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:
England scores 2 quick goals to take 2-0 lead
England came out of the halftime on fire with two quick goals against Wales to take a 2-0 lead.
Marcus Rashford scored in the 50th minute on a beautiful free kick from just outside the box, followed by a goal from Phil Foden a minute later.
England advances to the second round with a win or draw. With a two-goal lead, they appear poised to earn the top spot in Group B.
US leads 1-0 at the half, England-Wales remains scoreless
The U.S. leads 1-0 against Iran at the half in a game they must win to advance to the knockout stage of the tournament.
Star striker Christian Pulisic scored the first goal of the game in the 38th minute on an assist from Sergiño Dest. Dest headed a ball to Pulisic, who was crashing into the box and knocked the ball into the bottom left corner of the net before crashing into Iran's goalkeeper.
The U.S. came very close to making it 2-0 in stoppage time of the first half when Timothy Weah beat the keeper one-on-one. However, Weah, who had scored the only goal in the tournament so far for the U.S., was called offside.
In the other Group B match, England and Wales remain tied at 0-0. England just needs a draw to advance to the knockout stage.
Pulisic scores to give USA 1-0 lead
Christian Pulisic has knocked home a goal to give USA its first lead.
Pulisic, the team's biggest star, streaked to the net to knock one in from close range before crashing into Iran's goalkeeper. He remained down, in the net, before finally being helped off the field. After being checked out on the sidelines, he returned to the game.
US-Iran remains scoreless through 30 minutes
The U.S. and Iran remain scoreless midway through the first half of a decisive Group B match in the World Cup, but the U.S. has had the majority of chances so far.
The U.S. had 60% of possession, four shots and two shots on goal in the first 30 minutes. Iran, meanwhile, has yet to attempt a shot.
England and Wales also remain in a 0-0 draw through 30 minutes.
Portugal, Brazil tune up for knockout stage in Friday action
Brazil and Portugal, two of the favorites to win the World Cup, are already into the knockout stage, but they'll have a chance to tune up for the second round in their final group matches on Friday.
In Group G, Brazil faces Cameroon, which needs to win and get a loss from Switzerland to qualify or a draw and better goal differential than the Swiss. Switzerland is facing off with Serbia. Serbia would need to win and get a loss by Cameroon or have a better goal differential. The Swiss just need a win or draw to advance alongside Brazil.
In the other set of games Friday, Portugal faces off with South Korea and Uruguay faces Ghana. Portugal may rest its top players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, so South Korea will be looking to take advantage and grab an upset win. Tottenham star Son Heung-min and South Korea need to win and get a loss from Ghana, or, if that game ends in a draw, beat Ghana in goal differential.
Uruguay, sitting on 1 point just like Korea, needs a similar situation. They'll need to beat Ghana and get a loss from South Korea, or beat Korea out on goal differential if the Portugal-South Korea match ends in a draw.
Here's the schedule for Friday, the final day of group play: