Guatemala

What the USMNT has to do on Tuesday to advance in 2018 World Cup qualifying

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:41 p.m. ET

Ryan Rosenblatt

The United States haven't clinched a spot in the final round of 2018 World Cup qualifying yet. At least not officially. But realistically, it's already done and the Americans are going to the Hex.

Heading into Tuesday's World Cup qualifiers, which are the final matches of the semifinal round of qualifying, the Americans only need a draw at home against Trinidad and Tobago to move on. Any result at all, and they're through, but it probably won't even take that because barring results so extreme that nobody can believe them to be possible, the U.S. will advance even with a loss.

The Americans hold a three-point lead over Guatemala for second place in their group and the top two teams advance. They also have a 12-goal advantage in goal difference, so the only way for the U.S. to not make the Hex is to lose, see Guatemala beat St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and have the goal difference in those matches reach 12. And even if it is a 12-goal difference, Guatemala still have to make up seven goals to get even on the next tiebreaker, goals scored. But even if Guatemala get equal on goal difference and goals scored, they'd lose the next tiebreaker, so they need to surpass the U.S. on goal difference or goals scored to win.

In short, it would take Guatemala closing a 13-goal difference or doing it at 12 with something like a 8-0 win and 4-0 U.S. loss. Which are not things likely to happen, or really even believable in any world.

So what do the Americans need to do to advance? Nothing.

MORE FROM FOX SOCCER

Get more from Guatemala Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Guatemala

CONCACAF U-20 Championship

FIFA Men's World Cup

Gold Cup