With just two more nights to go until the World Cup kicks off in Qatar, ESPN has you covered for the world’s biggest sporting event.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash between Qatar and Ecuador, we’ve got plenty of previews and readings to get you ready for it. Start with our 2022 World Cup guide, detailing the big stars (including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo), the favorites (Argentina, France, Brazil) and the key games on your calendar (USA-England next week, of course).
Be sure to check back with ESPN throughout the tournament as we bring you the latest from Qatar. Let’s get into it.
– World Cup news, features, previews and more
– Stream FC Daily and Futbol Americas on ESPN+
News and Alerts
– Don’t drink beer? World Cup organizers have banned the sale of alcohol around stadiums, bringing a big change for fans attending the games.
– Relax, Spain fans. Players in Luis Enrique’s team sleep on specially made mattresses in the hope that a good night’s sleep will help them succeed in the tournament.
– Some of the best players and teams of the World Cup are coming to Qatar in special ways, with some fashionable clothes and even some fighter jets.
Better than today
Here’s how the USMNT 2022 World Cup squad was formed five years ago in a friendly against Portugal
After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the pivotal match laid the blueprint for the USMNT team we see today.
The best Under-23 player for every World Cup team
Jude Bellingham. Jamal Musiala. Ansu Fati. Remember the names of these youngsters throughout the tournament.
What’s happening
– FIFA president Gianni Infantino will address reporters on Saturday, where he will be asked about the controversy over the sale of alcohol, as well as last-minute construction at various fanparks, transport hubs and stadiums.
– From the USMNT camp we expect to hear from Sergino Dest, Weston McKenney and Jesus Ferreira. Meanwhile, check out our profile on rising star Giovanni Reyna (and son of USMNT legend Claudio Reyna), who is set to take a year out due to injury.
– Christian Eriksen talks about Denmark’s hopes at this World Cup tomorrow and his incredible comeback. If you remember, the Manchester United star was given CPR on the pitch after suffering cardiac arrest during a Euro 2020 match.
1:01 a.m
ESPN’s Hercules Gomez looks at Gregg Berhalter’s options if Sergino Dest is not fit for the USMNT’s match against Wales.
What caught our eye
Any hard feelings? Robert Lewandowski has said he bears no ill will towards Argentina’s Lionel Messi when it comes to the 2020 Ballon d’Or, which many believe the Polish striker deserves.
1:33
Robert Lewandowski has denied any ill will towards Lionel Messi over the 2021 Ballon d’Or award.
The two teams will meet in the group stage on November 30, with a place in the play-off round possibly on the line.
– O’Hanlon: How to understand the 2022 World Cup (ESPN+)
A great read
Is Qatar hosting the World Cup for “sporting washes” or are there more subtle and layered reasons for hosting FIFA’s flagship competition? ESPN’s Mark Ogden and Kyle Bonaura spoke to experts about the reasons for the controversial decision.
Your best bets
ESPN gives you the lines for the next day’s action, but take a look at how to bet on football matches as ESPN contributor Paul Carr gives you top tips on odds, options and futures.