FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: 32 team-by-team previews
Who are the best sides and the players to look out for? It’s all here in our bumper guide
Dubai: The wait is almost over and the most anticipated FIFA World Cup in the history of the tournament kicks off tomorrow tonight when hosts Qatar face Ecuador at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar at 8pm.
This showpiece has all the ingredients of being the most exciting tournament and also the most unpredictable as well as the entire world gets set to watch the action unfurl over the next five weeks.
28 days
For the first time ever the World Cup is taking precedence over domestic leagues across Europe. Depending on what happens, it could end up playing a part in deciding them. The tournament is taking place in the middle of the domestic season and clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris-Saint Germain, AC Milan, Bayern Munich and more have waved goodbye to their superstars at a crucial point in the campaign. The focus is now on the 32 national teams who will be competing over the next 28 days in Doha where there will be a carnival-like atmosphere.
Why is the World Cup in November this year?
After the World Cup was awarded to Qatar in 2010 it was quickly decided that it would be too hot to host the tournament during its normal window in the summer months of June and July. Therefore the first-ever winter World Cup is taking place. Domestic leagues around the world have postponed their seasons to accommodate this winter World Cup. Most will restart in late December and early January.
Which teams are the favourites?
European teams have been crowned champions at every tournament since 2002, with the trophies shared among Italy, Spain, Germany and France, but expectations are swelling in Argentina and Brazil that the time has come again for one of the two South American powerhouses.
Argentina will be desperate to win it because it will be the last finals for star man Lionel Messi. The 35-year PSG attacker has already said he will retire from the national team after the tournament and it would be a great way to sign off by lifting the famous gold trophy.
Ronaldo's last chance
It will also be the last hurrah for Portugal’s 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo on the world’s biggest stage and he will want to go out with a bang. Brazil - chasing their first World Cup triumph in two decades - are the favourites and that is not a surprise when you see their strike force. Their attacking options include Neymar, Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Jr, Antony, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Richarlison, Pedro and Gabriel Jesus. That is a wealth of talent to call upon but there are plenty of other sub-plots too and it promises to be a riveting month of action.
Who will win the Golden Boot?
Will England’s Harry Kane become the first player to win two Golden Boots? Or will it be France’s Karim Benzema? And have Denmark replaced Turkey as everyone’s favourite dark horse? Or will Serbia win that tag? And apart for Spain’s Pedri which other youngster has the chance to make the stage his own?
How do World Cup groups work?
Each of the eight World Cup groups have four teams in them. The top two teams in each group advance to the last 16 to participate in the knockout rounds. The bottom two teams in each group are knocked out. If you win a game in the knockout round you advance to the next round 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 name is an Arabic term for ‘super-skilled player’ and Qatar say the mascot will be known for his ‘youthful spirit’ and ‘spreading joy and confidence’ everywhere he travels.
How many people will watch the World Cup?
It is predicted that 5 billion people around the world will watch the World Cup action. That will surpass the 3.5 billion who watched the 2018 tournament in Russia.
GROUP A
Ecuador
Their place was challenged several times over an alleged player eligibility issue and though La Tri’s World Cup qualifying run has been overshadowed a tad by this it shouldn’t be overlooked. They could cause a surprise...
Coach: Gustavo Alfaro
Player to Watch: Enner Valencia, forward
The 33-year-old is scoring goals at a higher rate than ever before. Ecuador’s all-time leading goalscorer has tallied 13 goal in 12 matches for first-place Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super League. Alongside Michael Estrada, Valencia will need to be at his best to turn around his side’s goalscoring fortunes.
World Cup History
Fourth appearance
Last appearance: 2014 (Group stage)
Best finish: Round of 16 in 2006
Netherlands
The Dutch missed out in 2018 but are back with hopes of making another deep run following a runner-up finish in 2010 and third-place honors in 2014.
Coach: Louis van Gaal
Player to Watch: Virgil van Dijk, center back
The anchor of the Dutch defense for the last half-decade, the Liverpool star possesses every quality necessary of a modern center back. Alongside Juventus’s Matthijs de Ligt and Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij, the frightening center back trio is one of the best in world football.
