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It had to happen, didn’t it?
The U.S. Men’s National Team learned of its World Cup 2022 opponents, and the headliner is one they share a history with in the tournament.
The U.S. drew into Group B in the World Cup, pitting them against England, who had already been drawn into the group. Iran was the third team in Group B with the final team yet to be announced.
Since they were in Pot 1, the Three Lions are the best team, on paper, in the group. The two teams will play on Nov. 25, meaning the U.S. misses out on a potential Thanksgiving-day match.
The U.S. and England were in the same group during the 2010 World Cup, and a 1-1 tie in the last group stage match helped secure a spot in the knockout round for the Americans.
After eight long years on the sidelines of the biggest competition in sports, the U.S. earned qualification back in the World Cup with their result against Costa Rica on Wednesday night.
The U.S. finished CONCACAF qualifying in third place – the last spot in the region that earns an automatic berth in the World Cup.
The US was in Pot 2 (the second-best group of teams that have qualified) for the draw, meaning on paper, they are the second-best team in Group B. The U.S. ranked No. 15 in the world following CONCACAF qualifying.
“We’re here. A little bit tired, but I think more excited than tired,” U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter told Fox Sports before the draw. “We knew it was going to be a difficult road, we talked about it beforehand, qualifying is always difficult, but the guys persevered and got through it, and now we’re looking forward to the draw and our eventual opponents.
“You get to look at it, you start planning, thinking about the opponents, thinking about the particular players that shine for the teams you’re playing, it’s just an exciting moment.”
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