This November sees the start of the soccer World Cup in Qatar, and for the first time in eight years, the US Men’s National Team will be competing.
The World Cup is traditionally held over the summer; that will certainly be the case in 2026 when it touches down on US soil. Marca reveals it will be the biggest World Cup ever; the first to have 46 teams and the first to see both the United States and Canada qualify automatically, as hosts, along with Mexico.
All three of those CONCACAF teams are also set to head to Qatar, and it could be a great tournament for Gregg Berhalter’s USMNT. They’re ranked in the latest betting odds at Coral as second-favorites to emerge from their group, containing England, Iran and Wales. Could they better their best-ever showing at a modern World Cup? It’s possible, and if they do, it could give soccer a huge push in the US.
If you’re looking forward to seeing the likes of Christian ‘Captain America’ Pulisic in action and wish to get yourself in the mood for the tournament, it might be worth playing a video game. As it happens, plenty of games on the market can help you get World Cup ready, the best of which we’ve picked for you here.
FIFA 23
For the last time ever, the world eagerly awaits the release of the new FIFA game. EA Sports soccer game FIFA is the major franchise in soccer gaming and has been since the mid-nineties, but a split between the sport’s governing body and Electronic Arts means that after this title, there will be no more collaboration. Still, FIFA 23 drops in later September and is expected to come with World Cup content from day one. That means you can guide the USMNT through the group if you wish, or you might even switch things up and put Honduras in the competition.
Football Manager 22
Ignoring the fact this should perhaps be called Soccer Manager 2022, stats fans will find plenty to keep them entertained here. Known colloquially as FM22, this game doesn’t put you in control of the on-pitch action but instead sees you in the dugout directing proceedings. The depth is incredible – you can play every soccer league from MLS to Latvia, and you get to manage internationally. The beauty is that the World Cup is included in the older version; you might even buy FM16 and go back to the USMNT’s failed bid to qualify for Russia 2018, seeking to put things right.
Sociable Soccer
At the moment, Sociable Soccer is only available on iOS, but as Nintendo Life reveals, it is coming to home computers in 2022 Q4, which has excited fans. Why? Because it is the spiritual successor to Sensible Soccer, arguably the most influential soccer game of all time. Sensible Soccer bossed 90s gaming, and Sociable Soccer looks set to do the same. With 1,000 teams, 30,000 players, enhanced stadiums, player models, and cameras in-game, it is only a matter of time before the behemoth touches down on your console. In the meantime, Apple users can get playing right now, honing their skills.