World Cup updates: Team USA looks forward to 2026
The Americans lost 3-1 to the Netherlands in the knockout round.
After years of controversy around its location, the 2022 World Cup is underway in Qatar.
There have been allegations of payoffs to FIFA members to earn the bid, criticism of Qatar's laws against women and LGBTQ individuals, the deaths of migrants used to build the sparkling new stadiums and even last-second controversy over beer sales. The tournament was also moved from its usual summer timeframe to the holiday season to avoid Qatar's intensely hot weather.
But on the field, the best players in the world -- such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar -- are ready to go. And the U.S. is back with a hungry, young team after failing to qualify for the last World Cup.
Key headlines:
Wales suffers defeat at the hands of Iran
With two goals allowed in added time, Wales lost a tight match to Iran 2-0.
In the defeat, Wales has one point in Group B and Iran now has three. The United States will play England later today to wrap up the second games for each team in the group at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Wales and Iran battle to 0-0 at halftime in each squad's second match
In a closely fought match between the two teams, Wales and Iran have played a tight match so far at halftime at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Ar-Rayyan.
Wales has had possession 54% of the time to Iran's 30% with the ball contested 16% of the time.
England is leading Group B with three points and they will play the United States who garnered point against Wales in their first match. Wales is tied with the U.S. with one point and Iran yet to put points on the table.
Brazil wins against Serbia as Neymar suffers ankle injury
Brazil defeated Serbia 2-0 in the opening for Group G at Lusail Stadium courtesy of Brazilian forward Richarlison's double goals.
Brazil's Neymar, one of the sport's most popular players, left the match after being injured in the second half, The Associated Press reported. Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said the superstar sprained his ankle.
Brazil coach Tite expressed confidence "that Neymar will continue playing at the World Cup," but Lasmar said it was too early to comment on the extent of the injury, according to the AP.
Now at the top of the Group G standings, Brazil will play Switzerland on Monday, while Serbia will face Cameroon.
Portugal beats Ghana 3-2 as Ronaldo breaks record
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo made history today, becoming the first male player to score in five different World Cups after scoring a penalty kick in Portugal's opening match.
Portugal now leads Group H after defeating Ghana 3-2.
Ronaldo left Manchester United earlier this week after an explosive TV interview in which he criticized the club and manager Erik ten Hag.
Belgium, No. 2 team in world, fights to advance in highlight of Thursday action
Belgium entered the World Cup with the No. 2 ranking in the world with its so-called "Golden Generation" looking at one last chance to win the tournament. Now, the team is fighting just to advance to the knockout stage.
All eyes will be on Romalu Lukaku, the star forward for Belgium who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, to see if he can play and play well. He came on as a substitute in the squad's second game for his first action of the tournament. He'll start Thursday's game on the bench too, but figures to be an important substitute.
Belgium, currently third in Group F, faces Croatia, which stands atop the group. A win for Croatia puts them in the second round and officially eliminates Belgium. A win for Belgium would also put them through. A draw and it gets more complicated, with Morocco also in contention.
Morocco is facing off with Canada, which is unfortunately already eliminated from advancing to the knockout stage in its first World Cup appearance since 1986. At 0-2, the country would still like to get its first World Cup victory ever. Morocco would clinch a spot in the second round with a win. If both matches end in a draw, then Croatia and Morocco would go through to the knockout stage.
The second slate of games Thursday features longtime soccer power Germany fighting to stay alive. The country sits last in Group E with just 1 point. They'll need to beat heavy underdog Costa Rica just to have a chance to advance. If Germany wins and Spain beats Japan, Germany would get through.
Spain or Japan would advance with a win as they play each other. Spain would also advance with a draw, but Japan would only advance with a draw if Germany loses or ties or Germany wins and Japan has the better goal differential.
Here's the schedule for Thursday: