The 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match between the United States Men’s National Team and Jamaica will take place today, October 7, 2022. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM EST at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.
This is a crucial World Cup qualifying match for both teams as they aim to secure one of the three automatic berths from CONCACAF for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Heading into this match, the United States currently sits second in the standings with 11 points from 6 matches. Jamaica is just behind them in fourth place with 7 points from 6 matches. With only a few games remaining in qualifying, every point is critical.
The United States will be looking to build on their momentum after an impressive 2-0 home win over Jamaica last month. Goals from Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic sealed the victory for the USMNT. They followed that up with a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Canada, powered by a goal from midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
Jamaica is hoping to avenge their earlier loss to the United States in September. They bounced back from that defeat with wins over Honduras and Canada, but were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by El Salvador in their last qualifier. With star players like Leon Bailey, Michail Antonio, and Andre Gray, Jamaica has the talent to challenge the United States.
With four matches remaining after today, finishing in the top three spots in the standings and qualifying for the World Cup is the priority for both teams. The United States is currently in a good position to qualify, but they cannot afford to be complacent. Jamaica still has an outside shot at qualification, but they need to start accumulating points. Defeating the USMNT today would be a major boost to their chances.
Team News and Rosters
For the United States, manager Gregg Berhalter has called up a strong 26-man roster for this international window. Key players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Zack Steffen are all available for selection. There are also several in-form attacking players to choose from such as Brenden Aaronson, Ricardo Pepi, Josh Sargent and Tim Weah.
Berhalter may opt to rotate the squad slightly from the previous qualifier against Canada. Adams and McKennie picked up yellow cards in that match, meaning they will be suspended for the next game against Panama if booked again today. Other players like Pulisic, Aaronson, and Pepi could be in line to start after coming off the bench last time out.
For Jamaica, interim manager Paul Hall has issues an experienced 23-man roster. Captain Andre Blake leads the squad from his goalkeeper position. Defenders Damion Lowe and Adrian Mariappa bring veteran leadership to the backline. Top playmaker Leon Bailey is also available again after missing the last game through injury.
Hall may choose to set his team up in a conservative 5-4-1 or 5-3-2 formation to stay compact against the Americans. Solid organization and taking advantage of counterattacking opportunities will be Jamaica’s best hopes for getting a positive result today.
Projected Lineups
United States (4-3-3)
GK | Zack Steffen |
LB | Antonee Robinson |
CB | Walker Zimmerman |
CB | Miles Robinson |
RB | Sergino Dest |
CM | Kellyn Acosta |
CM | Weston McKennie |
CM | Yunus Musah |
LW | Brenden Aaronson |
ST | Ricardo Pepi |
RW | Christian Pulisic |
Jamaica (5-4-1)
GK | Andre Blake |
LWB | Kemar Lawrence |
LCB | Adrian Mariappa |
CB | Damion Lowe |
RCB | Liam Moore |
RWB | Javain Brown |
LM | Bobby Reid |
CM | Je-Vaughn Watson |
CM | Devon Williams |
RM | Leon Bailey |
ST | Michail Antonio |
Key Factors to the Game
Here are some of the key factors that could decide the outcome of this crucial World Cup qualifier:
- Crowd Support: The USMNT will have the benefit of a packed, raucous crowd behind them in Austin. Utilizing the home-field advantage will be key.
- Midfield Battle: Whichever team can control possession and tempo in midfield should gain a major edge. McKennie vs. Watson will be a pivotal matchup.
- Finishing: With chances likely at a premium, clinical finishing will be imperative. The U.S. will look to in-form striker Ricardo Pepi.
- Set Pieces: With both teams defending resolutely, set pieces could be the best way to break the deadlock.
- Composure: In a high-pressure game, retaining focus and composure will be vital, especially for the younger U.S. players.
If the United States can dictate play through midfield, avoid costly turnovers, and take advantage of scoring chances, they should be able to earn three valuable points. Jamaica’s best hopes lie in absorbing pressure and looking to catch the U.S. out on the counterattack. With World Cup qualification potentially hanging in the balance, both teams should be fired up to leave everything on the field today.
