When the United States plays its World Cup opener against Wales in Qatar on Monday, millions of Americans will watch their first soccer game in eight years — and millions will meet “Captain America” for the first time.

Christian Pulisic has long dreamed of playing in the most prestigious sporting event in the world. He was denied the opportunity in 2018, when the U.S. stunningly failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 32 years after the most embarrassing loss — to Trinidad and Tobago — in men’s national team history.

The seemingly interminable wait for the next World Cup is over. The 24-year-old’s time has arrived.

“It’s unreal for me to be here at a World Cup,” Pulisic told reporters on Wednesday. “It’s been a dream of mine my whole life.”