With the 2022 World Cup just around the corner, supporters from around the world are more than excited to see the countries’ top players go head-to-head, representing their dignity in the world’s biggest sporting event, hosted once every four years. However, this World Cup is drastically more unique than past World Cups, as the event is usually hosted in the summer, but this year it is being hosted in late November in Qatar. Fans question if this change in scenery will impact teams in the quest for a World Cup title, but the main underlying question is how will the US hold up in the group stage games?

After shocking the world by failing to qualify for the World Cup in 2018, fans have harshly criticized the coaching staff and the quality of player development in the United States.

“I think the US took a big hit by not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, and it was a big wake-up call to the country to step up their game,” says long-time coach and fan Rob Million.

The fans were in shock after seeing the US fall to weaker opposition. The younger generation is arising, and star players like Christian Pulisic were heartbroken by the occasion.

“This is the US at an all-time low, and we must move on from this and shock the world,” says star player Christian Pulisic.

Because the World Cup comes every four years, all qualifying games are crucial, and one misstep can determine a team’s fate in qualifying or not on the big stage. With the fans demanding more from the players and coaching staff, younger players have starred and inspired the team to do its best. Weston McKenzie and Tyler Adams have spent seasons in Europe competing against some of the toughest competition, and they hope to bring their experience and talent to the 2022 World Cup qualifying.

The US has one of the youngest teams in World Cup history, but fans believe in the players’ heart and determination will overcome age and experience. After being placed in Group B alongside England, Iran, and Wales, supporters believe that the USA team has a good shot of making it out of the group and into the knockout stages.

“Group B is tough, and every game will be a crunch, but in order for the US to make it out of the group, they must show grit on both sides of the ball,” says fan Aaryan Rattan.

Long-time soccer watcher and USA fan Deuk-ho Ryu stated that “the US team is quite young, but the only way they will get into the knockout rounds is if they can show passion in their game.”

Analysts and fans announced that the reason they didn’t qualify for the 2018 World Cup was because of the team’s “lack of desire” to win. Players were seen not giving it their all, and the tactics given by the coaching staff did not work. The 2022 World Cup is the “redemption year” for the US to shine again. The players and coaching staff must take every game seriously and adjust to the tactics given as the game goes on.

Players like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Timothy Weah must bring in their experience from Europe to compete against the bigger names. The US’ first game is on November 21st against Wales, and it is noted that the opening game is the most important of all. It will set the tone for the players, and it will allow the team to strive for confidence later down the road when they play bigger names like England in their next group stage game.

The country is amped up about the opportunities the US team brings this year, and with such talent seen in promising young players, the fans are more than excited to see what the team can do this year. The supporters are expecting a round of 16 game at minimum and only know that it will happen if the USA team shows passion in their game. If the players can show grit and determination in the group stage games, there is no doubt the talent will shine over other teams.

Will the US shine this World Cup, or will they fall short of the goals of advancing into the knockout stages?

“It is more than seeing the country succeed; it shows that the US can play the sport beautifully and compete with the bigger names.” “The US fell off the map over the past couple years, but this World Cup is an opportunity for the US to get back on their feet again and show the world what they can do,” says Rob Million