There’s one camp to go. There’s now one more chance to gather, train, plan and play before the World Cup begins. And one more opportunity for men with uncertain status to make their case.
U.S. national team coach Gregg Berhalter told the Associated Press last week in New York City that the list of 26 players he’ll take to Qatar is “about 85% settled.” That means there are four places undecided, give or take. The next two weeks could go a long way toward determining them, as well as helping Berhalter and his staff refine some of the tactics and rotations they’ll deploy in Qatar.
On Wednesday, U.S. Soccer unveiled the squad of 26 players that will contest upcoming friendlies against Asian World Cup qualifiers Japan (Sept. 23 in Dusseldorf, Germany) and Saudi Arabia (Sept. 27 in Murcia, Spain). The Americans will commence training in Cologne next Monday. Once this month’s international window shuts, the next time they’ll be together is in Qatar on Nov. 14.