World Cup History
11th appearance
Last appearance: 2014
Best finish: Runner-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010
Qatar
Qatar has been building for this moment for years. Even before FIFA accepted the Middle Eastern nation’s bid for the 2022 tournament in 2010, there has been a clear plan in place for both the country and its national team to put on a show when the time comes. Can they do it?
Coach: Felix Sanchez
Player to Watch: Almoez Ali, striker
The 26-year-old Al-Sadd player will be up front in a two-man attack alongside Akram Afif. Ali is at his best when playing off the shoulder of the defender as Qatar tries to strike on the counter.
World Cup History
First appearance
Senegal
Sadio Mane led his nation to a first Africa Cup of Nations title in February, but his absence looms over everything the Lions of Teranga are attempting to achieve in Qatar.
Coach: Aliou Cisse
Player to Watch: Edouard Mendy, goalkeeper
The Chelsea goalkeeper hasn’t been in the best of form with his club this season, but rest assured that he’ll be one of the best shot-stoppers in Qatar. And he could be key now what with their lack of firepower up front.
World Cup History
Third appearance
Last appearance: 2018
Best finish: Quarterfinalist in 2002
GROUP B
England
England have come close in their last two major tournaments, but although there’s a sense of staleness under Gareth Southgate heading into Qatar, they should be aiming to reach the quarter-finals at the very least.
Coach: Gareth Southgate
Player to Watch: Harry Kane, striker
The Tottenham man is as prolific as they come in front of goal, and he trails Wayne Rooney by two goals for England’s all-time scoring record (53). He can strike the ball from any angle and with either foot, play pinpoint passes in the buildup and finish ruthlessly. If he is on song, England can do well.
World Cup History
16th appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Fourth place)
Best finish: Champion in 1966
Iran
Team Melli nearly got out of a group with Spain and Portugal four years ago and will fancy their chances again with an easier group this time.
Coach: Carlos Queiroz
Player to Watch: Mehdi Taremi, forward
The Porto striker has garnered interest from Arsenal after recording double-digit goals and assists in each of the last two years in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. The 30-year-old has lots of big-game experience — he’s played in 15 Champions League matches with Porto and scored two goals to win a domestic cup final. He is in the best form of his career right now.
World Cup History
Sixth appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Group stage)
Best appearance: Group stage in 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014 and 2018
USA
The USA are back at the World Cup after missing out in 2018 and have a young group of players who have achieved plenty at some of Europe’s top clubs.
Coach: Gregg Berhalter
Player to Watch: Christian Pulisic, forward
Pulisic has struggled to find his footing at Chelsea over the last year, but his pace and decisiveness make him one of Group B’s most dangerous attackers.
World Cup History
11th appearance
Last appearance: 2014 (Round of 16)
Best finish: Third place in 1930
Wales
Wales have not been at the World Cup since 1958, and with Gareth Bale on the back nine of his career, they will want to make some noise.
Coach: Rob Page
Player to Watch: Gareth Bale, forward
This is the 33-year-old’s first World Cup. He’s lost a bit of pace and his fitness level remains in question, but he is still the face of a nation and has a special finishing ability that could prove crucial.
World Cup History
Second appearance
Last appearance: 1958 (Quarterfinals)
Best finish: Quarterfinals in 1958
GROUP C
Argentina
It’s Lionel Messi’s last World Cup and Argentina just might have the squad to get the all-time great the one trophy missing from his glittering career.
Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Player to Watch: Lionel Messi, forward
Even at his advanced age of 35 the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is still the ultimate game-breaker. Messi is magical with the ball at his feet. He might not be skating past defenders like he used to anymore but that magical left-foot is as good as ever. He can still place pinpoint line-breaking passes and frighten opposition defenses with his otherworldly skill.
World Cup History
18th appearance
Last appearance: 2018
Best finish: Champion in 1978 and 1986
Mexico
For seven straight World Cups, it’s been last-16-and-out for El Tri. Amid plenty of pressure and while battling injuries, can this time be different?
