On Sunday, November 20th, the 22nd World Cup will finally kick-off. After a long eight-year wait, the United States Men’s National Team is finally back in the World Cup. The USMNT is in the challenging “Group B” bracket; consisting of England, Iran, and Wales. The team will look to come out on top, and make it to the round of sixteen.

The location of the World Cup this year has sparked debates among many. Sixty percent of people around the world feel angry about the World Cup taking place in Qatar. With many controversies such as the treatment of migrant workers, human rights records, and its stance on homosexuality, many believed that the World Cup should not take place there. 

Sophia Brennan ‘23 is extremely excited to watch the World Cup. “I am rooting for the US to win the world cup because it would be cool to have our own country do well.” Though, she is not very hopeful, she believes that everyone needs to just keep their spirits high and continue to cheer on the USMNT.

The United States is not the favorite to win the World Cup due to the competition they will have to face. CBS News explains how Brazil is the favorite country to win, “Brazil’s five World Cup wins are the most in history and they are listed as the 4-1 favorite in this World Cup”. Brazil is one of many strong squads in this World Cup. Sara Clothier ‘26 is rooting for Argentina to win the World Cup. “Since this is Messi’s final World Cup, I would love to see him win.” Upper School Spanish teacher Jorge Pardo also believes that Argentina is going to win the world cup. “They have come close for the last couple of years and they might be able to make it this year.”  No matter the outcome, all of the teams are going in strong.

This World Cup is different from many others in the past. This is likely the last world cup for some of the older, very famous players. With this most likely being the last world cup for some of these players, it is time for other players to step up and fill their shoes.“I think that Christian Pulisic really needs to shine because he has been doing pretty well on the USMNT, but he has struggled to shine on Chelsea this past season, so I think he really needs to prove to the world what he’s got.” Brennan ‘23 says.

What separates all these countries is the fanbases and the popularity of soccer in each country. In America, soccer is the 5th most popular sport, with football, baseball, hockey, and basketball ahead of it. In South America, Asia, and Europe soccer or “fútbol” is the most popular. That is what sets apart America and the rest of the world.“The NFL dominates our TV schedule because it’s something that’s so regular in the US, but I think when you go worldwide you get a global perspective that allows you to see that soccer is the better sport.” Brennan ‘23 says. Upper School Spanish teacher, Rodrigo Saldana says, “In Spain, we think about soccer 24 hours every day, and it’s in all conversations. Even if you do not like soccer you cannot avoid it because it is always around you. Versus in the US, there are many sports that you could support.”

Everything about soccer in other countries is exciting. From the announcer’s high spirits and energy to the fans doing whatever they can to show their support for their country. Will the United States ever show as much interest in soccer as the rest of the world?