The United States and Mexico are playing in what could be the biggest match of this World Cup qualifying cycle.
This time, the game is taking place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, one of the hardest places for opposing teams to play. For one, it’s 7,200 feet above sea level and it usually hosts close to 88,000 fans.
On Thursday night though, there aren’t as many fans due to COVID restrictions, plus FIFA sanctions.
That hasn’t stopped the soccer world from noticing that the stadium is probably holding less than 50,000 fans.
The capacity at Estadio Azteca for tonight’s match is 50K, the actual crowd for the match is, um, WELL short of that.
One section that won’t be empty is the #USMNT supporters section, which has a thousand fans here in attendance.
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) March 25, 2022
Wow… Stadium is empty in Azteca!!! Fans don’t back this Mexico team.
— Jermaine Jones (@Jermainejunior) March 25, 2022
Visiting U.S. fans making themselves heard at the Estadio Azteca. #ElTriEng pic.twitter.com/Sx2kOQZLAn
— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) March 25, 2022
Been saying all week the #USMNT can earn a result from this match. After seeing the lack of fans at Estadio Azteca, I fully back that now. More pressure on Mexico to win this one.
— Larry Henry Jr (@lhenry019) March 25, 2022
It’s barely any fans at Azteca…. what is going on?? #USMNT #USAvMEX
— Isley Randle (@IsleyJRandle) March 25, 2022
Barely any fans at the Azteca vs the USA in a World Cup qualifier is quite alarming. Why isn’t this a sell out
— Andeigh (@A_Garcia713) March 25, 2022
This is the first of three World Cup qualifiers for these two countries as this is also the last qualifying window. Both countries are looking to qualify for the World Cup, which will be held in Qatar in November.
If the U.S. loses this game, it won’t be too detrimental to getting back to the world’s biggest tournament. The U.S. would have to hope Canada gets a point against Costa Rica tonight, plus beat Panama on Sunday to clinch its berth into the World Cup.
You can watch tonight’s game on Paramount+ or CBS Sports Network.
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