5 big teams who could fail to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Netherlands v Luxembourg - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier
Netherlands' fate is no longer in their own hands

2) United States of America

1H v 2G: Round of 16 - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
Can USA avoid a tough playoff to qualify?

Mexico are the only team from CONCACAF that has qualified for the World Cup so far. With two games to go, they are top of the table with 18 points. Costa Rica are second with 15 while Panama are third with 10 points.

Only the top three teams qualify directly for the World Cup from the CONCACAF region which includes countries in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The United States are currently in fourth place with 9 points. Fourth place is only good enough for an Inter-Confederation Playoff against an Asian team.

The only issue is that Honduras also have 9 points with an identical record. They lie in fifth place only because of an inferior Goal Difference.

CONCACAF table 2018 World Cup qualfiers
CONCACAF table - 2018 World Cup qualfiers

Who do they play next?

USA's last two games are against Panama (away) and Trinidad & Tobago (home). The reverse fixtures saw Panama draw 1-1 while USA had beaten Trinidad & Tobago 2-0 (remember Christian Pulisic's brace?).

But Bruce Arena's side will be confident as Honduras have a tougher schedule. Their last two games are against the group toppers - Costa Rica and Mexico.

USA have qualified for every World Cup since 1990 and reached the knockout stages four times since then. Will they qualify for the group stages next year, though?

Quick Links