Congratulating U.S. Men's National Soccer Team

Floor Speech

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Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the United States men's national soccer team on qualifying for the 2022 World Cup this November in Qatar.

Last night, the U.S. men's national soccer team completed their qualifying campaign in Costa Rica. It was a fitting ending to the team's qualifying run, filled with ups and downs and exciting matches, including big wins over Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, and Costa Rica.

After missing out on the 2018 World Cup, the United States team is headed back to the World Cup for the first time in 8 years.

From day one of the 2022 qualifying campaign, Coach Gregg Berhalter and the team set out on one mission and one goal, and that was to qualify. Bolstered by a golden generation of young and exciting talent, including players such as Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, and many others, the U.S. put together a strong qualifying performance, including an undefeated record against the Mexican national team this past year, which is the first time that has been done in decades.

I am proud that Illinois is home to the United States Soccer Federation, which supports our men's and women's programs at all levels.

I know I join with many in Congress and across the country in congratulating the U.S. men's national soccer team. This qualification is a well-deserved result that is a testament to the hard work put in by all of U.S. soccer and the men's team.

The team has made their country proud, and I look forward to cheering them on at the World Cup in November.

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