The United States Men’s National Team are preparing for their friendlies this weekend in Atlanta against Belgium and Portugal, but they will also have one eye looking across the pond. The World Cup playoffs begin today, and we will find out who will advance to have their shot at making the field for the 2026 World Cup this summer.
For the United States, UEFA Playoff C is the one to watch, as Türkiye takes on Romania and Slovakia faces Kosovo. The winner of the Slovakia-Kosovo matchup will host the Playoff C final
on Tuesday.
Türkiye is the strongest team in the bracket by ranking, sitting 25th in the FIFA world rankings. They have some star power and they want to get back to the World Cup for the first time since 2002, when they finished third. It would be only the third appearance for Ay-Yıldızlılar (The Crescent-Stars) at the World Cup should they qualify. They have to get past a Romania team that’s ranked 49th in the world and haven’t been in the World Cup since 1998. Romania is missing a couple of their young players, but they are still strong and will be ready for the fight.
In the other matchup, Slovakia hope to get back to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. Ranked 44th in the world They are hoping they can hold serve at home against a Kosovo team that has never been to the World Cup. The Dardanët (Dardanians) hope they can punch their ticket to the UEFA C final, where they would then have the home field advantage. However, it’s an uphill climb against the Sokoli (The Falcons) to beat them on the road.
How to Watch
Türkiye vs. Romania
Advertised Kick-off Time: 1:00pm Eastern, 10:00am Pacific
Venue: Tüpraş Stadyumu, Istanbul
Available TV: FS2 (English)
Available streaming: Fox Sports (English), Vix (Spanish), FuboTV (Free Trial)
Slovakia vs. Kosovo
Advertised Kick-off Time: 3:45pm Eastern, 12:45pm Pacific
Venue: Tehelné pole, Bratislava
Available TV: N/A
Available streaming: Vix (Spanish)
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