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FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: 32 team-by-team previews ahead of the big kick off

 


Dubai: The wait is almost over and the most predicted FIFA World Cup inside the history of the event kicks off the next day tonight when hosts Qatar face Ecuador on the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar at 8pm.

This showpiece has all of the substances of being the most thrilling event and additionally the maximum unpredictable in addition to the entire international receives set to watch the movement unfurl over the next five weeks.

28 days

For the first time ever the World Cup is taking priority over domestic leagues across Europe. Depending on what occurs, it is able to come to be gambling a element in identifying them. The tournament is taking place within the middle of the home season and golf equipment which include Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris-Saint Germain, AC Milan, Bayern Munich and more have waved good-bye to their superstars at a important point inside the marketing campaign. The cognizance is now on the 32 countrywide teams who will be competing over the following 28 days in Doha in which there can be a carnival-like environment.

Why is the World Cup in November this 12 months?

After the World Cup become offered to Qatar in 2010 it become quick determined that it'd be too warm to host the match in the course of its regular window in the summer season months of June and July. Therefore the primary-ever wintry weather World Cup is taking vicinity. Domestic leagues around the sector have postponed their seasons to accommodate this winter World Cup. Most will restart in late December and early January.


Which groups are the favourites?

European groups had been crowned champions at each match due to the fact that 2002, with the trophies shared among Italy, Spain, Germany and France, but expectations are swelling in Argentina and Brazil that the time has come once more for one of the two South American powerhouses.


Argentina will be desperate to win it as it might be the ultimate finals for big name man Lionel Messi. The 35-yr PSG attacker has already stated he will retire from the countrywide group after the event and it would be a notable manner to log out by way of lifting the well-known gold trophy.

Ronaldo's remaining hazard

It may also be the last hurrah for Portugal’s 37-12 months-old Cristiano Ronaldo on the sector’s biggest level and he will need to exit with a bang. Brazil - chasing their first World Cup triumph in two a long time - are the favourites and that isn't a surprise when you see their strike pressure. Their attacking options encompass Neymar, Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Jr, Antony, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Richarlison, Pedro and Gabriel Jesus. That is a wealth of talent to name upon however there are lots of other sub-plots too and it promises to be a riveting month of motion.

Who will win the Golden Boot?

Will England’s Harry Kane emerge as the primary player to win two Golden Boots? Or will it be France’s Karim Benzema? And have Denmark changed Turkey as every body’s favorite darkish horse? Or will Serbia win that tag? And apart for Spain’s Pedri which different youngster has the hazard to make the level his own?


How do World Cup organizations work?

Each of the eight World Cup companies have four teams in them. The top two teams in every group enhance to the remaining 16 to take part in the knockout rounds. The backside two groups in every group are knocked out. If you win a recreation inside the knockout round you boost to the next spherical and if you lose, you’re out.

What is the World Cup mascot called for 2022?

The mascot for Qatar 2022 is called La’eeb. That call is an Arabic term for ‘wonderful-professional participant’ and Qatar say the mascot may be recognised for his ‘youthful spirit’ and ‘spreading pleasure and self assurance’ everywhere he travels.



How many people will watch the World Cup?

It is anticipated that 5 billion humans round the world will watch the World Cup action. That will surpass the 3.5 billion who watched the 2018 event in Russia.


GROUP A

Ecuador

Their vicinity turned into challenged numerous times over an alleged participant eligibility trouble and though La Tri’s World Cup qualifying run has been overshadowed a tad by means of this it shouldn’t be not noted. They could purpose a marvel...


Coach: Gustavo Alfaro


Player to Watch: Enner Valencia, ahead


The 33-12 months-antique is scoring goals at a better rate than ever before. Ecuador’s all-time main goalscorer has tallied 13 purpose in 12 suits for first-region Fenerbahce within the Turkish Super League. Alongside Michael Estrada, Valencia will want to be at his first-class to turn around his side’s goalscoring fortunes.