Coach: Gerardo “Tata” Martino
Player to Watch: Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, forward
Lozano announced himself on the global stage with an iconic goal to beat Germany in 2018. He’s battled injury the last couple years at Italian side Napoli and didn’t impact much in qualifying, but Lozano is Mexico’s most dynamic forward.
World Cup History
17th appearance
Last appearance: 2018, Round of 16
Best finish: Quarterfinals in 1970 and 1986
Poland
The 2018 World Cup didn’t go quite as Robert Lewandowski and Poland hoped, and the pressure is on to make good on that four years later in a manageable group.
Coach: Czesław Michniewicz
Player to Watch: Robert Lewandowski, forward
The Barcelona man is one of the best pure goalscorers of his generation. His machine-like precision in front of goal has earned him over 600 career goals for club and country. He can single handedly get them out of the group.
World Cup History
Ninth appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Group stage)
Best finish: Third place in 1974 and 1982
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia will need to find the goals to be able to hang with the likes of Messi and Lewandowski. It is a tough group and they will have to be at their best to adavnce to the last 16.
Coach: Hervé Renard
Player to Watch: Salem Al-Dawsari, winger
The wide forward was the primary goal scorer in qualifying with 7 in 13 matches. He’ll have to regain form after an injury kept him out of several pre-tournament friendlies, but the 2021 AFC Champions League most valuable player will be crucial to turning around his side’s goal drought.
World Cup History
Sixth appearance
Last appearance: 2018
Best finish: Round of 16 in 1994
GROUP D
Australia
17 of their 26 players are going to experience their first World Cup — and they’ll have to tame two top European powers to stay beyond three games. It’s the nation’s fifth straight World Cup appearance.
Coach: Graham Arnold
Player to Watch: Mat Ryan, goalkeeper
Ryan may have missed out on the decisive penalty shootout in the playoff, but he is Australia’s No. 1 choice in goal. The most experienced player on this roster will have his third and final chance to make his mark at a World Cup.
World Cup History
Sixth appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Group stage)
Best finish: Round of 16 in 2006
Denmark
Christian Eriksen is back for a team that went on an inspired run to the Euro 2020 semifinals and is more than capable of another deep run on the World Cup stage.
Coach: Kasper Hjulmand
Player to Watch: Christian Eriksen, midfielder
It shouldn’t be glossed over just how remarkable it is that Eriksen is playing at all, much less at a high level. His return to the pitch went swimmingly at Brentford before he made the summer move to Manchester United. His ability to play line-breaking passes adds a unique element to this squad in the attack.
World Cup History
Sixth appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Round of 16)
Best finish: Quarterfinals in 1998
France
There’s no denying France’s depth of talent, but injuries, chemistry and off-field drama again threaten to derail Les Bleus on the biggest stage. No champion has repeated in 60 years, and four of the last five have gone out in the subsequent group stage.
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Player to Watch: Kylian Mbappe, forward
Paris-Saint Germain star Mbappé has the pace and skill to turn almost any defender in the world into knots. If he’s allowed to make one of his signature charging runs in behind the defense, nobody will be able to catch him.
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 avoid a sixth such outcome.
Coach: Jalel Kadri
Player to Watch: Wahbi Khazri, forward
The 31-year-old scored three goals in eight appearances in qualifying. He’s second on his nation’s all-time goal scoring list, but he’ll likely need to shake off some rust in Qatar as he has started just three times for club side Montpellier since mid-September.
World Cup History
Sixth appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Group stage)
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 core giving it one more run?
Coach: Luis Fernando Suarez
Player to Watch: Joel Campbell, forward
The former Arsenal product, now with Mexican side León, will make his third World Cup appearance. His experience will be crucial to Los Ticos’ attack in Qatar.
World Cup History
Sixth appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Group stage)
Best finish: Quarterfinals in 2014
Germany
The 2018 World Cup was a national disaster for the Germans, who are back with a blend of stars old and new and an experienced manager tying it all together. They appear primed to embark on a run that meets expectations.
