The path for the United States through the knockout stages of the FIFA Men's World Cup is set.
The Stars and Stripes could potentially be coming back through Seattle.
The U.S. clinched the top spot in Group D late Friday night when Paraguay defeated Turkey 1-0. The result ensured the Americans will finish first in the group no matter the result of their match next Thursday against Turkey in Los Angeles.
It also sets the U.S. route for the knockout rounds and the opportunity to stay on the West Coast through at least the quarterfinals. And that could include another trip to the Pacific Northwest.
By winning the group, the U.S. is set to play a third-place team from either Group B, E, F, I or J on July 1 in Santa Clara, California.
Should the Americans win that match, they would then come back to Seattle on July 6 for a match in the round of 16 and a chance to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
It's the first time since 2010 and only the second time under the current format that the U.S. has finished top of its group in the World Cup. The U.S. topped Group C in 2010 despite finishing tied on points with England, but had the tiebreaker because of goals scored. The Americans lost to Ghana in the round of 16.
The U.S. also topped its group in the 1930 World Cup with wins over Belgium and Paraguay before losing to Argentina in the semifinals.
