Photo of a professional soccer player dribbling the ball

Christian Pulisic’s nickname is Captain America.

Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images 

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The Ultimate Goal!

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This month, soccer fans around the globe will tune in as the 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off. Held every four years in a different country, the men’s World Cup is like soccer’s version of the Super Bowl. But the World Cup is much bigger. The Olympics are the only sporting event that comes close to being as popular. 

Qatar (KAH-tur), a country in the Middle East, will host the month-long tournament. The U.S. national team is one of the 32 teams hoping to be crowned world champions. 

When to Watch the U.S. Team

November 21: U.S. vs. Wales

November 25: U.S. vs. England 

November 29: U.S. vs. Iran

The World Cup usually takes place in June and July, but that wasn’t possible in Qatar. The country is mostly desert, and summer temperatures often soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in winter, temperatures there often reach 80 degrees. To help beat the heat, Qatar built stadiums with special cooling systems.

U.S. star Christian Pulisic has high expectations for the American team in Qatar. 

“We’re going there with the intention of winning the World Cup,” he told a reporter from ESPN. “I truly believe we have a strong team, a strong group of guys that can accomplish anything.”

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