The 2022 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be the 22nd running of the FIFA World Cup competition, the quadrennial international men’s football championship contested by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA. It is scheduled to take place in Qatar from 21 November to 18 December 2022. This will be the first World Cup ever to be held in the Arab world, and it will be the second World Cup held entirely in Asia after the 2002 tournament was held in South Korea and Japan. In addition, the tournament will be the last to involve 32 teams, with an increase to 48 teams scheduled for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The reigning World Cup champions are France. Due to Qatar’s intense summer heat, this World Cup will be held from late-November to mid-December, making it the first tournament not to be held in May, June, or July; it is to be played in a reduced timeframe of around 28 days.
In this guide, we will provide a preview of all the World Cup 2022 Groups, Venues, Nations and Schedules. Due to this draw, there are some great matches to get excited for. What to think of Spain versus Germany? If you want to know more about the greatest matchups this World Cup, visit our match page.
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Group A in the FIFA World Cup is set, and host nation Qatar will be left ruing its luck, given the names that emerged from the three other pots. Behind the hosts are the Netherlands, who missed the last World Cup but are back and fielding a strong team. Also in the group are Senegal, the AFCON 2022 champions, making this a difficult draw for the hosts. And finally, Ecuador were drawn from Pot 4 to round out the group.
Qatar won the Asian Cup in 2019 and is the host of the World Cup 2022.
FIFA Rank: 50
FIFA Code: QAT
Nickname: The Maroon
In his third spell in the Netherlands hot seat, Louis van Gaal will be hoping to use all of his experience to guide the Dutch to the latter stages of the World Cup in a first appearance at the finals in eight years. Third-place finishers back in 2014, did not make it to Russia last time out but their fortunes have improved since then, led by a new generation of talent that includes the likes of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
FIFA Rank: 8
FIFA Code: NED
Nickname: Flying Dutchmen, Clockwork Orange, Holland, Orange.
Senegal did things the hard way to book their place at Qatar 2022 via a penalty shootout but will look to continue an excellent recent vein of form that has already seen the country crowned as the kings of Africa.
FIFA Rank: 18
FIFA Code: SEN
Nickname: Lions of Teranga
Ecuador went out in the quarterfinals of the last major tournament, the Copa America, and Gustavo Alfaro’s team will have to be much more resilient if they are to avoid an early exit from the World Cup. Experienced forward Enner Valencia, who is his country’s all-time leading scorer with 35 goals, will have a significant part to play as Ecuador return to the world’s biggest stage after missing out on the 2018 tournament. Villarreal defender Pervis Estupiñán is another talented player, but the squad overall isn’t the strongest and may struggle to match some of their more illustrious group rivals.
FIFA Rank: 44
FIFA Code: ECU
Nickname: The Tricolors
Group B in the FIFA World Cup promises to be one of the more compelling in 2022 with England drawn against the USA and Iran along with one more team yet to be determined.
FIFA Rank: 5
Having reached the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and then the final of Euro 2020, only to lose painfully on penalties to Italy. England will be determined to go one better in Qatar and finally win their first major trophy since 1966.FIFA Code: ENG
Nickname: The Three Lions
The U.S. will be joining the party at World Cup 2022, barely making it through the group on goal difference over Costa Rica. This will be the 11th time that the U.S. men’s national team have featured on the global stage, with the best result coming via a semifinal run at the inaugural tournament in 1930.
FIFA Rank: 16
FIFA Code: USA
Nickname: Stars and Stripes, The Yanks
Iran will appear at a third straight World Cup finals later this year, with the No.1 ranked national team in the AFC region capable of making a mark at the tournament.
FIFA Rank: 20
FIFA Code: IRN
Nickname: Team Melli
Wales overcame Ukraine on June 5 to earn Europe’s last World Cup playoff spot and its first appearance since 1958. Wales reached the quarterfinals of their only World Cup finals appearance in 1958. Despite their small size, they have recently punched above their weight, reaching the Euro 2016 quarterfinals before falling to eventual champions Portugal.
