NPR

U.S. Men's Soccer Team Won't Play In World Cup For First Time Since 1986

The Americans came into Tuesday night with good odds of making the 2018 tournament. But their loss to Trinidad and Tobago, combined with wins by both Panama and Honduras, will leave the U.S. at home.
Team USA's Christian Pulisic is defended by Trinidad and Tobago's Kevon Villaroel on Tuesday night during their 2018 World Cup qualifier football match in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago. A loss, combined with other results, means the U.S. team will be staying home next year. / LUIS ACOSTA / Getty Images

A win or a tie would have done it. Or even one loss or tie by the underdogs in Tuesday night's other two qualifying games.

Or beating Honduras a month ago, or beating Panama in March, or not

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