Here in the U.S. most sports fans would probably say the biggest sporting events of the year are the Super Bowl and March Madness. Both draw casual fans of other sports, and even non-sports fans, just because of the spectacle.
But the FIFA World Cup is about to get underway, and the number of eyes on this event will put the Super Bowl and the NCAA Tournament to shame. At least from a global standpoint. Here at home, it’ll get some pretty big numbers too.
And we’re sending a young, promising team to represent us on the world’s biggest stage. Chock full of budding talent playing in some of Europe’s biggest leagues and on some of the biggest teams – and a few important guys playing here domestically – this team looks poised to make the USMNT’s return to the World Cup a memorable one, even if this year’s event in Qatar is under scrutiny for corruption and human rights violations.
Related
Here’s a look at when the “Baby Eagles” will be playing in Group B this November – and hopefully into the knockout stages in December.
GROUP STAGE
Matchday 1 -- vs. Wales
When: Monday, Nov. 21 – 2 p.m.
TV: Fox
What to know: The key to advancing out of group play (four teams play each other once, top two advance) is a good start. The USMNT will likely see a pretty defensive setup from a Wales team that has a mix of big names past their primes (Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey) and young prospects (Dan James, Neco Williams) excited to make their country’s second ever World Cup appearance and first since 1958.
History: The US and Wales have only ever met twice, both in friendlies. The USMNT won 2-0 in 2003 and they played to a scoreless draw in November 2020.
Other Group B action: England and Iran get the group started the same day at 8 a.m. on FS1.
Matchday 2 -- vs. England
When: Friday, Nov. 25 – 2 p.m.
TV: Fox
What to know: England is the favorite to win Group B and expected to make a deep run. Loaded with talent and finally knocking on the door of winning the country’s first major trophy since 1966, the Three Lions fell just short of winning the Euros last summer and reached the 2018 World Cup semifinals in Russia. But the USMNT could conceivably grab a point, or even a win if they’re on top of their game, given England’s poor form in the run-up to the tournament. From laying on the couch in a food coma to raucous watch parties across the country, everyone will be watching this one on Black Friday.
History: England leads the overall series 8W-1D-2L, but has never beaten the US in the World Cup. The teams drew in 2010 on an English goalkeeper gaffe and the US pulled a massive upset all the way back in 1950.
Other Group B action: Wales and Iran square off in a game that USMNT fans will have a close eye on. Or maybe they’ll just check the score when they wake up, given it’s on FS1 at 5 a.m.
Matchday 3 -- vs. Iran
When: Tuesday, Nov. 29 – 2 p.m.
TV: Fox
What to know: Iran is the biggest wild card in Group B. Iran fell agonizingly short of making the knockout stage in 2018, thanks to some late-game drama on the final day of group play against Portugal. They recently fired their manager after qualifying, but brought back the same one who brought them that close four years ago.
History: These two teams have met just twice, including at the 1998 World Cup, one of the most politically charged sporting events ever that saw the Iranian players gift white roses to American players during the pregame handshakes.
Other Group B action: England and Wales will renew their rivalry, kicking off at the same time on FS1 on the final day of group play. If you’ve never experienced the drama of a World Cup Matchday 3, you’ll need to get in front of two screens for this action.
Here’s a look at the potential knockout stage kickoff times and TV listings the USMNT could be looking at:
If US finishes 2nd in Group B
Round of 16 – Saturday, Dec. 3 – 10 a.m. on Fox
Quarterfinals – Friday, Dec. 9 – 2 p.m. on Fox
Semifinals – Tuesday, Dec. 13 – 2 p.m. on Fox
If US wins Group B
Round of 16 – Sunday, Dec. 4 – 2 p.m. on FS1
Quarterfinals – Saturday, Dec. 10 – 2 p.m. on Fox
Semifinals – Wednesday, Dec. 14 – 2 p.m. on Fox
Third Place Game – Saturday, Dec. 17 – 10 a.m. on Fox
Final – Sunday, Dec. 18 – 10 a.m. on Fox