World Cup History


Fourth appearance


Last appearance: 2014 (Group stage)


Best end: Round of 16 in 2006


Netherlands

The Dutch missed out in 2018 but are returned with hopes of making any other deep run following a runner-up end in 2010 and 1/3-location honors in 2014.



Coach: Louis van Gaal


Player to Watch: Virgil van Dijk, middle again


The anchor of the Dutch defense for the final half of-decade, the Liverpool star possesses each high-quality essential of a current middle again. Alongside Juventus’s Matthijs de Ligt and Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij, the frightening middle lower back trio is one of the first-class in international football.


181120 Virgil

Virgil van Dijk.

World Cup History



11th look


Last appearance: 2014


Best end: Runner-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010


Qatar

Qatar has been constructing for this moment for years. Even earlier than FIFA standard the Middle Eastern country’s bid for the 2022 event in 2010, there has been a clean plan in area for both the united states and its country wide team to place on a show when the time comes. Can they do it?


Coach: Felix Sanchez



Player to Watch: Almoez Ali, striker


The 26-year-vintage Al-Sadd player will be up the front in a two-man attack alongside Akram Afif. Ali is at his first-rate while playing off the shoulder of the defender as Qatar tries to strike on the counter.


World Cup History


First look


Senegal

Sadio Mane led his kingdom to a primary Africa Cup of Nations title in February, but his absence looms over the entirety the Lions of Teranga are trying to attain in Qatar.



Coach: Aliou Cisse


Player to Watch: Edouard Mendy, goalkeeper


The Chelsea goalkeeper hasn’t been within the fine of form with his club this season, however relaxation assured that he’ll be one of the quality shot-stoppers in Qatar. And he can be key now what with their lack of firepower up front.


Recreation

Edouard Mendy.

World Cup History


Third appearance


Last look: 2018


Best finish: Quarterfinalist in 2002


GROUP B

England

England have come near in their final  main tournaments, but despite the fact that there’s a feel of staleness below Gareth Southgate heading into Qatar, they ought to be aiming to reach the area-finals at the least.


Coach: Gareth Southgate


Player to Watch: Harry Kane, striker


The Tottenham man is as prolific as they come in front of purpose, and he trails Wayne Rooney through  dreams for England’s all-time scoring file (fifty three). He can strike the ball from any angle and with both foot, play pinpoint passes in the buildup and end ruthlessly. If he is on track, England can do well.


Harry Kane for England v Germany

Harry Kane.

World Cup History


sixteenth look


Last appearance: 2018 (Fourth location)


Best end: Champion in 1966


Iran

Team Melli almost got out of a set with Spain and Portugal four years in the past and could fancy their chances once more with an less complicated group this time.


Coach: Carlos Queiroz


Player to Watch: Mehdi Taremi, ahead


The Porto striker has garnered hobby from Arsenal after recording double-digit dreams and assists in each of the last two years within the Portuguese Primeira Liga. The 30-yr-antique has masses of massive-game revel in — he’s performed in 15 Champions League matches with Porto and scored two desires to win a home cup final. He is within the first-class form of his profession proper now.


World Cup History


Sixth look


Last look: 2018 (Group level)


Best look: Group stage in 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014 and 2018


USA

The USA are back at the World Cup after missing out in 2018 and feature a young institution of gamers who have executed lots at some of Europe’s pinnacle golf equipment.


Coach: Gregg Berhalter


Player to Watch: Christian Pulisic, ahead


Pulisic has struggled to find his footing at Chelsea over the last year, but his pace and decisiveness make him certainly one of Group B’s maximum dangerous attackers.


Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic.

World Cup History


eleventh appearance


Last look: 2014 (Round of sixteen)


Best finish: Third vicinity in 1930

Wales

Wales have now not been at the World Cup given that 1958, and with Gareth Bale on the back nine of his career, they may want to make a few noise.

Coach: Rob Page

Player to Watch: Gareth Bale, forward

This is the 33-year-old’s first World Cup. He’s misplaced a chunk of pace and his fitness degree remains in query, but he's nevertheless the face of a state and has a unique completing capability that could show essential.

