Victory is never guaranteed in a competitive game. But things look very good for the U.S. Women’s National team as they begin qualification for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The U.S. WNT, ranked #1 in the world, opens the CONCACAF Women’s Championship tournament against Trinidad & Tobago on Oct. 15 at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan.
Four years ago the U.S. was expected to glide to qualification until dropping a decision to host Mexico in the semifinals. They beat Costa Rica in the consolation game and then earned the final spot in the World Cup by beating Italy in a two-game play-in sweep. The U.S. now has a 20-1-0 record in World Cup qualifiers.
In the regional tournament the Americans were placed in Group A with Guatemala, Haiti and T&T. After facing the Caribbean champions, the U.S. squad will meet Guatemala on Oct. 17 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill., and Haiti three days later at RFK Stadium in Washington.
Mexico heads Group B with Costa Rica, Jamaica and Martinique.
The semifinals, third-place match and final are set for Oct. 24-26 at PPL Park in Chester, Pa. All tournament match days are doubleheaders.
Four years ago only the top two teams automatically earned World Cup berths. This time three teams will qualify for next summer’s 24-nation tournament in Canada. A fourth side will enter a playoff against South America’s third-place team.
Canada, which is the second-best team in CONCACAF behind the USA, as the host team, does not have to qualify.
Martinique is not a full member of FIFA and not eligible to qualify for the World Cup. Martinique is part of the French Republic. (The qualifying tournament is, in fact, the CONCACAF championship, for which Martinique qualified through Caribbean competition.) If Martinique advances to the semifinals, the fifth-place team will remain in contention for a World Cup berth.
All matches will appear on various Fox TV and online platforms.