It’s the final games in the November cycle of FIFA World Cup qualifying and a number of nations are looking to add themselves to the list of 48 that will qualify for next summer’s games in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Among those nations are a number of current players who play in Major League Soccer, who will take part in matches in this week to possibly book their countries trip, for some nations — the first time, ever. Among the names, here are the five we’re watching of who could either book a trip or secure their spot on a future 26-man roster.
Cristian Roldan, United States
Roldan played a significant part in U.S. men’s national team’s win against Paraguay on Saturday, and is expected to play again when the U.S. take on Uruguay in the final games on World Cup qualifying. With the Americans already booking a trip by way of being the hosts, eyes are now on whether Roldan, a legend in his own right during his time in Seattle is playing his way to be on Mauricio Pochettino’s roster next summer.
Next game: United States vs. Uruguay, Nov. 18; 8 p.m., TNT, Universo
Andre Blake, Jamaica
One game. Just one game separates Jamaica, a country desperate for some hope following the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, from qualifying for its first World Cup since 1998. If the Jamaicans can earn a win against Curacão, they will book their trip and the first World Cup for Blake, the longtime Philadelphia Union goalkeeper, who also has been a mainstay in front of goal for the Jamaicans.
Next game: Jamaica vs. Curacão, Nov. 18; 8 p.m., Paramount Plus+
Max Arfsten, United States
Arfsten was dynamic in the U.S. win against Paraguay, capped by his assist in the game’s first goal when he sent a whipping cross that found Gio Reyna. Arfsten, who plays for the Columbus Crew, showed why the U.S. has called him up on several occasions this year. Should he get the start again, he’ll get another chance to prove that he deserves to be considered for Pochettino’s World Cup squad.
Next game: United States vs. Uruguay, Nov. 18; 8 p.m., TNT, Universo
Petar Musa, Croatia
With Croatia recently securing its spot following a win over the Faroe Islands earlier this month, it comes to whether or not Musa, the FC Dallas man — who was the team’s leading goalscorer this season — has played his way onto his country’s roster. It will be interesting to see with qualifying secure, how much time he’ll get in the final evaluation of 2025 when Croatia takes on Montenegro on Monday (2:45 p.m., Fubo TV).
Next game: Croatia vs. Montenegro, Nov. 17, 2:45 p.m., FuboTV
Son Heung-Min, South Korea
He’s the star of Los Angeles’ other MLS franchise, LAFC, and he’s been the perennial star for South Korea long before the nation secured its 11th consecutive trip to the World Cup earlier this year. There are no games in qualification in thie cycle as the South Koreans booked their trip with a game to spare. But both Son and South Korea have shown they’re ready to be a force next summer with MLS’ leading man, leading the way.
Next game: South Korea vs. Ghana, Nov. 18, 6 p.m., TV unknown
