The World Cup draw happened as we speak in Qatar, that means all 36 groups left in rivalry know their potential pathway to the ultimate on 18 December.
Listed here are ten group stage matches to not be missed.
Full World Cup draw
FIFA World Cup 2022 draw. (@FIFAWorldCup on Twitter, 1 April 2022).
When are World Cup matches going down?
Group stage: 21 November- 2 December.
Spherical of 16: 3-6 December.
Quarter-finals: 9 & 10 December.
Semi-finals: 13 & 14 December.
Third place play-off and Ultimate: 17 & 18 December.
What time do group stage matches kick off?
Japanese Time: 5:00, 8:00, 11:00 & 14:00.
British Sumer Time: 10:00, 13:00, 16:00 & 19:00.
Native time in Qatar: 13:00, 16:00, 19:00, & 22:00.
Qatar vs Ecuador- 21 November 2022
Gamers of Qatar pose for footage earlier than their Copa América soccer match group match towards Argentina on the Grêmio Enviornment in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on June 23, 2019. (Photograph by Carl DE SOUZA / AFP) (Photograph credit score ought to learn CARL DE SOUZA/AFP by way of Getty Pictures)
Kick off occasions: 5:00 (ET) 10:00 (UK), 13:00 (native). Stadium: Al-Bayt Stadium
The World Cup’s opening match sees hosts and reigning Asian champions Qatar face Ecuador.
The Maroons can be making their World Cup debut and are decided to not comply with South Africa in 2010 as the one hosts to exit within the group part.
Again in 2019, Qatar competed on the Copa América, however didn’t win any of their three matches in order that doesn’t bode effectively for this conflict.
Though, in 2018, they did welcome Ecuador to Doha for a pleasant and gained 4-3, so can be hoping for a repeat scoreline in a barely extra significant conflict.
On condition that African champions Senegal and European heavyweights Netherlands full Group A, it is a should win for each if both have any hopes of advancing.
Centre-forward Almoez Ali will see this as his first alternative to attain at a record-breaking fifth totally different main worldwide match.
He’s already netted on the Asia Cup, Copa América, CONCACAF Gold Cup and FIFA Arab Cup. so can be hoping so as to add the most important match of all to that listing.
Spain vs Germany- 27 November
SEVILLE, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 17: Timo Werner of Germany and Sergio Ramos of Spain in motion throughout the UEFA Nations League soccer match performed between Spain and Germany at Estadio Olimpico de La Cartuja on November 17, 2020 in Seville, Spain. (Photograph by Joaquin Corchero / Europa Press Sports activities by way of Getty Pictures)
Kick off occasions: TBC. Stadium: TBC.
No doubt, the heavyweight conflict of the group stage is Spain vs Germany, the one group sport that includes two former world champions.
Spain gained this trophy in 2010 whereas Germany are four-times World Cup winners, doing so in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014.
Nonetheless, final time spherical, the reigning champions crashed out within the group part whereas Spain had been eradicated by Russia within the spherical of 16.
Now, die Mannschaft look the true deal beneath Hansi Flick, profitable eight of 9 video games beneath him, drawing the opposite, scoring 34 objectives.
Luis Enrique’s facet, unexpectedly, reached the semi-finals of the Euro and the Nations League Ultimate final yr, dropping to Italy and France respectively.
These two groups final met at a serious match in Durban 12 years in the past when Carles Puyol’s towering header took Spain to their first-ever World Cup Ultimate.
Extra not too long ago, in November 2020 to be exact, they met within the UEFA Nations League with Spain working riot, profitable 6-0 in Sevilla.
That was Germany’s largest defeat since 1931 however, two years on, they may come into this conflict as favourites.
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England vs UEFA play-off winner- 29 November
Jack Grealish (L) fights for the ball with Scotland’s defender Stephen O’Donnell throughout the UEFA EURO 2020 Group D soccer match between England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium in London on June 18, 2021. (Photograph by CARL RECINE / POOL / AFP) (Photograph by CARL RECINE/POOL/AFP by way of Getty Pictures)
Kick off occasions: TBC. Stadium: TBC.
