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For U.S., World Cup Stretch Run Starts With a Sprint

The schedule for Qatar is set, but rosters are not. For players in the United States and elsewhere, a few weeks in a camp and a handful of matches could change everything.

Christian Pulisic training on Monday in Cincinnati. He is close to a sure thing for the U.S. roster, but other players’ spots are far less secure.Credit...John Dorton/ISI Photos, via Getty Images

CINCINNATI — Until a few days ago, Malik Tillman, a 20-year-old midfielder from Nuremberg, Germany, had never stepped foot on American soil.

Five and a half months from now, if things go the way he hopes they do, he will be representing the United States at the World Cup in Qatar.