Nov. 21, 2022 coverage of the World Cup

By Aditi Sangal, Mike Hayes and Patrick Sung, CNN

Updated 4:41 PM ET, Mon November 21, 2022

What we covered here

Team USA tied Wales 1-1 in their opener to split the points in Group B. In Monday's other matches, England dominated Iran 6-2 and The Netherlands beat Senegal 2-0.
Thirty-two teams are competing in the tournament that runs until on Dec. 18. Here is all you need to know about the teams and the players who could dazzle.
This is the first ever World Cup held in the Middle East and it has been mired in controversy. On Monday, it was announced that several European captains will not wear the LGBTQ-solidarity “OneLove” armbands after a ruling from soccer authorities.
Iran’s players did not sing their national anthem before kickoff at their opener against England on Monday in what seemed to be a show of solidarity with those protesting back home.

Our live World Cup coverage for the day has ended. Follow the latest news here or read through the updates below.

4:08 p.m. ET, November 21, 2022

US 1, Wales 1: A tale of two halves

It's all over in the Al-Rayyan Stadium and each team will take a point after the US Men's National Team tied Wales 1-1 in Group B.

There was frustration for the US in its opening game of Qatar 2022 as Gareth Bale scored a late penalty for Wales. The US was dominant for much of the match, but as has so often been the case, it was LAFC star Bale who dug Wales out of a sticky situation as this Group B game ended with the teams splitting the points.

22-year-old Timothy Weah, son of soccer great George Weah, had put the US ahead in the first-half with a fine finish but this young US side – with an average age of 25 years and 175 days – was unable to maintain its dominance and allowed Wales to grow into the game and snatch a draw.

3:48 p.m. ET, November 21, 2022

Penalty to Wales! And it's level in Ar-Rayyan!

Wales' Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring a goal during a match against USA on November 21. (Hannah Mckay/Reuters)

Gareth Bale is brought down very clearly by Walker Zimmerman in the US box and the referee whistles for a spot-kick.

And it's Bale who takes the kick... and it's a Welsh goal! Game on! USMNT 1 - Wales 1!

3:26 p.m. ET, November 21, 2022

Who is Timothy Weah, the US first-half goalscorer?

From CNN's Amy Woodyatt and Patrick Sung

USA's Timothy Weah celebrates after scoring the first goal of the match against Wales on November 21. (John Sibley/Reuters)

Timothy Weah's 36th minute goal for the USA might have you thinking, "Hmm, that last name sounds familiar." That's because the 22-year-old's father is none other than George Weah, former Liberian soccer player and current president of the West African country.

George Weah had a prolific professional career, spending five seasons with AS Monaco — and winning the French Cup in 1991 — before heading to Paris Saint-Germain, who he led to the French Cup, league title and the semifinals of the 1995 Champions League. Weah moved to Italy and won the Scudetto twice with AC Milan, but he's perhaps most famous for being the first and only African to date to win the Ballon d'Or, the award given to the best individual footballer in any given year.

Still, during his incredible career, Weah Sr. was never able to play in the World Cup. An achievement his talented son has been able to accomplish in the most incredible way in Qatar.

3:05 p.m. ET, November 21, 2022

USA and Wales resume play after halftime

After scoring a goal in the first half, the USA is back on the field against Wales, which will be looking to level the score in this second half.

2:50 p.m. ET, November 21, 2022

It's 1-0 at halftime as the USMNT's youth shows up against Wales

The US Men's National Team is impressing in its first World Cup appearance in eight-and-a-half years with the team controlling play against Wales and deservedly leading 1-0 at the break after Timothy Weah's 36th-minute goal.

A good second half awaits us as Wales will have to open up more to look for an equalizer, which could provide even more chances for the US.

2:42 p.m. ET, November 21, 2022

It's 1-0 to the USA!

USA's Timothy Weah scores the first goal of the match against Wales on November 21. (John Sibley/Reuters)

Goal! Timothy Weah receives a great through ball from Christian Pulisic in the 36th minute and makes no mistake slotting it home to make it 1-0 for the USA.

2:30 p.m. ET, November 21, 2022

Eagleman, luchadores and Elvis come out to support the USA

Off the field, in the stands, there could be a second competition going on: best American costume. Fans were spotted in comprehensive American-themes outfits, including the bald eagle and Elvis among others. Take a look:

USA fans stand for the national anthem prior to the match between USA and Wales on November 21. (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

A USA fan wearing an American-themed luchador mask waits in the stands ahead of the match against Wales on November 21. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

Rock and roll! A USA fan is seen before the match between USA and Wales on November 21. (Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Two Elvis-themed fans are seen prior to the match between USA and Wales on November 21. (Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

2:20 p.m. ET, November 21, 2022

US and UK diplomats enjoy a bet on the US vs. Wales match

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

There's a bet going on between US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and James Roscoe, the Deputy Head of Mission to the Embassy of the United Kingdom. And it all rests on who wins in the match between USA and Wales:

“If Wales manages to win, I'll present him with a bottle of American bourbon,” Sherman said at a World Cup event at the State Department on Monday. “But, when our players prevail, James will owe me a selection of Welsh whiskey to mark the occasion.”

2:01 p.m. ET, November 21, 2022

And we're off! The USA takes on Wales in Group B

Kickoff is here! The US is looking to impress with a very young squad, eight-and-a-half years on from its last World Cup appearance, while Wales is ready for its first appearance in 64 years.

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