran Kendall Waston and San Jose Earthquakes defender Francisco Calvo have been regulars in the Ticos’ defence. Ronald Matarrita, FC Cincinnati’s left back, is out with an ankle injury.
USMNT
If there were any doubts about fatigued legs after a 0-0 midweek tie with Mexico at altitude, the USMNT dispelled them by scoring three goals in the first half-hour and extending a four-goal advantage into the second half to cruise to a 5-1 victory over Panama, eliminating Los Canaleros from qualification.
Christian Pulsic scored a hat trick for the national team for the first time, including two penalty kick goals in the first half. Paul Arriola and Jesus Ferreira of FC Dallas also scored, and Walker Zimmerman of Nashville SC was outstanding in central defence in what could be the best performance of the Gregg Berhalter era to yet.
DeAndre Yedlin of Inter Miami CF and Lille winger Timothy Weah of Lille have been reinstated to the USMNT for the encounter.
QUALIFYING CHANCES
At the very least, a playoff berth has been ensured. Can the Americans qualify for the World Cup with a victory, a draw, or a defeat of less than six goals? Even if they’ve never won in Costa Rica, math is on their favour.
The United States Men’s National Team will face Costa Rica in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in 2022.
Gotta finish the job. pic.twitter.com/Yaay8ObAGu
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) March 28, 2022
When And Where To Watch: How to live stream and TV Telecast
- Peacock, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, Universo
- Sacha Kljestan is featured in a YouTube watchalong.
Tickets Purchase Instructions
Seats for the United States Supporters Section: A limited number of tickets will be available in a designated United States Supporters Section. On a first-come, first-served basis, tickets will be sold. To become a U.S. Soccer Insider, click here. Only reserved seats will be available in this section.
During the week, Insiders will receive an email with instructions on how to purchase tickets.
*All prices are subject to change without notice.
Costa Rica Playing 11
Navas; Chacon, Calvo, Vargas, Matarrita, Fuller; Martinez, Tejeda, Borges, Contreras; Campbell
USA Playing 11
Horvath; Bello, Zimmerman, Palmer-Brown, Cannon; Musah, Adams, Busio; Pefok, Weah, Arriola
Prediction
We predict a 1-1 tie between Costa Rica and the United States.
On Sunday, these two teams combined for seven goals, but it would take a miracle for the Americans to drop out of the top three, and the Costa Ricans are well aware that they will almost certainly be playing in the inter-confederation playoffs.
With all of that in mind, we could see a lot of fresh faces on the pitch for either side in what could be a tense match, with both managers aware that they have more crucial games ahead of them.
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