World Cup Matches

World Cup Matches

The 2022 World Cup matches will kick off on November 21st, with 32 teams aiming to reach the final and become world champions on December 18th. France, the reigning champion, will be among the favourites, although no team has successfully defended the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, along with England, Spain, and Belgium. South Americans Brazil and Argentina are also competing in the knockout rounds. While Senegal might be Africa’s best prospect of winning for the first time.

The draw has been completed and Qatar will begin their campaign against Ecuador before facing Senegal and the Netherlands, the latter of which will be the first match of the 2022 World Cup.

Let’s take a look at the first World Cup matches for each nation.

Sunday, November 20

Qatar vs. Ecuador


The hosts Qatar will be kicking off the World Cup and hope to make a great start to their World Cup campaign. However, a resilient Ecuador team could prove challenging for the Maroon.

Monday, November 21

Senegal vs. The Netherlands

The second match of the World Cup matches will be an interesting one. With the African Cup of Nations winner facing off against Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands. This match may already be the deciding factor for the top spot in Group A.

United States vs. Wales

The USA will play their first against Wales The Americans will be aiming for a solid start following their difficult qualification, only making it through on goal difference over Costa Rica. Wales will be looking to build on their good fortune in qualification with Gareth Bale and Daniel James being vital players.

England vs. Iran

England will be motivated after reaching the 2018 World Cup semifinal and the Euro 2020 final. Their opening match against a tricky Iran side who are capable of making a mark at the World Cup.

 

Tuesday, November 22

Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia

In what could be Lionel Messi’s last World Cup, Argentina face a relatively easy task. Facing one of the lowest FIFA Ranked nations in Saudi Arabia. The White and Sky blue will be looking for an easy match to strike some confidence into their dressing room.

Denmark vs. Tunisia

In Christian Eriksen’s first World Cup matches, since suffering a cardiac arrest at the Euro’s, Denmark will look to establish themselves in what could prove to be a difficult group. Squaring off against a Tunisian team under a new head coach might be a tricky matchup for the Danish Dynamite.

Mexico vs. Poland

Mexico and Poland compete in what could be the second slot behind Argentina in Group C. With the news of top striker Lewandowski leaving Bayern München, he will be looking to make an instant impact. While Mexico could provide a stern test and a worthy opponent in Group C.

France vs. Australia

The current World Cup holders will face Australia, in what should be a straightforward match for The Blues. They will be looking to bounce back after being knocked out in the Round of 16 at the 2020 Euros. Australia will be looking to build on their good fortune after qualifying on penalties against Peru.

 

Wednesday, November 23

Marocco vs. Croatia

Morroco and Croatia will play the first match in a very competitive Group F. While Morocco boast plenty of star power, Croatia will be looking to surprise again after reaching the World Cup final in 2018.

Germany vs. Japan

Germany will be eager to make up following a disastrous performance in defending the World Cup title in 2018. While Japan has shown that they can surprise even on the biggest stage of them all.

Spain vs. TBC

The Red Fury will face Costa Rica or New Zealand in their first of, hopefully, many World Cup matches. With a nice mix of experienced players and talented youngsters, Spain will be looking to establish themselves early in Qatar.

Belgium vs. Canada

Belgium hoping to make use of its golden generation are expected to go far in Qatar. However, Canada looked impressive in qualification and could cause an upset in a competitive group.

 

Thursday, November 24

Switzerland vs. Cameroon

Group G might be a case of a fight for second place, with Brazil expected to dominate. The first match with Switzerland playing against Cameroon might prove a vital one in the clash for the second spot.

Uruguay vs. Korean Republic

Uruguay are hoping to start off the World Cup positively after a rocky qualifying campaign. While South Korea will rely on the brilliant Son Heung-Min to give them any hope of advanced to the knock-out stages.

Portugal vs. Ghana

After qualification through the tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo would like to do something special in what are most likely his last World Cup matches. They will face one of the lowest-ranked nations to compete in the World Cup, Ghana.

Brazil vs. Serbia

The number 1 ranked team are set to face a stern Serbia team in their first match. Serbia will be confident in causing an upset after a strong qualification. While Brazil will be able to use their squad depth and star power throughout the tournament.

All other information about the World Cup can be found in our World Cup 2022 Guide.

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