FIFA Rank: 19
FIFA Code: WAL
Nickname: The Dragons
Read moreLionel Messi will meet his Ballon d’Or heir-apparent Robert Lewandowski in a World Cup Group C showdown after Argentina and Poland were drawn against each other for the tournament in Qatar. Mexico will likely put up a stiff challenge, having come through North American qualifying. Saudi Arabia, one of the lowest-ranked sides in the tournament, will carry hopes of upsetting the more established powers, but they will have it all to do.
One of the World Cup’s traditional powerhouses, the 2022 tournament in Qatar, could see a return to the old order of Argentina as a major force to be reckoned with, but it may also mark the last hurrah for one of the game’s greatest ever players.
FIFA Rank: 3
FIFA Code: ARG
Nickname: The White and Sky Blue
Their 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker aside, Poland’s roster consists of plenty of experienced performers who play domestically across Europe. Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski should supply valuable chances for Lewandoski to add to his superb international tally of 74 goals. Poland will be confident of getting out of the group phase, after losing just twice through the entire qualification process.
FIFA Rank: 26
FIFA Code: POL
Nickname: The Eagles
Mexico extended their streak of appearing at every World Cup finals since 1994 by securing CONCACAF qualification as runners-up to Canada on goal difference in the final round. El Tri has a roster that relies on individuals who feature in Europe and North America. Wolves striker Raul Jimenez and Atletico Madrid stalwart Hector Herrera will be heavily called upon to propel the World Cup bid.
FIFA Rank: 13
FIFA Code: MEX
Nickname: Los Tricolores
In their last four involvements at the World Cup, Saudi Arabia’s exit has come in the group stages, and it is difficult to envisage that being bettered this time around in Qatar. Herve Renard’s team deserve credit for finishing above Australia in qualifying, but there is a feeling that they could find matters much more difficult when faced with tougher tasks.
FIFA Rank: 51
FIFA Code: KSA
Nickname: The Green Falcons
Defending World Cup holders France face a manageable and potentially familiar group as they seek to retain their title in Qatar. The draw in Doha on April 1 pitted the world champions against Denmark and Tunisia, as well as a Australia who beat Peru on penalties in the qualification play-off.
The winners of the last World Cup in 2018, France will be determined to retain the crown. Although they will have to fare considerably better than they did at Euro 2020 when they were knocked out at the Round of 16 by Switzerland.
FIFA Rank: 4
FIFA Code: FRA
Nickname: The Blues
Denmark could be the focus of one of the most emotional stories at this World Cup as they aim to build upon an impressive showing at Euro 2020.
FIFA Rank: 10
FIFA Code: DEN
Nickname: Danish Dynamite
Read moreThe Eagles of Carthage are embarking on a new era in time for World Cup 2022, with coach Jalel Kadri in charge. He was handed the top job replacing Mondher Bebaier, who paid the price for a below-expectation performance at the Africa Cup of Nations.
FIFA Rank: 30
FIFA Code: TUN
Nickname: The Eagles of Carthage
The Socceroos won a single-elimination FIFA intercontinental playoff to earn the final place in Group D, beating Peru in a penalty-kick shootout on June 13. Six days prior, Australia had to overcome the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in a separate Asian qualifying playoff just to earn the right to meet Peru for a spot in the World Cup.
FIFA Rank: 38
FIFA Code: AUS
Nickname: The Socceroos
Read moreSpain has been drawn into Group E against fierce rivals Germany in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Joining them will be Asian Cup 2019 finalists Japan and the winner of the intercontinental playoff match scheduled in June, Costa Rica.
The emergence of prospects such as Pedri, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati bodes well for the future, but it remains to be seen whether Spain will be strong enough to go all the way in Qatar.
FIFA Rank: 7
FIFA Code: ESP
Nickname: The Red Fury
Germany will be keen to make amends for a nightmare showing when trying to defend the title at the 2018 World Cup as they enter a major tournament without Joachim Low for the first time in almost two decades.
FIFA Rank: 11
FIFA Code: GER
Nickname: Die Mannschaft
Read moreJapan’s national team has never gone beyond the Round of 16 at the World Cup but will be hopeful of enjoying a lengthy run at this year’s tournament.
