England and the United States will face off Friday as the second round of the FIFA World Cup group stage kicks off in Qatar 2022.
The third-ever encounter between England and the U.S. is projected to be the most-watched match domestically, but depending on how matches play out, could decide the top of Group B. Similar implications are at play when the Netherlands and Ecuador and host nation Qatar looks to stay away from elimination.
For MLS followers, there will be 14 players that could see action across the four matches on the day. Here's a guide for the action on Black Friday.
The four games
- Wales vs. Iran, 2 a.m. PT / 4 a.m. CT / 5 a.m. ET (Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Ar-Rayyan)
- Qatar vs. Senegal, 5 a.m. PT / 7 a.m. CT / 8 a.m. ET (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)
- Netherlands vs. Ecuador, 8 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. CT / 11 a.m ET (Khalifa International Stadium, Ar-Rayyan)
- England vs. United States, 11 a.m PT / 1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)
How to watch
- Wales vs. Iran and Qatar vs. Senegal will air on FS1 and Telemundo
- Netherlands vs. Ecuador and England vs. United States will be on Fox and Telemundo
- All matches are available to stream on Fox Sports app, Telemundo Deportes app and Peacock
- Same-day 4k replays will be available on Tubi
What the oddsmakers say
- Wales +120, Iran +250, Draw +220
- Qatar +475, Senegal -155, Draw +270
- Netherlands -135, Ecuador +375, Draw +260
- England -190, United States +525, Draw +320
(odds courtesy of BetMGM)
Narratives we’ll be watching for
LAFC star Gareth Bale will look to lead Wales to its first World Cup win since Sweden 1958 when The Dragons face Iran. A win could also put the Welsh in the conversation for the top of the group considering the two UK sides will face off in the final round of group matches. Iran, on the other hand, would hand itself a lifeline with a victory to offset its 6-2 defeat to England.
Qatar could be eliminated with a loss if the Netherlands-Ecuador match ends in a draw later in the day. A point against Senegal would keep the team alive but, with the Netherlands match looming, this is as must-win as any match has ever been for the World Cup host. Senegal's hopes are also at stake after a loss in their opening match and, considering the opponent, the African champions could set themselves up nicely with a victory by a large margin in case they need to resort to goal differential to advance.
Four MLS players will look to help Ecuador to a positive result against the Netherlands. LAFC midfielder Sebastián Méndez went full ninety in the opening match against Qatar while his club teammate Jose Cifuentes came off the bench. Meanwhile, Diego Palacios waits for his debut in this World Cup. Seattle Sounders FC defender Xavier Arreaga is also an option for the South Americans as they wrestle the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo for the top of Group A.
The main course, of course, is the much anticipated England and United States match. England was dominant in its opening encounter and hopes to inch closer to a booked spot in the knockout round. A victory would be the first for the British in World Cup action against the USA with the latter winning 1-0 in Brazil 1950 and the South Africa 2010 encounter ending in a 1-1 draw.
Nine MLS players are on the U.S. team in Qatar. Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman started against Wales while Inter Miami right back DeAndre Yedlin, LAFC midfielder Kellyn Acosta and Seattle Sounders FC forward Jordan Morris all saw minutes off the bench. Players who could make their World Cup debut include FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira, Nashville defender Shaq Moore, New York City FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson, New York Red Bulls defender Aaron Long, and Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan.
Which team surprised you the most today?#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 24, 2022
What happened in the previous day's action
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in five different FIFA World Cup editions with a penalty kick conversion against Ghana. Portugal survived the encounter, avoiding a mistake in the final moments, to hold to a 3-2 victory. MLS Referee of the Year Ismail Elfath made his debut in the tournament as the center official.
Richarlison won Thanksgiving, however with an early contender for the goal of the tournament against Serbia in the day's fourth match and "nightcap."
Richarlison! What have you done?! 🤯#FIFAWorldCup | @richarlison97 pic.twitter.com/kCKFdlINXq
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 24, 2022
The Tottenham Hotspur forward completed a brace with that goal for a 2-0 Brazil victory. The five-time World Cup champions are among the favorites to win this edition and could be well on their way to title number six.
Uruguay was held to a scoreless draw with South Korea while Switzerland won 1-0 over Cameroon. Breel Embolo scored for the Swiss against his birth nation.