Wales captain Gareth Bale in opposition to Czech Republic.

Gareth Bale.

World Cup History


Second appearance

Last appearance: 1958 (Quarterfinals)

Best finish: Quarterfinals in 1958

GROUP C

Argentina

It’s Lionel Messi’s remaining World Cup and Argentina just would possibly have the squad to get the all-time superb the only trophy missing from his glittering career.

Coach: Lionel Scaloni

Player to Watch: Lionel Messi, ahead

Even at his superior age of 35 the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is still the remaining sport-breaker. Messi is magical with the ball at his ft. He may not be skating past defenders like he used to anymore however that magical left-foot is as suitable as ever. He can still area pinpoint line-breaking passes and frighten opposition defenses together with his otherworldly talent.

Argentina's Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi.

World Cup History

18th look

Last appearance: 2018

Best end: Champion in 1978 and 1986

Mexico

For seven directly World Cups, it’s been final-sixteen-and-out for El Tri. Amid plenty of stress and even as scuffling with injuries, can this time be one of a kind?

Coach: Gerardo “Tata” Martino

Player to Watch: Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, forward

Lozano introduced himself on the worldwide level with an iconic goal to conquer Germany in 2018. He’s battled damage the ultimate couple years at Italian aspect Napoli and didn’t effect tons in qualifying, but Lozano is Mexico’s most dynamic forward.

World Cup History

17th appearance

Last appearance: 2018, Round of sixteen

Best end: Quarterfinals in 1970 and 1986

Poland

The 2018 World Cup didn’t pass quite as Robert Lewandowski and Poland was hoping, and the pressure is on to make suitable on that four years later in a attainable organization.

Coach: Czesław Michniewicz

Player to Watch: Robert Lewandowski, ahead

The Barcelona guy is one of the high-quality natural goalscorers of his era. His device-like precision in the front of goal has earned him over six hundred profession desires for membership and united states. He can unmarried handedly get them out of the organization.

World Cup History

Ninth look

Last appearance: 2018 (Group level)

Best end: Third area in 1974 and 1982

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will need to locate the desires as a way to hold with the likes of Messi and Lewandowski. It is a tough organization and they will must be at their quality to adavnce to the ultimate sixteen.

Coach: Hervé Renard

Player to Watch: Salem Al-Dawsari, winger

The extensive forward turned into the primary goal scorer in qualifying with 7 in 13 matches. He’ll should regain shape after an injury saved him out of several pre-tournament friendlies, but the 2021 AFC Champions League most valuable player may be crucial to turning around his facet’s goal drought.

World Cup History

Sixth appearance

Last look: 2018

Best end: Round of sixteen in 1994

GROUP D

Australia

17 of their 26 gamers are going to revel in their first World Cup — and they’ll need to tame  pinnacle European powers to stay beyond 3 video games. It’s the state’s 5th immediately World Cup look.

Coach: Graham Arnold

Player to Watch: Mat Ryan, goalkeeper

Ryan may have overlooked out at the decisive penalty shootout within the playoff, however he's Australia’s No. 1 choice in purpose. The maximum experienced participant in this roster will have his 1/3 and final risk to make his mark at a World Cup.

World Cup History

Sixth look

Last look: 2018 (Group level)

Best end: Round of 16 in 2006

Denmark

Christian Eriksen is lower back for a team that went on an inspired run to the Euro 2020 semifinals and is more than able to some other deep run on the World Cup level.

Coach: Kasper Hjulmand

Player to Watch: Christian Eriksen, midfielder

It shouldn’t be glossed over just how outstanding it's far that Eriksen is gambling in any respect, a whole lot less at a excessive stage. His return to the pitch went swimmingly at Brentford before he made the summer time pass to Manchester United. His capacity to play line-breaking passes provides a completely unique detail to this squad inside the assault.

Christian Eriksen.

World Cup History

Sixth look

Last appearance: 2018 (Round of 16)

Best finish: Quarterfinals in 1998

France

There’s no denying France’s intensity of expertise, however accidents, chemistry and rancid-discipline drama again threaten to derail Les Bleus on the largest degree. No champion has repeated in 60 years, and four of the ultimate five have gone out in the next institution degree.

