The U.S. men’s national team is officially done for 2018, and since “The Future” was the theme of this rebuilding year following the epic failure to qualify for the World Cup in Russia, now is the perfect time to look into the crystal ball and project who might occupy the USMNT’s 23-man roster when Qatar 2022 kicks off exactly four years from today.

Provided they qualify, of course. As everyone is now painfully aware, the United States has no divine right to participate in the planet’s biggest sporting event. With Gregg Berhalter expected to be named as the next U.S. manager over the next couple of weeks, the program will finally have some direction and long-term vision. That’s good. But making it back to the World Cup still won’t be straightforward for a team sorely lacking experience, quality and veteran leadership, one that figures to be reminded of its darkest hour constantly over the next 48 months.

Then again, this post is all about anticipating the future. So we’re going to go ahead and predict that the Americans will make it to Qatar. What would the squad look like four years from now? Probably a lot different than the one listed below, to be sure. It’s already changed significantly since June, when we last went through this exercise in stupidity. This is a fool’s errand; things change quick in international soccer; this time four years ago, many diehard fans had never even heard of Christian Pulisic, who on Tuesday became the youngest U.S. captain ever. You have to start somewhere. Here’s our best guess based on the information available right now.

View photos A number of players from the U.S. lineup that lost to Italy will be in contention for the 2022 World Cup roster should the Americans qualify. (Pier Marco Tacca/Getty) More

Players listed in order of certainty. Ages as of Nov. 21.

Goalkeepers (3)

Zack Steffen, 23 years old, 6 caps, Columbus Crew (MLS)

A hamstring injury kept him out of the last two games, but Steffen was among the biggest winners of 2018. Uncapped as recently as eight months ago, Steffen has emerged as the program’s No. 1 backstop. That’s not likely to change under his current club coach Berhalter, unless his expected move to Europe this winter goes sideways and he ends up on the bench.

Ethan Horvath, 23, 3 caps, Club Brugge (Belgium)

Horvath was excellent in Tuesday’s 1-0, stoppage time loss the Azzurri, his first U.S. appearance in more than a year. That’s how to take advantage of an opportunity; had Steffen been available, Horvath might not have played at all. Key for the Colorado native is keeping the starting job he just reclaimed with Brugge, and continuing to impress in the Champions League.

Brad Guzan, 34, 60 caps, Atlanta United (MLS)

Guzan’s wealth of experience is vital to this young player pool, and while he didn’t have his best game against England (who did?) his play with MLS Cup contender Atlanta proves that he’s still got it. The huge drop-off in quality after the top three keepers in the pool should keep Guzan in contention throughout the cycle.

Also in contention: Tyler Miller, Bill Hamid, Jonathan Klinsmann, Jesse Gonzalez, Matt Turner, Alex Bono, William Yarbrough

View photos John Brooks. (Getty) More

Defenders (8)

John Brooks, 25, 36 caps, Wolfsburg (Germany)

Brooks has yet to find the form that made him look like the future anchor of the American defense at the 2016 Copa America Centenario. Injuries have taken a toll. Even if his stock has dipped over the last two years, though, no other U.S. back can match the Berlin-born center back’s experience or physical gifts. Berhalter will be banking on Brooks’ best years still being ahead of him.

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