Four years after Qatar 2022, many casual fans may need a refresher on the biggest storylines. Morocco emerged as a surprise semifinalist, while Japan stunned both Germany and Spain. The tournament also included a controversial moment when the FIFA president drew attention with a speech in which he said he knew what it was like to be gay in a country where homosexuality is banned because he was once bullied for having freckles.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain central figures. Messi, 38, plays for Inter Miami CF in MLS and won the World Cup in Qatar, continuing as Argentina’s featured player. Ronaldo, 41, plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and has not won a World Cup; according to the original reporting, some observers believe Portugal might be better off without him this summer. Each is set to play in his sixth World Cup.
The U.S. national team has experienced significant turnover since Qatar. Gregg Berhalter, the coach in Qatar, saw his contract expire, was rehired and then fired within roughly 18 months following a high-profile Copa América exit. That period also included a public controversy involving midfielder Giovanni Reyna and his family, with private conversations released, allegations of professional backstabbing, threatening comments and a decades-old domestic violence incident becoming part of the story.
Mauricio Pochettino replaced Berhalter in 2024. The Argentine coach, whose club résumé includes Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, has produced mixed results so far while generating optimism. According to ESPN sources, Pochettino has discussed taking over at AC Milan once the World Cup concludes.
Key U.S. player movements and selection changes have followed. Christian Pulisic left Chelsea for AC Milan and was the Italian club’s top scorer last season; he had not scored during the calendar year until a goal noted in early 2026 and remains the team’s most prominent player. The midfield trio once branded as the future—Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and Tyler Adams—hasn’t held together as expected: Musah’s form declined and he is not on the current roster. Goalkeeper Matt Turner, formerly of Arsenal and the starter in Qatar, now plays for the New England Revolution and will compete for minutes with Matthew Freese of New York City FC.
