Usually this close to a World Cup, there’s a general consensus about what a squad will look like, at least for the most part. Surprises happen, and sometimes there are shocks (U.S. camp in May 2014, anyone?) but the core of a group has typically long been established before the final roster cut, and any late runs of form have had time to manifest themselves.
Yet entering the 2022 World Cup, due to its timing and the increasing number of injuries happening at the club level (yes, injuries always happen before a World Cup, but club games are typically not being played up until six days before the tournament’s first kick), there’s perhaps a bit more uncertainty and unpredictability entering the equation.
As it relates to the U.S., that couldn’t be more true. A handful of players are either currently dealing with knocks of varying degrees or have just gotten over them. It’s important to remember that, officially, no core player aside from Miles Robinson has been ruled out for the World Cup, and he tore his Achilles back in April. But others are cutting it awfully close. Close enough to the point that it costs them a trip to the World Cup? That’ll be decided by U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter next Wednesday in Brooklyn, as he reveals the 26-player squad (which is subject to change should any injuries occur in the days that follow) that he will take to Qatar.