Coach: Didier Deschamps

Player to Watch: Kylian Mbappe, ahead

Paris-Saint Germain famous person Mbappé has the tempo and ability to show almost any defender in the world into knots. If he’s allowed to make one in every of his signature charging runs in at the back of the protection, no person could be able to trap him.

Kylian Mbappe hit four desires as France beaten Kazakhstan eight-zero

Kylian Mbappe.

World Cup history

16th appearance

Last appearance: 2018 (Champion)

Best finish: Champion in 1998 and 2018

Tunisia

Tunisia has never made the knockout stage in five previous World Cup appearances, and it’ll take a monumental effort to keep away from a 6th such final results.

Coach: Jalel Kadri

Player to Watch: Wahbi Khazri, ahead

The 31-year-vintage scored 3 goals in 8 appearances in qualifying. He’s second on his nation’s all-time purpose scoring listing, however he’ll in all likelihood want to shake off some rust in Qatar as he has began simply 3 times for membership facet Montpellier in view that mid-September.

World Cup History

Sixth look

Last appearance: 2018 (Group level)

Best finish: Group stage in 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018

GROUP E

Costa Rica

Grouped with Spain, Germany and Japan, can Costa Rica conjure the magic of 2014 with an experienced center giving it one extra run?

Coach: Luis Fernando Suarez

Player to Watch: Joel Campbell, ahead

The former Arsenal product, now with Mexican side León, will make his 0.33 World Cup look. His experience could be important to Los Ticos’ attack in Qatar.

World Cup History

Sixth look

Last look: 2018 (Group level)

Best end: Quarterfinals in 2014

Germany

The 2018 World Cup became a countrywide catastrophe for the Germans, who're again with a mix of stars old and new and an skilled supervisor tying it all collectively. They appear primed to embark on a run that meets expectancies.

Coach: Hansi Flick

Player to Watch: Kai Havertz, ahead

A flexible weapon that could gift lots of troubles for opposing defenses, Havertz has scored 16 desires for club and united states in 2022. The Chelsea guy can play as a No. Nine, drop in in the back of a striker or roam, so that it will be extremely beneficial to Flick.

Copy of Germany_Hungary_Euro_2020_Soccer_26165.Jpg-f6b08-1624520474212

Kai Havertz.

World Cup History

20th look

Last appearance: 2018, group level

Best finish: Champion in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014

Japan

The Samurai Blue are in a brutal organization with Spain and Germany, but the capacity giant killers need to no longer be disregarded.

Coach: Hajime Moriyasu

Player to Watch: Takumi Minamino, midfielder

No one on Japan’s team over the past international spoil came in with extra worldwide desires than the gifted attacker’s 17. But Minamino has struggled relatively in his club profession in view that his circulate to Liverpool in 2020 and departure for Monaco this summer season.

World Cup History

Seventh look

Last appearance: 2018 (Round of sixteen)

Best finish: Round of 16 in 2002, 2010 and 2018

Spain

La Furia Roja haven’t loved a whole lot World Cup fulfillment considering triumphing it all in 2010, but promising young stars will be the important thing to a deep run.

Coach: Luis Enrique

Player to Watch: Pedri, midfielder

He is the 2021 Golden Boy for a reason. Pedri’s performances at Euro 2020 and the Olympics mean that the 2022 World Cup is his threat to take the sector by using storm. The 19-12 months-vintage is one of the maximum dynamic midfielders in the game, drawing lofty comparisons to Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi, and could wow together with his dribbling and vision.

Pedri.

World Cup History

sixteenth look

Last appearance: 2018 (Round of 16)

Best finish: Winner in 2010

GROUP F

Belgium

Belgium completed 1/3 in 2018 and pushed France to the edge in the semifinals, but its golden era needs gold medals to validate its technology.

