The United States Under-17 MNT clung on to a spot at this year’s World Cup, tying 1-1 against Dominican Republic to win Group E and advance.

Malik Jakupovic scored the lone goal for the United States, tallying in the first half. Playing a third game in five days, the Dominican Republic answered through Adrian Garcia to make it 1-1 at the break.

Malik Jakupovic flying with his EIGHTH goal of qualifiers 🔥🔥

pic.twitter.com/UXsIDpDnmz

— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) February 10, 2026

Pressure continued in the second half, and the USA was forced to play the final 12 minutes of the game down a man. Astin Mbaye received a second yellow card in the 78th minute. Goalkeeper James Donaldson was able to keep the DR from scoring, as the USA won the group on goal difference.

There was little contest in the first two group games, as the U17 MNT dispatched host side St. Vincent and the Grenadines 8-0, followed by a 10-0 win against St. Kitts & Nevis. Jakupovic, from the Philadelphia Union Academy, led the team in goals scored with eight in three games.

This year’s World Cup will once again take place in Qatar later this year in November.

Game 1 – 8-0 St. Vincent and The Grenadines

Lineup: James Donaldson; Prince Forfor, Daniel Barrett, Tyson Espy, Liam Vejrostek; Peter Molinari, Kaedren Spivey; Max Steelman, Paul Sokoloff, Will Ostrander; Aaron Medina 

Goal Scorers: Aaron Medina x3, Paul Sokoloff x2, Malik Jakupovic x2

Game 2 – 10-0 St. Kitts & Nevis

Lineup: Matthew White; Daniel Barret, Astin Mbaye, Tyson Espy, Eddie Chadwick; Roko Pehar, 6-Landry Walker; Myles Gardner, Vicente Garcia, Matheo Dimareli; Malik Jakupovic

Goal Scorers:  Malik Jakupovic x5, Vicente Garcia, Matheo Dimareli x2, Eddie Chadwick, Prince Forfor

Game 3 – 1-1 Dominican Republic

Lineup: James Donaldson; Daniel Barret, Astin Mbaye, Tyson Espy, Eddie Chadwick; Roko Pehar, 6-Landry Walker; Myles Gardner, Vicente Garcia, Matheo Dimareli; Malik Jakupovic

Goals: Malik Jakupovic

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