Christian Pulisic's hat trick moves U.S. closer to World Cup

Mar 27, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; United States forward Christian Pulisic (10) passes the ball against Panama in the second half during a FIFA World Cup Qualifier soccer match at Exploria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Barring a monumental collapse in the final CONCACAF qualifier, the U.S. men's national team will return to the World Cup in Qatar later this year after Christian Pulisic's hat trick fueled a 5-1 win against Panama in Orlando, Fla., on Sunday.

With the top three nations earning automatic qualification, the second-place Americans (25 points) play at fourth-place Costa Rica (22) on Wednesday. The only way the U.S. does not qualify is if the Americans lose by six or more goals.