In fact, one of many two groups on this explicit fixture are unknown, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a mouthwatering prospect.
The UEFA play-off in June will see Wales host both Scotland or Ukraine so, in idea, this sport is 75% more likely to be a British derby.
England and Scotland met final summer time at Euro 2020, a goalless draw at Wembley, the previous enemies’ first match assembly since Euro ’96.
Wales final confronted their neighbours in a aggressive fixtures at Euro 2016 with the Three Lions snatching a stoppage time victory in Lens.
Any Welsh supporter would swiftly add that they bought the final giggle as their facet reached the semi-finals whereas England had been crushed by Iceland within the final 16.
In fact, at this second in time, Ukraine can’t be discounted, regardless of the terrible state of affairs all Ukrainian persons are enduring simply now.
From a soccer perspective, for what it’s value, the Blue and Yellows additionally performed England simply final summer time, getting swatted apart 4-0 within the quarter-final.
However, with an all-British fixture a chance, this’ll be a sport that grips the U.Okay. if certainly it’s Wales or Scotland who make it via.
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Portugal vs Uruguay- 28 November
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JUNE 30: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal helps Edinson Cavani of Uruguay off the pitch after he will get injured throughout the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Spherical of 16 match between Uruguay and Portugal at Fisht Stadium on June 30, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photograph by Julian Finney/Getty Pictures)
Kick off occasions: TBC. Stadium: TBC.
With out eager to disrespect Korea Republic or Ghana, the large two in Group H will meet within the second sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo has already gained the Nations League and European Championships with Portugal, scoring a world-record 115 worldwide objectives.
Nonetheless, the World Cup hasn’t been variety to him with Portugal getting no additional than the spherical of 16 since a final 4 look in 2006.
In fact, the facet who eradicated them at that juncture 4 years in the past was Uruguay, profitable 2-1 in Sochi.
In Qatar, Ronaldo will seem at a fifth World Cup, one thing solely achieved by Lothar Matthäus, Antonio Carbajal and Rafael Márquez up to now.
When these two met in Russia, Edinson Cavani’s brace did the injury and he’s one in every of many Uruguayan gamers aged 35+.
The others are Fernando Muslera, Diego Godín and Luis Suárez, all of whom helped la Celeste to a World Cup semi-final 12 years in the past.
Portugal and Uruguay scrapped via qualify, so this’ll be an early check of each’s credentials.
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Senegal vs Netherlands- 21 November
Édouard Mendy waves a Senegalese flag as he celebrates after profitable the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 last soccer match between Senegal and Egypt at Stade d’Olembe in Yaounde on February 6, 2022. (Photograph by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photograph by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP by way of Getty Pictures)
Kick off occasions: TBC. Stadium: TBC.
Group A’s two huge hitters will go head-to-head on the opening day of the match in, what can be, a first-ever senior assembly between these two.
Senegal will journey to Qatar as reigning continental champions having crushed Egypt within the Africa Cup of Nations Ultimate as not too long ago as February.
Les Lions de la Téranga boast a really spectacular file towards European sides at World Cups, profitable three of 5 conferences.
This contains in 2002 after they overcame defending champions France within the opening sport, ousted Sweden within the final 16 earlier than exiting to Turkey by way of golden aim.
4 years in the past, Senegal beat Poland however had been eradicated by Japan as a result of they’d collected extra yellow playing cards, the seventh tiebreaker.
Netherlands in the meantime are again on the World Cup after lacking 2018.
However, earlier than that, they reached the ultimate in 2010 and the semi-finals in 2014, the latter beneath Louis van Gaal who’s again in cost for a 3rd stint.
With hosts Qatar and Ecuador finishing Group A, these two are huge favourites to succeed in the spherical of 16, making this an attention-grabbing match-up.
