World Cup updates: Team USA looks forward to 2026

The Americans lost 3-1 to the Netherlands in the knockout round.

ByMark Osborne, Jon Haworth, Nadine El-Bawab, Patricio Chile, Kevin Shalvey, Alexandra Svokos, and Kiara Alfonseca
Last Updated: January 20, 2023, 10:53 AM EST

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:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Nov 29, 2022, 2:59 PM EST

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.

USA's forward #10 Christian Pulisic scores his team's first goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between Iran and USA at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on November 29, 2022.
Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images

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.

Nov 29, 2022, 2:41 PM EST

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.

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 29: Christian Pulisic of United States scores their team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between IR Iran and USA at Al Thumama Stadium on Nov. 29, 2022, in Doha, Qatar.
Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Nov 29, 2022, 2:32 PM EST

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.

Goalkeeper Matt Turner of the United States saves the ball during the World Cup group B soccer match between Iran and the United States at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022
Ricardo Mazalan/AP

England and Wales also remain in a 0-0 draw through 30 minutes.

Nov 29, 2022, 2:02 PM EST

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.

United States soccer players warmup before the World Cup group B soccer match between Iran and the United States at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022
Ashley Landis/AP

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.

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