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, 5:24 PM EST

Christian Pulisic taken to hospital for scans

U.S. star Christian Pulisic was taken to the hospital for scans on his abdomen after the team's win over Iran.

Pulisic sustained an injury after he slammed into Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand while scoring the eventual game-winning goal late in the first half. Though he stayed down for several minutes and had to be helped to the sideline, he did return to the game.

The 24-year-old was substituted out at halftime. U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter said immediately following the game he did not have an update on Pulisic's condition. The U.S.'s next game is Saturday.

PHOTO: Christian Pulisic of United States receives medical treatment after scoring their side's first goal during the FIFA World Cup Group B match between Iran and USA at Al Thumama Stadium on Nov. 29, 2022, in Doha, Qatar.
Christian Pulisic of United States receives medical treatment after scoring their side's first goal during the FIFA World Cup Group B match between IR Iran and USA at Al Thumama Stadium on Nov. 29, 2022, in Doha, Qatar.
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Nov 29, 2022, 4:21 PM EST

Biden congratulates USA soccer team

President Joe Biden celebrated the U.S. win over Iran at the World Cup following remarks in Bay City, Michigan. He walked back up on stage and delivered his congratulations:

“USA! USA! That’s a big game, man. Well, I spoke to the coach and the players and said, ‘You can do it,'” Biden said.

President Joe Biden speaks as he visits the SK Siltron CSS facility in Bay City, Mich., Nov. 29, 2022.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

He continued, “They did it. God love ‘em! Anyway, just thought you might want to hear.”

The U.S. will face the Netherlands at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the knockout round.

The U.S. Men's National Soccer team has advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Iran.
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Biden reacts to US soccer team win at World CupThe U.S. Men's National Soccer team has advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Iran.
ABCNews.com

-ABC News' Ben Gittleson

Nov 29, 2022, 4:05 PM EST

US advances to knockout stage with 1-0 win against Iran

The United States has advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Iran.

Tim Weah of the United States, center, challenges Iran's Abolfazl Jalali 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.
Manu Fernandez/AP

Walker Zimmerman played hero for the U.S. in the 98th minute when he cleared a loose ball from just feet in front of their net.

The U.S. finished second in Group B and will face the Netherlands, the winner of Group A, in the knockout round.

Nov 29, 2022, 3:55 PM EST

England takes group with easy win against Wales

England is ticketed for the knockout stage and the top spot in Group B after a 3-0 win against Wales.

Marcus Rashford had a brace with goals in the 50th and 68th minutes and Phil Foden added one in the middle, just one minute after Rashford's first goal.

England will face the second-place team in Group A, Senegal, in the first knockout match of the tournament.

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