Belgium vs Canada- 23 November
PASADENA, CA – JUNE 15: Alphonso Davies #12 of Canada gestures throughout a CONCACAF Gold Cup Group A match between Canada and Martinique at Rose Bowl on June 15, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photograph by Omar Vega/Getty Pictures)
Kick off occasions: TBC. Stadium: TBC.
Of the 28 nations who’ve certified for the World Cup up to now, excluding hosts Qatar, 27 of them had been on the 2014 and/or 2018 editions.
So, the one new staff are Canada having certified for simply the second time, 36 years after making their debut at Mexico ’86.
Again then, a gaggle of amateurs confronted France, Hungary and the Soviet Union, dropping all three video games and never scoring a single aim.
They might not have the pedigree, however the Canucks definitely boast high quality, highlighted by the actual fact they topped the CONCACAF qualifying desk.
Qualifying was an important achievement for the Reds who will co-host the 2026 version, so this yr in Qatar will assist them be as sturdy as doable in 4 yr.
There’s a whole lot of hype and pleasure in Canada proper now however their hopes and goals would possibly come crashing again all the way down to earth on this opener.
Belgium had been FIFA’s world-ranked primary staff for nearly 4 years earlier than lastly relinquishing prime spot to Brazil in March 2022.
Roberto Martínez’s staff reached the semi-finals in Russia 4 years however are decided to look in Belgium’s first last since Euro 1980.
The Crimson Devils have gained 43 of their final 52 aggressive video games, dropping simply six, scoring 161 objectives within the course of.
So, after all, Canada are huge underdogs nevertheless it’ll nonetheless be an enormous event for them to return to the world stage towards one of many world’s greatest.
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Brazil vs Serbia- 24 November
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JUNE 27: Philippe Coutinho of Brazil is tackled by Nikola Milenković of Serbia throughout the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Serbia and Brazil at Spartak Stadium on June 27, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photograph by Stu Forster/Getty Pictures)
Kick off occasions: TBC. Stadium: TBC.
Everybody seems to be ahead to seeing Brazil play at a World Cup however their group may be very a lot a case of we’ll meet once more.
Seleção’s group in Qatar, as was the case 4 years in the past, accommodates Serbia and Switzerland.
The fourth staff is a brand new one, particularly Cameroon, however they had been demolished 4-1 in Brasília by the hosts eight years in the past.
Tite’s facet will start their marketing campaign towards Serbia; objectives from Paulinho and Thiago Silva noticed them to a 2-0 victory over the Eagles in Moscow.
Brazil are the present favourites to win the World Cup having collected 45 factors, of a doable 51, in qualifying which is a brand new CONMEBOL file.
General, Tite’s facet have solely misplaced one in every of their final 30 aggressive video games, that defeat coming within the Copa América Ultimate final yr to Argentina.
However, since crashing out to Belgium in Kazan, they’ve solely confronted European opposition as soon as, beating Czech Republic 3-1 in a pleasant in Prague in March 2019.
This’ll change with Brazil’s first two matches towards Serbia after which Switzerland, in order that’ll be an actual check of their credentials.
Don’t discard Dragan Stojković’s staff although after they completed above Portugal in qualifying because of a last-gasp victory in Lisbon final November.
This’ll definitely be one of many highest-quality group video games.
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Croatia vs Belgium- 1 December
KALININGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 16: Luka Modrić of Croatia in motion throughout the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Croatia and Nigeria at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 16, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photograph by Richard Heathcote/Getty Pictures)
Kick off occasions: TBC. Stadium: TBC.
Croatia and Belgium have met six occasions earlier than in qualification campaigns, most not too long ago in 2013, however this’ll be their first-ever match assembly.
4 years in the past, Croatia grew to become the thirteenth totally different nation to succeed in a World Cup Ultimate, beating Argentina, Nigeria, Denmark, Russia and England en route.
