The United States took only one of a possible six points from two recent 2018 World Cup soccer qualifiers, leaving the campaign in limbo with two matches left.
But with the race to Russia heading into the final full set of games next month, just eight of 32 slots have been filled. The host country didn’t have to qualify and three others are among the tournament’s usual suspects: Brazil, Mexico and South Korea.
Only one of Europe’s nine groups has been settled as teams jockey for position to earn a direct invitation to the World Cup or secure a place in November’s playoffs.