ATLANTA — The last four FIFA World Cup spots from Europe — including the United States’ third and final group-stage opponent — will be determined in the coming days.
And the impact on Team USA’s road to glory can’t be overstated.
The U.S. will see its slate get rounded out with either its toughest test (Turkey) or its easiest (Slovakia, Romania or Kosovo), with nothing in between.
The UEFA World Cup playoffs kick off Thursday with eight semifinals, with the winners advancing to the four finals next Tuesday. The winners of those all book tickets to the World Cup.
Path C will see Turkey host Romania on Thursday in Istanbul at 1 p.m., and Slovakia host Kosovo in Bratislava at 3:45 p.m. The victors face off Tuesday at 2:45 p.m. in either Bratislava or Pristina, Kosovo — with the winner joining Team USA, Paraguay and Australia in World Cup Group C.
Team USA, 15th in the latest FIFA rankings, drew a manageable group with Australia 27th and Paraguay 40th. Turkey is by far the toughest of the playoff teams, sitting 25th and having beaten the U.S. 2-1 on June 7 last year.
Slovakia is ranked 44th, Romania 49th and Kosovo just 79th.
Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter said there’s been no awkwardness being called up to the national team last year by Mauricio Pochettino despite the coach having succeeded his father, Gregg.
“No. From the beginning he made it really clear that I’m here for a reason, and that he believes me,” the younger Berhalter said. “He’s watched my games before and said there’s a reason why you’re here. He’s done a great job in integrating me and making me feel like part of the team.
“So, no, I don’t think there was any awkwardness.”
Kansas City Royals players Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez and Carter Jensen visited Team USA camp in Atlanta, chatted with Pochettino and got personalized jerseys from attacker Christian Pulisic.
With the World Cup kicking off in less than three months, FIFA is pulling back hotel reservations in several host cities. FIFA canceled roughly 2,000 of its 10,000 hotel room reservations in Philadelphia last week, per the Inquirer.
The organization reportedly canceled about 40 percent of its hotel bookings in Mexico City, and more in multiple U.S. host cities.
Now hotels have been left scrambling in the chaos to fill the suddenly vacant rooms. Could New Jersey hotels be up next?
With MetLife Stadium hosting eight matches — five group-stage tilts, a Round of 32 match, a Round of 16 clash and the July 19 final — it raises questions about the upcoming tourney.
There have already been World Cup hiccups in New Jersey, including the Liberty State Park fan festival getting axed due to federal security funding delays.
FIFA acknowledged geopolitical factors and visa complications hindering international travel. The organization cut its operating budget by $100 million — impacting logistics, safety and security — while it was revealed that ICE will be present at matches, something that could give pause to international travelers.