Coach: Hansi Flick
Player to Watch: Kai Havertz, forward
A versatile weapon that can present plenty of problems for opposing defenses, Havertz has scored 16 goals for club and country in 2022. The Chelsea man can play as a No. 9, drop in behind a striker or roam, which will be extremely useful to Flick.
World Cup History
20th appearance
Last appearance: 2018, group stage
Best finish: Champion in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014
Japan
The Samurai Blue are in a brutal group with Spain and Germany, but the potential giant killers should not be overlooked.
Coach: Hajime Moriyasu
Player to Watch: Takumi Minamino, midfielder
No one on Japan’s team during the last international break came in with more international goals than the talented attacker’s 17. But Minamino has struggled somewhat in his club career since his move to Liverpool in 2020 and departure for Monaco this summer.
World Cup History
Seventh appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Round of 16)
Best finish: Round of 16 in 2002, 2010 and 2018
Spain
La Furia Roja haven’t enjoyed much World Cup success since winning it all in 2010, but promising young stars could be the key 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 chance to take the world by storm. The 19-year-old is one of the most dynamic midfielders in the game, drawing lofty comparisons to Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi, and will wow with his dribbling and vision.
World Cup History
16th appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Round of 16)
Best finish: Winner in 2010
GROUP F
Belgium
Belgium finished third in 2018 and pushed France to the brink in the semifinals, but its golden generation wants gold medals to validate its era.
Coach: Roberto Martínez
Player to Watch: Kevin De Bruyne, midfielder
From his playmaking abilities to his impressive work rate, the Manchester City star is one of the best midfielders in the world and is coming off a career year that recently landed him a third-place finish in Ballon d’Or voting. The 31-year-old will have all eyes on him after making the 2018 World Cup Dream Team in Russia and will be expected to lead the Red Devils deep into the tournament.
World Cup History
14th appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Semifinals)
Best finish: Third-place finish in 2018
Canada
When Canada’s men were last in the World Cup 36 years ago, it went horribly wrong, but this new generation has the bright young stars to make some noise.
Coach: John Herdman
Player to Watch: Alphonso Davies, winger
The Bayern Munich youngster is the clear star of the Canadian team. Davies has been used in a variety of roles by Herdman, including as a winger, a fullback and an attacking midfielder, and that versatility is sure to draw the attention of each World Cup opponent.
World Cup history
Second appearance
Last appearance: 1986 (Group stage)
Best finish: Group stage in 1986
Croatia
Croatia fell one win short of a historic World Cup triumph in Russia, but it’s back in Qatar led by some familiar faces who aren’t done just yet.
Coach: Zlatko Dalić
Player to Watch: Luka Modrić, midfielder
The Real Madrid star lead Croatia to a second-place finish in Russia. The 37-year-old is still a model of quality and class in midfield and if he is on song Croatia will go far once again.
World Cup History
Sixth appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Runner-up)
Best finish: Runner-up in 2018
Morocco
Major developments close to the start of the World Cup have changed 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-year-old is the team’s clear star. With a mix of deft passing ability and technical defensive acumen, Hakimi is an incredible talent at right back, although with Morocco he often plays on the left to allow for some of the team’s other talent to take the field on the right. Hakimi has staked his claim as one of the best fullbacks in the world at Paris Saint-Germain over the last year.
World Cup History
Sixth appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Group stage)
Best finish: Round of 16 in 1986
GROUP G
Brazil
With a World Cup title drought of 20 years, Brazil are not holding back on the firepower as FIFA’s top-ranked side gears up for a run at the trophy they crave.
Coach: Tite
Player to Watch: Neymar, forward
The 30-year-old forward comes into the World Cup with six career goals in the competition, but the PSG star can truly make his mark on the goalscoring charts in Qatar with three more goals, which will see him pass Pelé (77 goals) as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer.
World Cup History
22nd appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Quarterfinals)
Best finish: Winner in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002
Cameroon
It’s been 20 years since the Indomitable Lions last won a World Cup match. Will a squad flush with attacking talent be able to bring an end to that stretch of futility?
