2022 FIFA World Cup: Just the facts
United States forward Christian Pulisic, left, and other players participate in an official training session at Al-Gharafa SC Stadium, in Doha, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) Credit: AP/Ashley Landis
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
What: 2022 FIFA World Cup
Where: Qatar is the host country.
When: Play begins Sunday with Qatar vs. Ecuador. A total of 64 matches will be played including the opener and the final on Dec. 18.
When U.S. plays: Monday vs. Wales at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, 2 p.m.; Friday vs. England at Al Bayt Stadium, 2 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 29 vs. Iran at Al Thumama Stadium, 2 p.m.
On the air: Fox; FS1.
Format: 32 countries divided into eight groups. Teams play each of their groupmates, earning three points for a win and one for a draw. Two teams with most points in each group reach single-elimination Round of 16. Starting in knockout rounds, matches tied after 90 minutes will play two 15-minute extra periods, followed by a penalty shootout if still tied.
Defending champion: France (Winners in 1998 and 2018)
U.S. best finish: Third place (1930)
About U.S. team: The Americans bring the World Cup’s second-youngest roster to Qatar. Led by fourth-year coach Gregg Berhalter, 17 members compete professionally in Europe, while the other nine play in Major League Soccer. The squad features an athletic midfield that can show its dominance with exciting players on the wings, allowing for a strong transitional attack. Weaknesses at centerback and striker could harm a team expecting to make it out of a tricky group.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kylian Mbappe, France: The best young player of 2018 won’t need to stand out on a loaded squad, but typically does.
Neymar, Brazil: Now 30, the technically-gifted star is still the biggest threat on a strong Brazilian team.
Lionel Messi, Argentina, and Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal: Can either all-timer finally win in likely last Cup?
Harry Kane, England: 2018 Golden Boot winner aiming to bring home England’s first Cup since 1966.
Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium: The elite playmaker will have to carry an aging side deep in the tournament.
Best from U.S.: Dynamic attacker Christian Pulisic remains the top American talent, but midfielder Yunus Musah may prove more important to Berhalter’s tactical plans alongside Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie.Local connections: Joe Scally of Lake Grove, formerly of NYCFC and now with Gladbach, is the youngest player on the roster at 19 and will provide depth at fullback. Other players with area ties include Sean Johnson (NYCFC), Gio Reyna (NYCFC academy product), Aaron Long (Red Bulls), Adams (Red Bulls academy product), Musah (born in NYC), Sergiño Dest (born in NYC) and Tim Weah (born in NYC).
Ryan Gerbosi is an internet news manager for sports at Newsday.com. He also covers NYCFC and mixed martial arts and believes the designated hitter should be banned from baseball.
More soccer news