Key gamers, particularly Mario Mandžukić, retired after that run however captain Luka Modrić, who’ll be 37 by November, remains to be going sturdy.
While nobody expects Zlatko Dalić’s facet attain the ultimate once more, the Blazers usually are not simple to beat.
Since 2017, Croatia have solely misplaced to Spain, England, Slovenia, France, Portugal, Sweden and Hungary in aggressive internationals.
Not like their opponents on this third group sport, Belgium haven’t reached any main last for 42 years.
Their golden era emerged round a decade in the past and, since, have reached a World Cup quarter-final and a semi-final
Equally to Croatia, plenty of the Crimson Devils’ stars are within the 30s, that means this may very well be their final shot at a serious match.
Each may have already confronted Canada and Morocco at this level, each of whom can be difficult opponents.
So, if both want one thing from this last sport, it may very well be a cracker.
United States vs England- 25 November
ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 06: Christian Pulisic #10 of the US reacts after scoring a aim throughout the last spherical qualifying match towards Panama for the 2018 FIFA World Cup at Orlando Metropolis Stadium on October 6, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photograph by Sam Greenwood/Getty Pictures)
Kick off occasions: TBC. Stadium: TBC.
After lacking out on 2018 in catastrophic circumstances, the US are again on the World Cup.
The Stars and Stripes’ match opener can be towards the UEFA play-of winner, both Wales, Ukraine or Scotland, in a reasonably even match-up.
However, the fixture that’s caught the attention for all U.S. supporters is their second sport towards England.
In fact they wish to do effectively, however this match for Gregg Berhalter’s staff is all about gaining expertise and constructing in the direction of 2026 on residence soil.
Of all 36 groups nonetheless in rivalry to qualify, USA used the youngest XI in qualification and definitely boast the expertise to trigger England issues.
These two have met twice at World Cups earlier than with the U.S. profitable 1-0 in 1950 earlier than a 1-1 attract Rustenburg 12 years in the past.
Extra not too long ago, they met in a pleasant at Wembley with England cruising to a 3-0 victory in 2018.
This sport takes place the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, which is a public vacation in America so the sport may herald record-breaking viewing figures States-side.
Argentina vs Poland- 30 November
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 26: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring his staff’s first aim throughout the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Argentina at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 26, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photograph by Alex Livesey/Getty Pictures)
Kick off occasions: TBC. Stadium: TBC.
Might this lastly be Argentina’s time?
La Albiceleste are two-time champions of the world, going all the best way in 1978 and 1986, subsequently dropping within the finals of Italia ’90 and Brazil 2014.
4 years in the past, Argentina had been an entire shambles, nearly getting out their group earlier than an exciting 4-3 defeat to France.
However, proper now, Lionel Scaloni’s facet are united, well-coached, cohesive and rightly filled with perception.
Final summer time, Argentina ended their 28-year trophy draught by beating Brazil within the Copa América Ultimate, on the Maracanã no much less.
Earlier than this, they’d misplaced in 4 Copa Finals, a Confederations Cup Ultimate and a World Cup Ultimate since final lifting silverware in 1993.
General, they’re unbeaten in 25 aggressive matches and can get the possibility to win extra silverware towards Italy in June within the Finalísima.
The large story final yr was that Lionel Messi had lastly bought his fingers on some worldwide silverware, however this may very well be his final shot on the largest prize of all.
The South American champions kick off towards Saudi Arabia, one of many weakest finalists, earlier than dealing with Mexico.
So, their hardest check in Group C will come within the last sport.
Poland reached the semi-finals in 1974 and 1982 however, extra not too long ago, have gone out within the group levels of all three World Cups they’ve appeared at this century.
The Eagles have additionally fallen on the first hurdle at three of the final 4 European Championships, together with final yr’s version.
However, any staff containing Robert Lewandowski can be a check for Argentina’s bettering however not but flawless back-line.
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