Coach: Rigobert Song
Player to Watch: Vincent Aboubakar, forward
The 30-year-old striker has been scoring goals from Cameroon for more than a decade. Aboubakar’s 33 career international goals for Cameroon is only surpassed by African soccer royalty in Eto’o and Roger Milla. Aboubakar, who plays for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, made his biggest mark on the international stage at the African Cup of Nations last winter scoring eight of the country’s 14 goals in the tournament.
World Cup History
Eighth appearance
Last appearance: 2014 (Group stage)
Best finish: Quarterfinals in 1990
Serbia
Few teams have as accomplished attacking players as Serbia — and they’ll need to be firing at full capacity based on their group in Qatar.
Coach: Dragan Stojković
Player to Watch: Dusan Vlahovic, forward
The 22-year-old Juventus striker is already a star in his own right, but the World Cup stage is where he can become a household name if he lives up to his potential. Vlahović can do it all as a forward, from his incredible finishing ability to hold-up play and aerial prowess in front of goal.
World Cup History
13th appearance (including as Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro)
Last appearance: 2018 (Round of 16)
Best finish: Semifinals in 1930 and 1962 (as Yugoslavia)
Switzerland
The Swiss knocked France out of the Euros and topped a World Cup qualifying group with Italy. The dark-horse side is in a tough group, but has all the potential to meet soaring expectations.
Coach: Murat Yakin
Player to Watch: Granit Xhaka, midfielder
The central midfielder is the key leader of the Swiss team. Only Xherdan Shaqiri has made more appearances for Switzerland in the active squad, and the two will be relied upon heavily. Xhaka has come up big on the World Cup stage before, scoring in each of the last two tournaments. But it is his tenacity and reliability in midfield that will be key to advancing to the knockout stage, especially if Switzerland hopes to stem a talented Brazilian attack and defeat Serbia in a tough final group-stage matchup.
World Cup History
12th appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Round of 16)
Best finish: Quarterfinals in 1934, 1938 and 1954
GROUP H
Ghana
The road to the World Cup has been anything but smooth for the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, but the Black Stars could outperform expectations thanks to new reinforcements.
Coach: Otto Addo
Player to Watch: Thomas Partey, midfielder
The Arsenal central midfielder is the nation’s biggest talent. Everything runs through him for Ghana. He is a hub of activity in midfield and controls passing lanes, puts a cork in opposing attacks and organizes the team with his work rate.
World Cup History
Fourth appearance
Last appearance: 2014 (Group Stage)
Best finish: Quarterfinals in 2010
South Korea
The Asian side has its sights set on a getting out of a difficult group, but the status of star Son Heung-min’s eye might ultimately determine its fortunes.
Coach: Paulo Bento
Player to Watch: Son Heung-min, forward
The Tottenham forward comes into Qatar as South Korea’s golden star, and as one of the players to watch at the entire World Cup - provided he’s able to perform at full capacity after suffering his injury vs. Marseille. But, the 30-year-old will still have high expectations in Qatar.
World Cup History
11th appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Group stage)
Best finish: Fourth place in 2002
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo headlines a squad stacked with talent, but that’s rarely been the issue for Portugal. Putting it all together on the World Cup stage remains the challenge.
Coach: Fernando Santos
Player to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo, forward
The 37-yer-old has had his problems at Manchester United this season but is expected to go all out in what will likely be his last chance at the World Cup. His impressive log of 117 goals from 191 international appearances should only grow in Qatar.
World Cup History
Eighth appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Round of 16)
Best finish: Third place in 1966
Uruguay
La Celeste rallied in World Cup qualifying to cement their place in Qatar, giving the likes of Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Godín one more shot on the grand stage. They still rely on the old guard—but have some capable young blood who can take on the baton.
Coach: Diego Alonso
Player to Watch: Luis Suarez, forward
The 35-year-old striker is still a major part of this Uruguay team. The former Barcelona and Liverpool star has scored seven goals in his World Cup career, one behind the Uruguayan record. After two years with Atletico Madrid, Suarez made the move back to Uruguay with Nacional, where he has scored eight goals in 14 appearances.
World Cup History
14th appearance
Last appearance: 2018 (Quarterfinals)
Best finish: Winner in 1930 and 1950