As November comes to an end, one of the most renowned sporting events in history quickly approaches, The FIFA World Cup. Hosted in Qatar this year, the worldwide tournament commences on Nov. 20, and will continue until its final game on Dec.18. For numerous fans, the real fun does not lie in the games themselves, but in watching the games with friends and family at watch parties.

World Cup Miami 2022’s watch event is the perfect family event to experience over Thanksgiving break. Taking place at the Dade County Fair Grounds on Nov. 25, the Fan-Fest will showcase the Netherlands versus Ecuador, and the United States versus England. It will last from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will include vendors, food and drinks, a VIP area, DJs between matches and huge LED jumbotrons to view the games.

For fans of all ages looking to kick off the tournament and opening game (Qatar versus Ecuador) somewhere exciting, the Oasis Wynwood World Cup viewing party is the place to be. The viewing party starts at 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 20 and will provide outdoor dining and a large LED screen to enjoy the match in the courtyard. 

However, if families would rather stay home and celebrate privately, they are not out of luck. The World Cup will be broadcasted live on FOX Sports in English, and Telemundo in Spanish, and will also stream on Peacock, Fubo, SlingTV and Vidgo. 

With the opportunity to play in the World Cup only once every four years, the pressure is on for national teams. This is especially serious this year, with the abnormal timing of the matches — which usually take place in July — offsetting international league competitions, including the famous Champions League. This increases tensions for the tournament. However, according to Miami Palmetto Senior High senior and soccer fan Michael Mezias, the players’ attitudes usually match the anticipation.

“They are good players because of their individual clubs,” Mezias said. “But watching them play for their country really shows off a lot about each individual player. Like, the emotion behind it, usually [the World Cup] is played very emotionally. A lot of players have goals they want to accomplish.”

One team to keep an eye out for this year is the USMNT, or team U.S., returning after an eight-year absence. A great deal of disagreement arose regarding the possibility of this team’s success in this World Cup. Will their new talent from some of Europe’s most prominent club teams take them to the top? Or will their history of failure and recent injuries be the final nail in their coffin? Only time and a highly anticipated first match against Wales on Nov. 21 will tell.

However, for non-soccer fans, the World Cup is a great introduction to the sport. Between the cultural pride and high spirit of the games, the tournament can be amusing and exciting no matter how limited one’s knowledge of soccer is.

“The World Cup is always a great experience for anyone watching and the atmosphere is insane on any game,” MPSH freshman Patrick Mizrahi said. “If you do not like soccer, then this is the perfect way to start watching it.”

Regardless of which team one roots for, fan culture surrounding the World Cup has always been prominent and has only grown since its inception. As with any international sporting event, the World Cup gathers nations together in one thrilling activity.

“If there is one thing every player dreams of, it is winning the World Cup with their country,” Mizrahi said.