U.S. Men's Soccer Team Qualifies For World Cup After Stunningly Missing 2018 Tournament

The U.S. men's national soccer team secured its spot in this year's FIFA World Cup despite losing to Costa Rica Wednesday night, clinching the Americans' return to the world's marquee sporting event after they failed to qualify for the 2018 edition.

KEY FACTS

The 2-0 loss against Costa Rica was enough to guarantee the U.S. a top-three finish in its qualifying region and a spot in this winter's tournament in Qatar, given the U.S. had to lose by at least six goals to not qualify Wednesday.

The U.S. finished fifth in its region—where only three teams automatically qualify—prior to the 2018 World Cup, leaving American soccer fans and international sports pundits stunned.

The U.S. is generally considered a near-certain participant at World Cups, with 2018 being the first time since 1986 the U.S. men's team failed to qualify for the quadrennial event.

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