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Costa Rica vs USMNT: team news, injuries, suspensions

Ahead of the US Men's National Team 2022 World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica, we take a look at the squad available to coach Gregg Berhalter.

Update:
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 27: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts during the first half against Panama at Exploria Stadium on March 27, 2022 in Orlando, Florida.   Julio Aguilar/Getty Images/AFP
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Julio AguilarAFP

Christian Pulisic scored a hat-trick for the USMNT as they convincingly beat Panama 5-1 on Sunday night in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Pulisic’s first career USMNT hat-trick included his 19th, 20th and 21st international goals and 10th, 11th and 12th in World Cup qualifying.

The USA sit in second position in the standings, level on 25 points with Mexico. Canada currently top the group and have already qualified for this winter's World Cup.

Wednesday's opponents Costa Rica are in fourth place on 22 points. The USMNT can clinch a World Cup with a win, draw or loss by less than six goals against Costa Rica.

Gregg Berhalter's US side are now guaranteed to finish in the top four after the victory over Panana. The top three teams qualify directly to the World Cup, while the fourth-place finisher will participate in a play-off against the winner of Oceania’s World Cup qualifying tournament for a spot at the 2022 World Cup.

After beating El Salvador 2-1 on Sunday, Costa Rica are assured of at least a fourth-place finish, which would put them in an inter-confederation playoff in June against the Oceania winner.

The USA are one step away from World Cup qualification but how is their roster looking ahead of trip to Costa Rica?

USA injuries

Defender George Bello was added to the squad to replace the injured Sergiño Dest before the international break began. Forward Brenden Aaronson was also ruled out after picking up an injury training with RB Salzburg.

Tenerife player Shaq Moore was called into the squad after Reggie Cannon tested positive for covid-19 prior to the Mexico game. Defender Cannon is still on the roster, but was unavailable for selection against Panama. Moore played the full game against Panama.

USA suspensions

Two of Sunday's starting XI changes were forced by suspension as DeAndre Yedlin and Tim Weah picked up their second yellow cards of qualifying during the match against Mexico. Both players are eligible for selection for Wednesday’s qualifying match against Costa Rica.

Zack Steffen, Miles Robinson, Tyler Adams and Jordan Pefok went into Sunday’s match just one yellow card away from suspension. A yellow card against Panama would have meant suspension for the match at Costa Rica. Thankfully for coach Gregg Berhalter, he still has all four players available for Wednesday night.

Costa Rica vs USA

Kickoff at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica gets underway on Wednesday 30 March at 9:05 pm ET.