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:
Uruguay takes on South Korea
The match between Uruguay and South Korea has kicked off in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
This match is the first one featuring teams from Group H, the last group not to have played yet in Qatar 2022. The other two teams, Ghana and Portugal, will play later today.
Switzerland defeats Cameroon 1-0
Cameroon-born Swiss star Breel Embolo scored the only goal of the match in the 48th minute shortly after the half as Switzerland defeated Cameroon in the first game of the World Cup for each squad in Group G.
Embolo, who plays for Ligue 1 club Monaco in France, refused to celebrate in what would be the only goal of the match and held up his hands after scoring before he was mobbed by his teammates in celebration.
Switzerland will next play Brazil on Monday while Cameroon will take on Serbia the same day.
Group G match between Switzerland and Cameroon kicks off
The Swiss squad have not lost in their first match at a World Cup since 1966 -- a 5-0 defeat against Germany -- while Cameroon arrive at their eighth World Cup, the most among African nations.
The other two teams, Brazil and Serbia, will face each other at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.
Ronaldo, Neymar finally hit the pitch Thursday
Thanksgiving and football always go hand-in-hand in the United States, but the World Cup will provide a little different take on Thursday.
World Cup fans will be thankful to finally see Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar take the pitch on the final day of opening matches.
Ronaldo can change the focus back to playing on the field for Portugal after news emerged this week he has parted ways with Manchester United. Neymar, meanwhile, leads the oddsmakers' favorite, Brazil, in Group G.
Here are the matches Thursday:
US-Iran and England-Wales underway
The second set of matches of the day are underway in Qatar with the U.S. men's national team facing a must-win against Iran.
The U.S. can only advance to the knockout stage with a victory after draws against Wales and England. If they lose, the U.S. team heads home.
For Iran, who defeated Wales but was dominated by England, a win or a draw can move the team to the knockout round.
In the other match, between England and Wales, Wales can only advance with a win against England, a draw from U.S.-Iran and a lot of help in goal differential. England is likely to advance as it stands as the top team in Group B and could advance even if it ties with Wales.