CONCACAF Nations League: what result does the USMNT need to qualify for the semifinal?

The first leg is out of the way and although it may not have been a comfortable watch for many wearing the stars and stripes, it’s hard not to conclude that the job of reaching the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League, and therefore snatching a guest spot in next year’s 2024 Copa América, is done.

USMNT can afford to lose to win

Entering the home game against Trinidad and Tobago, the United States men’s team carried the weight of uncertainty, well aware that, despite hosting the joint CONMEBOL-CONCACAF tournament next summer, their spot was far from guaranteed. To secure their place, a decisive victory over the Soca Warriors across the two-legged encounter was imperative, and Gregg Berhalter’s squad took a significant stride towards that goal with a convincing-looking 3-0 win.

Contrary to the expectations of many, the journey to victory was not as straightforward as anticipated. The breakthrough moment came in the 82nd minute when Ricardo Pepi finally pierced through the opposition’s defenses. The struggle intensified as Trinidad and Tobago, reduced to 10 men, conceded two more late goals, with Antonee Robinson and Gio Reyna adding the finishing touches. The upcoming second leg now appears to be a mere formality in the face of the US team’s commanding lead. Even a loss of two goals (or by three if they score themselves) would take them through.

The other CONCACAF Nations League results

Thursday’s other quarter-final first leg delivered a déjà vu with an identical 0-3 scoreline, but this time, it favored the visiting team, Panama. Murillo (4′), Fajardo (29′), and Waterman (60′) were the goal-scoring maestros, leaving Costa Rica with a formidable mountain to scale if they aim to bounce back from this setback.

Friday’s CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals

The other two quarter-final first legs take place on Friday with Mexico travelling to Honduras and Jamaica hosting Canada.