World Cup 2022 LIVE: Kane fears BOOKING for armband, Maddison AUS England clash, Qatar lose to Ecuador in first game

Biden’s call to the US team

USA’s World Cup team received a surprise call from POTUS ahead of their opening group game.

Gregg Berhalter’s side face Wales in Group B at the Al Rayyan Stadium on Monday.

Berhalter gathered his entire team at their five-star Marsa Malaz Kempinski base in Doha to take a very special call on Saturday night.

In a video shared on social media, the manager told his players: “Let’s go boys. Showtime guys are you ready?

“[The phone screen] says POTUS, that’s where it comes from.”

On the other end of the line was the White House – and Biden seems confident the team can use an “outsider” spirit to their advantage and go far in the tournament.

He said: “Coach, put me in, I’m ready to play!

“Guys I know you are the underdog but you have some of the best players in the world on your team.

“You represent this country and I know you will play your heart out.

“So let’s shock them all. Keep trusting each other.

“Play as hard as you can for yourself, your families and your teammates.

“The whole country is cheering you on.”