FIFA Rank: 24
FIFA Code: JPN
Nickname: Samurai Blue
Costa Rica’s fate was decided by the intercontinental playoff after finishing fourth in CONCACAF qualifying. International veterans Keylor Navas and Bryan Ruiz managed to top New Zealand 1-0 on a third minute goal from former Arsenal striker Joel Campbell.
FIFA Rank: 31
FIFA Code: CRC
Nickname: The Ticos
Read moreThis group will see a matchup of World Cup finalists in 2018 Croatia taking on semifinalists from that same year Belgium, in an encounter that will surely grab global attention.
Belgium can no longer claim to be the No.1 ranked team in the world, having been recently replaced at the top of the FIFA standings by Brazil, but they can still call upon some key members of their golden generation and will be expected to go far in Qatar.
FIFA Rank: 2
FIFA Code: BEL
Nickname: The Red Devils
Canada will be participating in the World Cup for the first time in 36 years following an impressive qualification campaign that led all the way to the winners’ spot in the CONCACAF standings.
FIFA Rank: 41
FIFA Code: CAN
Nickname: Maple Leafs
Read moreMorocco are regarded as one of the strongest teams on the African continent and will boast plenty of star power at Qatar 2022, competing at the finals for the sixth time.
FIFA Rank: 22
FIFA Code: MAR
Nickname: The Atlas Lions
Croatia surprised many people by reaching the final of the 2018 World Cup, where they lost to France, but they didn’t fare quite so well at Euro 2020, as they were eliminated at the Round of 16 stage. They will hope to surprise again in Qatar.
FIFA Rank: 12
FIFA Code: CRO
Nickname: The Checkered Ones
Read moreWorld Cup 2022 Group G sees the No. 1-ranked team in the world in Brazil headline an extremely competitive pool also featuring Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.
Brazil’s bid to wrestle the World Cup title back to South America will see them have to negotiate a tricky group, having been paired with Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.
FIFA Rank: 1
FIFA Code: BRA
Nickname: Little Canary
Serbia failed to make it to Euro 2020 but secured a place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by finishing top and unbeaten in a tough qualifying group which also included Portugal.
FIFA Rank: 21
FIFA Code: SRB
Nickname: The Eagles
Read moreGoing unbeaten during qualifying with only two goals conceded. Murat Yakin’s team are certainly the ones to watch when the tournament proper gets underway. With a side built strongly from the back, but that is also capable of unlocking the opposition.
FIFA Rank: 15
FIFA Code: SUI
Nickname: Red Crosses
The Indomitable Lions will be making the eighth appearance on the World Cup stage and can call on many well-established players who could be key contributors in Qatar.
FIFA Rank: 43
FIFA Code: CMR
Nickname: The Indomitable Lions
Read moreQatar 2022 will see Cristiano Ronaldo compete in what could be his World Cup finale, and he has a real chance of making the latter stages, as Portugal arguably looks like the strongest side in Group H.
Portugal missed automatic qualification but managed to qualify for the World Cup by going through the WC Qualification play-offs. They beat North Macedonia 2-0 for the spot.
FIFA Rank: 9
FIFA Code: POR
Nickname: The Navigators
Ghana qualified for the World Cup in Qatar. The Black Stars drew 1-1 with Nigeria in Abuja. The hero is Thomas Partey. The Arsenal midfielder cooled off the packed Abuja stadium by opening the score in the 11th minute.
FIFA Rank: 61
FIFA Code: GHA
Nickname: Black Stars
Read moreThe first winner of the world cup had a rocky qualifying campaign before it got rid of its head coach and eventually managed to book its berth for Qatar 2022.
FIFA Rank: 14
FIFA Code: URU
Nickname: The Sky Blue
Korea Republic’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup has extended its run of successive FIFA World Cup appearances to 10 in a row, every edition since 1986, a record for a country which has never lifted the trophy.
