sport news USA's route to World Cup final: Potential quarterfinal with Argentina and ... trends now
The USA progressed through a tricky Group B to the knockout stages, but it will only get harder in the next phase of the competition to keep moving forward.
An impressive draw with England will give them confidence they can compete with some of the bigger names in the tournament, though they'll need to be clinical if they wish to make a run in Qatar.
Gregg Berhalter's side scored just two goals in their three group stage matches, but their stingy defense (zero goals allowed from open play) will give them a chance to reach the latter stages if it continues.
Sportsmail have had a look at the USA's potential and likely route to the final of the World Cup they are going to have to conquer if they want to lift the Jules Rimet trophy for the first time ever.
A trip to the World Cup final would certainly keep a smile on Gregg Berhalter's face
The USMNT advanced from Group B after a nail-biting 1-0 victory vs. Iran on Tuesday
Last 16 - Holland
The USA's matchup with Holland was confirmed on Tuesday when Groups A and B concluded, with a tie vs. the Oranje on the cards for the first time ever in a competitive fixture.
Holland comfortably topped Group A after beating Senegal and Qatar and drawing Ecuador, and conceded just one goal in what proved to be an extremely straightforward group.
The Americans needed a win vs. Iran to secure qualification to the knockout stages, and did so via a Christian Pulisic goal in the first half.
Holland's Virgil Van Dijk stands in the way of a potential quarterfinal for the USMNT
While Holland weren't overly tested in the group stages, they weren't so dominant either.
They registered just eight shots in target in Group A, and an athletic USA side should be the stingiest test they've faced yet in Qatar.
Quarterfinal - Argentina or Australia
If the Stars and Stripes are able to pull off an upset in the Round of 16, they'll likely have an even tougher test waiting for
