Kicks in Qatar: The USA Hopes for a Triumphant Return to the World Cup

USA Soccer Christian Pulisic Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

The 2022 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament kicks off in Qatar, a nation of roughly 2.8 million people located on the eastern Arabian Peninsula. It’s the first time the World Cup is played in the Middle East, and also the first time it’s played in the fall, in order to avoid the intense desert heat.

After failing to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia, the U.S. Men’s National Team is looking for redemption. Head coach Gregg Berhalter’s squad features forwards Christian Pulisic (pictured), Jesús Ferreira and Gio Reyna; midfielders Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Kellyn Acosta; defenders Sergiño Dest, Aaron Long and DeAndre Yedlin; and goalkeeper Matt Turner.

The USA is in Group B and plays against Wales (Nov. 21), England (Nov. 25) and Iran (Nov. 29). The Black Friday match between the USA and England is a big one: They played to a 1-1 draw in the 2010 tournament, and the USA won the group over England based on the goals scored tiebreaker.

Teams with the best chances of hoisting the World Cup include Brazil, Belgium, Argentina, France, England and the Netherlands. France won its second title with a 4-2 win over Croatia in 2018.

FOX Sports airs all 64 matches live, with 35 matches on the FOX broadcast network and 29 on FS1. All matches can also be streamed live on the FOX Sports app. Spanish language broadcasts air on Telemundo and NBC Universo.

World Cup Groups

Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
Group B: England, IR Iran, USA, Wales
Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
Group D: France, Denmark, Tunisia, Australia
Group E: Spain, Germany, Japan, Costa Rica
Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, Korea Republic

World Cup Schedule at a Glance

Group Stage Nov. 20-Dec. 2, FOX & FS1
Round of 16 Dec. 3-6, FOX & FS1
Quarterfinals Dec. 9-10, FOX
Semifinals Dec. 13-14, FOX
Third Place Match Dec. 17, FOX
Final Match Dec. 18, FOX

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About Ryan Berenz 2186 Articles
Member of the Television Critics Association. Charter member of the Ancient and Mystic Society of No Homers. Squire of the Ancient & Benevolent Order of the Lynx, Lodge 49, Long Beach, Calif. Costco Wholesale Gold Star Member since 2011.