FIFA Rank: 28
FIFA Code: KOR
Nickname: Taegeuk Warriors
Read moreThe 2022 FIFA World Cup will not only be the first tournament to be held in the Arab region, but it will be the most compact, allowing fans to attend more than one game a day. With high summer temperatures, each stadium, training facility and fan zone is equipped with solar-powered cooling technology to keep the temperature at 27C. All stadiums are eco-friendly, and their temperature will be controllable. Qatar is home to less than 3 million people, so the tournament’s legacy must be managed carefully. To that end, the tournament organizers have pledged to build stadiums with modular elements, which will be reconfigured after the tournament to provide a lasting legacy for the 2022 FIFA World Cup far beyond Qatar’s borders. After the tournament, around 170,000 seats will be disassembled and provided to developing nations to help develop their sports infrastructure. As many as 22 new stadiums will be created in emerging economies, and this reconfiguration will leave Qatar with stadiums between 20-25,000 seats, which are suitable for its domestic entertainment needs.
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Lusail Stadium
The 80,000-seat Lusail Stadium will subsequently host 10 games, including the final. Like the other stadiums planned for the 2022 World Cup, the Lusail Stadium will be cooled using solar power and have a zero-carbon footprint. Following the World Cup, it is expected to be reconfigured into a 40,000-seat stadium. Excess seating will be removed, and other parts of the building will be repurposed as a community space with shops, cafés, athletic and education facilities, and a health clinic.
Al Bayt Stadium
Fans arriving at this 60,000-capacity arena will have never seen anything like it. A giant tent structure covers the entire stadium, located in the northern city of Al Khor. The stadium will host the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and fixtures right through to the semi-finals. Following the World Cup, it is expected to be reconfigured into a 32,000-seat stadium. Excess seats will be removed from the upper-tier and donated to other countries or placed on the infrastructures planned for the 2030 Asian Games.
Al-Janoub Stadium
Formerly known as Al-Wakrah Stadium, it is a retractable roof football stadium in Al-Wakrah, Qatar, that was inaugurated on 16 May 2019. This is the second among the eight stadiums for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after the renovation of Khalifa International Stadium. After the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, its capacity will be reduced to 20,000. The other 20,000 seats will be donated to football development projects overseas, once again demonstrating Al Wakrah’s innovative nature and ability to connect with far-off lands.
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
The stadium is built on the site of a venue with the same name and incorporates symbols of Qatari culture into its spectacular undulating façade. The facilities surrounding the stadium also mirror the country, with sand dune-shaped structures recalling the beautifully wild lands to the west. After the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ has ended, almost half of the stadium’s 40,000 modular seats will be removed and given to football development projects abroad.
Khalifa International Stadium
Built in 1976 in Al Rayyan, Khalifa International Stadium has long been the cornerstone of the country’s sporting tradition and the gatekeeper to its promising future. This accomplished 40,000-seat arena already has an illustrious hosting history, having previously welcomed the Asian Games, the Arabian Gulf Cup and the AFC Asian Cup, among other events. Over the years, it has become a worthy ambassador for the Middle East, symbolising sporting excellence in all its forms.
Education City Stadium
The stadium is located within several university campuses at the Qatar Foundation’s Education City. Following the FIFA World Cup, the stadium will retain 25,000 seats for use by university athletic teams. On 3 September 2020, the stadium hosted its first official match, played in the 2020–21 Qatar Stars League season. The stadium is located on the outskirts of the capital Doha and has a capacity of 40,000 seats. It has been given the nickname “Diamond in the Desert”. With 20 percent of its building materials identified as green, the stadium is among the world’s most environmentally sustainable stadiums.
Stadium 974
Stadium 974’s innovative design is inspired by Qatar’s worldwide trade and seafaring. 974 is the international dialing code for Qatar, as well as the exact number of shipping containers used in construction. The innovative 40,000-seat venue has a remarkable design and will be the first fully demountable tournament venue in FIFA World Cup history.
Al Thumama Stadium
Al Thumama Stadium is dynamic, empowering and truly imaginative. In keeping with all of Qatar’s new FIFA World Cup 2022 venues, this arena has been designed to celebrate Arab culture and traditions just as much as the tournament itself. The stadium’s bold, circular form reflects the gahfiya. Which is a traditional woven cap adorned by men and boys all across the Middle East for centuries.
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