Qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2014 is now underway in the UEFA stage of competition. Most of nations should be involved in a matchup over the next few days.

In Africa and the North and Central America regions, qualification is already taking place, while South America is rapidly approaching the midway mark of their massive league table.

Just three weeks removed from ending their bad luck against the Mexicans by a 1-0 practice game win at the Estadio Azteca, the United States is currently facing off against Jamaica in the third of six qualification matches in the CONCACAF semifinal round.

The stakes are different from what they were. With the fitness regimen of many players under scrutiny and a couple of players missing, coach Jurgen Klinsmann's American team is looking to secure a win at the stadium that they have had tough luck at in the past. The qualifying match on Friday will be game number seventeen of Klinsmann's 13-month reign at the helm of the squad.

The hurdle will be high, as midfield anchors Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley will be out of action. However, the gritty victory that the United States grinded out against the powerhouse Mexicans proved that they do have heart.

According to Oregon Live, United States forward Herculez Gomez spoke about the team's confidence and hard work going into the crucial World Cup matchup against the Jamaicans to reporters:

"It gives us a greater sense of relief. We always believed in ourselves, but once it starts getting a little more tangible for ourselves you see the fruits of your labor and you can definitely try doing more. That sense of belief goes a long way."

In another notable 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying matchup Venezuela will take on Peru at 9:25 EST.

CLICK HERE to watch Venezuela vs. Peru via live stream.

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Internatonal soccer