2022 FIFA World Cup Draw Review: Charlotte FC and USMNT

The 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted in Qatar feels more real than ever after the stage has been set with the World Cup draw moments ago. For the first time ever, the World Cup will be held in the Middle East and will begin in late November. Traditionally, the tournament has been held in the months of June and July.

Teams were drawn from four pools into eight groups and there are rules to keep apart regional rivals. Groups couldn't contain any more than two teams from Europe, and no more than one from any other continent. But it can get complicated... learn more here.

What does it mean for Charlotte FC?

Charlotte FC has the potential to be represented in the FIFA World Cup through some of their players. Striker Karol Świderski and winger Kamil Jóźwiak have been regulars for the Polish National Team while midfielder Alan Franco has been a mainstay for the Ecuadorian National team.

Ecuador was drawn into Group A with Qatar, Senegal, and the Netherlands.

Schedule:

Monday, Nov. 21 - Qatar vs. Ecuador, 5 a.m. ET

Friday, Nov. 25 - Netherlands vs. Ecuador, TBD

Tuesday, Nov. 29 - Ecuador vs. Senegal, TBD

Poland was drawn into Group C with Argentina, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico.

Schedule:

Tuesday, Nov. 22 - Mexico vs. Poland, TBD

Saturday, Nov. 26 - Poland vs. Saudi Arabia, TBD

Wednesday, Nov. 30 - Poland vs. Argentina, TBD

U.S. Men's National Team

The United States is back in the World Cup after an eight-year hiatus due to failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. In their return to the global stage, the U.S. was drawn into Group B with England, Iran, and the winner of the European Playoff (Wales/Scotland/Ukraine).

Schedule:

Monday, Nov. 21 - United States vs. Wales/Scotland/Ukraine, TBD

Friday, Nov. 25 - England vs. United States, TBD

Tuesday, Nov. 29 - Iran vs. United States, TBD