Coach: Roberto Martínez

Player to Watch: Kevin De Bruyne, midfielder

From his playmaking abilities to his surprising work charge, the Manchester City celebrity is one of the excellent midfielders in the global and is coming off a profession year that recently landed him a 3rd-place end in Ballon d’Or voting. The 31-year-old may have all eyes on him after making the 2018 World Cup Dream Team in Russia and will be predicted to lead the Red Devils deep into the match.

Kevin De Bruyne.

World Cup History

14th look

Last look: 2018 (Semifinals)

Best finish: Third-vicinity finish in 2018

Canada

When Canada’s men had been ultimate in the World Cup 36 years in the past, it went horribly incorrect, however this new generation has the bright younger stars to make some noise.

Coach: John Herdman

Player to Watch: Alphonso Davies, winger

The Bayern Munich youngster is the clear famous person of the Canadian crew. Davies has been utilized in a spread of roles by way of Herdman, such as as a winger, a fullback and an attacking midfielder, and that versatility is positive to attract the attention of every World Cup opponent.

World Cup history

Second look

Last appearance: 1986 (Group stage)

Best end: Group stage in 1986

Croatia

Croatia fell one win quick of a historical World Cup triumph in Russia, but it’s back in Qatar led by means of some familiar faces who aren’t achieved simply but.

Coach: Zlatko Dalić

Player to Watch: Luka Modrić, midfielder

The Real Madrid megastar lead Croatia to a 2nd-region end in Russia. The 37-yr-antique continues to be a version of best and sophistication in midfield and if he is on song Croatia will cross far another time.

World Cup History

Sixth appearance

Last look: 2018 (Runner-up)

Best finish: Runner-up in 2018

Morocco

Major developments close to the start of the World Cup have modified the game for the Atlas Lions, whose group won’t do them any favors.

Coach: Walid Regragui

Player to Watch: Achraf Hakimi, fullback

The 24-12 months-old is the group’s clear famous person. With a mixture of deft passing capacity and technical defensive acumen, Hakimi is an excellent talent at proper again, even though with Morocco he often plays on the left to permit for some of the team’s other expertise to take the sphere at the right. Hakimi has staked his declare as one of the first-class fullbacks inside the international at Paris Saint-Germain during the last year.

World Cup History

Sixth look

Last look: 2018 (Group degree)

Best end: Round of 16 in 1986

GROUP G

Brazil

With a World Cup identify drought of two decades, Brazil aren't keeping again on the firepower as FIFA’s pinnacle-ranked aspect gears up for a run on the trophy they crave.

Coach: Tite

Player to Watch: Neymar, forward

The 30-12 months-vintage forward comes into the World Cup with six profession dreams in the competition, however the PSG superstar can certainly make his mark at the goalscoring charts in Qatar with 3 extra goals, which will see him skip Pelé (seventy seven dreams) as Brazil’s all-time leading guys’s goalscorer.

World Cup History

22nd appearance

Last appearance: 2018 (Quarterfinals)

Best end: Winner in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002

Cameroon

It’s been two decades for the reason that Indomitable Lions final gained a World Cup suit. Will a squad flush with attacking talent be capable of convey an quit to that extend of futility?

Coach: Rigobert Song

Player to Watch: Vincent Aboubakar, forward

The 30-year-vintage striker has been scoring dreams from Cameroon for extra than a decade. Aboubakar’s 33 profession global dreams for Cameroon is most effective handed by way of African soccer royalty in Eto’o and Roger Milla. Aboubakar, who performs for Saudi Arabian aspect Al Nassr, made his largest mark at the worldwide degree at the African Cup of Nations final winter scoring eight of the us of a’s 14 goals within the tournament.

World Cup History

Eighth look

Last appearance: 2014 (Group degree)

Best end: Quarterfinals in 1990

Serbia

Few groups have as completed attacking gamers as Serbia — and they’ll want to be firing at full potential based totally on their group in Qatar.

Coach: Dragan Stojković

Player to Watch: Dusan Vlahovic, ahead

The 22-year-old Juventus striker is already a celeb in his personal right, however the World Cup degree is in which he can end up a household call if he lives as much as his capacity. Vlahović can do all of it as a ahead, from his notable completing potential to hold-up play and aerial prowess in front of purpose.

