The FIFA Men’s World Cup begins this weekend in Qatar. With a massive amount of intrigue heading into it. From the host country to how the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) will fare.

One of the words to best describe this World Cup is atypical. This is the first World Cup to take place in the Middle East. Qatar’s desert climate prompted FIFA to move the tournament to November through much of December. Instead of the June-July schedule soccer fans have been accustomed to. This change is disrupting the global soccer calendar. With the world’s most prominent domestic leagues pausing their seasons for a World Cup break. Typically the World Cup takes place when many European leagues are in their off-seasons.

Major League Soccer usually pauses their season during the World Cup. Then hopes for a post-World Cup boost in interest. This year, the World Cup comes weeks after MLS’ season ended. MLS is going into the World Cup on a high note. After the MLS Cup Final was decided in a penalty shootout. TV ratings for the 2022 MLS Cup Final we’re reportedly the highest in a quarter century. Quite a feat considering it was up against College Football’s “game of the year.”

Along with Major League Soccer’s season concluding on a strong note. There’s much for MLS’ home countries to celebrate. The United States and Canada are in this World Cup. Canada earned their first World Cup bid since 1986. The USMNT is back in the World Cup after missing out four years ago.

Missing out on the 2018 World Cup can be considered a blessing for the USMNT. Not only because they didn’t have to put up with a trip to Putin’s Russia. Missing out gave the team even more determination to qualify for this year’s tournament. The USMNT is in a challenging and intriguing group. Taking on Wales next Monday and England the day after Thanksgiving. Then wrapping up the group stage playing Iran on November 29th.

For FC Cincinnati fans looking for an additional team to root for. FC Cincinnati defender Ronald Matarrita will play for Costa Rica. Matarrita will be FCC’s first player currently on the roster to participate in a World Cup. Costa Rica is in a grueling group, being paired with Germany, Spain and Japan. Germany and Spain won the World Cup in the 2010’s. Spain won in 2010 and Germany won in 2014.

Meanwhile, another phrase to describe this World Cup is “mixed emotions.” Amid the usual anticipation amongst soccer fans for the World Cup. There are several controversies surrounding this edition of the World Cup. Qatar’s selection as the host connects the various controversies together. The country is facing criticism over various human rights issues.

Numerous stadium construction related deaths are one of many workers’ safety concerns. Qatar has also been accused of exploiting migrant workers, which makes up a substantial part of its labor force. There are concerns about how safe LGBTQ+ spectators will be. In a region where LGBTQ+ people face severe persecution. Along with concerns over women’s rights, freedom of the press and the right to dissent in the Middle East overall.

This World Cup will bookend a year full of “sports-washing.” The practice of countries with shoddy human rights records using sports to try to improve its reputation. This was on full display in China during the Winter Olympics last February. This World Cup is just the latest example of FIFA caving to the interests of human rights abusing regimes. FIFA did the same with Russia, when that nation hosted the 2018 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The LIV Golf Tour is attracting prominent golfers away from the PGA Tour. Despite the LIV Tour being backed by a fund connected to Saudi Arabia.

While the concerns surrounding Qatar are overshadowing this World Cup going into it. The U.S., Canada and Mexico have a chance to leave a good impression off and on the pitch. Ahead of the World Cup the three nations will collectively host in four years. This World Cup is also a reminder of soccer’s status as “the global game.” It’s a reminder that the rights and freedoms Americans have are not universally recognized. The freedoms Americans often take for granted are often denied to many all over the world. It’s a reminder that the World Cup doesn’t operate in a perfect world.