Recent Form
Heading into this clash, the United States holds a slight edge based on recent form:
- United States: WWDWW
- Jamaica: WLWDW
The USMNT has won three of their last five qualifiers, including the 2-0 victory over Jamaica. A gritty 1-1 draw at Canada last time out showed their resilience and ability to grind out results. Jamaica bounced back impressively from the loss to the U.S. by beating Honduras and Canada. However, their momentum was halted by a disappointing home draw against El Salvador. Overall, the Americans have been getting consistently positive results, which gives them confidence entering this match.
Last 5 Matches Head to Head
Date | Competition | Result |
Sep 7, 2021 | WC Qualifying | USA 2-0 Jamaica |
Jul 25, 2021 | Gold Cup | USA 1-0 Jamaica |
Jun 5, 2019 | Friendly | Jamaica 0-1 USA |
Jul 3, 2017 | Gold Cup | USA 2-1 Jamaica |
Feb 3, 2017 | Friendly | USA 1-0 Jamaica |
The United States has had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning four of the last five. This includes World Cup qualifying victories in the last two matchups. The Americans’ gritty 1-0 win over Jamaica in the 2021 Gold Cup final also shows they can grind out results against the Reggae Boyz when required.
Players to Watch
Here are some of the key players to keep an eye on from both squads:
United States
- Christian Pulisic (LW): The USMNT’s most talented attacking threat is capable of moments of magic going forward.
- Weston McKennie (CM): His midfield battle with Jamaica’s Watson could decide this game. McKennie needs to keep his composure.
- Ricardo Pepi (ST): The 19-year-old striker is in red-hot form and will be counted on to convert scoring chances.
- Zack Steffen (GK): His distribution and shot-stopping will be vital if Jamaica’s dangerous counterattacks get rolling.
Jamaica
- Michail Antonio (ST): The Premier League striker is Jamaica’s main goal threat and needs to be contained.
- Leon Bailey (RM): His pace and dribbling from the wing can unlock defenses and create havoc.
- Andre Blake (GK): The Union man is capable of game-changing saves if the U.S. attack gets firing.
- Damion Lowe (CB): His physical battles with Ricardo Pepi could determine who comes out on top up front.
Prediction
This should be a tight, tense contest between two fierce rivals. The United States will be determined to maintain their momentum towards World Cup qualification, while Jamaica needs points to keep their hopes alive. The USMNT’s passionate home support and in-form attacking talents like Pulisic, Aaronson and Pepi could prove the difference. However, Jamaica is organized defensively and their swift counterattacks can trouble any team on their day. With the stakes so high, a conservative, cagy affair seems likely.
Score Prediction: United States 1-0 Jamaica
The United States squeaks out a vital victory via a set piece goal from Weston McKennie. The USMNT midfield overcomes Jamaica’s resistance to earn a gritty win. Three points keeps the Americans on track for Qatar 2022 qualification.
How to Watch
Fans will have several options to tune in for this crucial CONCACAF World Cup qualifier today:
- TV: ESPN2, Unimas (Spanish)
- Live Stream: ESPN App, fuboTV, Paramount+
- Radio: SiriusXM FC
Coverage will begin at 6:30 PM EST ahead of the 7:00 PM kickoff. ESPN’s lead broadcast team of John Strong and Stuart Holden will have the call from Austin’s Q2 Stadium.
Fans in attendance at the 20,738 capacity venue are encouraged to arrive early and be in their seats well before kickoff. An intimate, raucous atmosphere is expected to give an extra boost to the American players.
With crucial World Cup qualifying points on the line, it promises to be an intense contest between regional adversaries. Tune in to watch the drama unfold and see if the United States can move one step closer to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, today’s World Cup qualifier between the United States and Jamaica in Austin, Texas looks poised to be an epic battle. With qualification to Qatar 2022 potentially at stake, both teams will leave nothing on the field. The USMNT is expected to field an attack-minded lineup spearheaded by Christian Pulisic and Ricardo Pepi, with Weston McKennie pulling the strings from midfield. Jamaica boasts danger men like Michail Antonio and Leon Bailey who can score in an instant. While the Americans should have enough quality in front of a boisterous home crowd to earn three vital points, the Reggae Boyz have the talent to spring an upset if the USMNT is not at their best. Fans stateside can watch the action on ESPN2 starting at 7:00 PM EST. Strap in for a thrilling CONCACAF showdown as the race for the 2022 World Cup heats up!