World Cup History

thirteenth look (such as as Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro)

Last appearance: 2018 (Round of 16)

Best end: Semifinals in 1930 and 1962 (as Yugoslavia)

Switzerland

The Swiss knocked France out of the Euros and topped a World Cup qualifying institution with Italy. The dark-horse side is in a hard group, however has all the ability to meet hovering expectations.

Coach: Murat Yakin

Player to Watch: Granit Xhaka, midfielder

The crucial midfielder is the key chief of the Swiss group. Only Xherdan Shaqiri has made greater appearances for Switzerland inside the energetic squad, and the two might be relied upon closely. Xhaka has come up large at the World Cup degree before, scoring in each of the closing  tournaments. But it is his tenacity and reliability in midfield in order to be key to advancing to the knockout stage, specially if Switzerland hopes to stem a talented Brazilian assault and defeat Serbia in a hard final organization-stage matchup.

Copy of 2022-11-04T160508Z_1816228873_RC2JQU9G0RJJ_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-WORLDCUP-SWI-XHAKA-1667633342531

Granit Xhaka.

World Cup History

twelfth look

Last appearance: 2018 (Round of sixteen)

Best end: Quarterfinals in 1934, 1938 and 1954

GROUP H

Ghana

The avenue to the World Cup has been whatever but clean for the lowest-ranked group within the event, but the Black Stars could outperform expectancies thanks to new reinforcements.

Coach: Otto Addo

Player to Watch: Thomas Partey, midfielder

The Arsenal vital midfielder is the state’s biggest skills. Everything runs through him for Ghana. He is a hub of interest in midfield and controls passing lanes, puts a cork in opposing assaults and organizes the crew along with his work rate.

World Cup History

Fourth look

Last look: 2014 (Group Stage)

Best end: Quarterfinals in 2010

South Korea

The Asian side has its attractions set on a getting out of a difficult organization, but the reputation of superstar Son Heung-min’s eye would possibly in the end decide its fortunes.

Coach: Paulo Bento

Player to Watch: Son Heung-min, forward


The Tottenham forward comes into Qatar as South Korea’s golden superstar, and as one of the gamers to look at on the whole World Cup - supplied he’s able to carry out at full capability after suffering his harm vs. Marseille. But, the 30-12 months-old will nonetheless have high expectancies in Qatar.


Copy of 2022-06-06T130139Z_1720990540_UP1EI66106PF5_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-FRIENDLY-KOR-CHL-1654588839640

Son Heung-min.

World Cup History


eleventh appearance


Last look: 2018 (Group level)


Best finish: Fourth area in 2002


Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo headlines a squad stacked with expertise, but that’s rarely been the problem for Portugal. Putting it all collectively on the World Cup degree stays the task.


Coach: Fernando Santos


Player to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo, ahead


The 37-yer-old has had his issues at Manchester United this season but is predicted to move all out in what is going to likely be his final hazard on the World Cup. His amazing log of 117 dreams from 191 global appearances ought to handiest develop in Qatar.

Eighth look


Last appearance: 2018 (Round of sixteen)


Best end: Third vicinity in 1966


Uruguay

La Celeste rallied in World Cup qualifying to cement their area in Qatar, giving the likes of Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Godín one extra shot at the grand degree. They still rely upon the old guard—however have a few capable younger blood who can take on the baton.


Coach: Diego Alonso


Player to Watch: Luis Suarez, ahead


The 35-12 months-antique striker continues to be a first-rate part of this Uruguay crew. The former Barcelona and Liverpool big name has scored seven dreams in his World Cup career, one behind the Uruguayan record. After two years with Atletico Madrid, Suarez made the flow again to Uruguay with Nacional, in which he has scored eight goals in 14 appearances.


Uruguay’s Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez.

World Cup History


14th appearance


Last appearance: 2018 (Quarterfinals)


Best finish: Winner in 1930 and 1950

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