The story of how the USMNT qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

The U.S. men's national team is headed back to the World Cup.

After eight years away, the U.S. are returning to the world's biggest tournament as they sealed their spot in Qatar after a gruelling 14-game run through CONCACAF.

It was a slog that had several highs and a few notable lows as a young U.S. team learned some of the harsh realities about World Cup qualifying in North America.

When all was said and done, though, the U.S. booked their spot in Qatar, putting to rest any lingering pessimism from that failed 2018 cycle.

Here's a look back at how the USMNT navigated their way back to the World Cup...