After four years, the World Cup is back. The biggest event in sports will begin on Nov. 20 in Qatar, and after failing to qualify in 2018, the US men’s team is looking to have (somewhat) of a redemption tour.

After ending their 2014 World Cup campaign with a loss to Belgium in the round of 16, the same game where goalie Tim Howard set a new record for most saves in a World Cup match, the United States have qualified once again and they look to surpass expectations.

The United States kicks off world cup play against Wales on Monday, Nov 21. Following this game they face one of the world’s top teams, England. That game will most likely be a make or break game for the U.S. as the winner of this game will likely win the group. The final match of group play for the United States is against Iran on November 29th. 

Thirty one other nations will be fighting for a world cup title as well. Favorites to take home the Jules Rimet trophy include top ranked Brazil, Argentina, France and Portugal. 

However, some big name countries failed to meet expectations of qualifying and will not be competing in the event. The biggest disappointment is for the European Cup Champions, Italy. After losing to North Macedonia in the playoff semi-final in March, they lost their chance to qualify.

Other notable teams who will not be playing at the 2022 World Cup are Chile, Sweden, Russia, Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria. 

While the team title is obviously a big storyline of the event, it is many football legends’ final world cup. Names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Gareth Bale, Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suárez, Luka Modric, Dani Alves, Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller have all announced this will be their final World Cup. 

While it is certainly sad that these players will be playing their final World Cup, it just makes the excitement for the World Cup even more meaningful. You can watch the World Cup on Fox Sports as the world cup kicked off yesterday with a 2-0 win for Ecuador over Qatar, the first host nation to lose their opening match in World Cup history.