At least the U.S. men's national team can plan ahead for the attrition this time around.
The first 2022 World Cup qualifying window was a crash course in what can go wrong in a compressed camp during these uncertain pandemic times. Key players were lost to injury and COVID-19, while a leading figure was booted from the team in the middle of camp. Amid all of that, the U.S. drew twice and won its final match with a convincing 45-minute display and looks ahead to the October window, knowing full well what adversity and limitations will be put on the side for home matches against Jamaica in Austin (Oct.