The World Cup 2022 in Qatar has arrived and is officially underway!
We have everything you need to know right here regarding all the goings-on in the Middle East, including the dates, groups, teams, latest news, fixtures and results over the next four weeks.
All eyes will be on England and Wales as they both face off against each other in Group B, with both teams looking to progress as far into the competition as they can.
This year's tournament has already illustrated that it will be far from straightforward and predictable after Saudi Arabia pulled off a stunning World Cup upset by beating Argentina 2-1. No doubt, there will be plenty more surprises thrown up in the coming weeks.
Scroll down to find out everything you need to know about the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Latest News
Update 18th December: Lionel Messi has completed football by winning the World Cup, and footage of the moment that he realised Argentina had won is truly spine-tingling.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 18, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after winning the World Cup REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
Read more: The incredible moment Lionel Messi realised he had won the World Cup
Update 18th December: Drake has placed a mammoth bet on the World Cup final between Argentina and France. Has he cursed Lionel Messi's side?
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 13: Lionel Messi celebrates after their sides third goal by Julian Alvarez of Argentina (not pictured) during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi final match between Argentina and Croatia at Lusail Stadium on December 13, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Read more: World Cup final: Drake places mammoth bet on Argentina vs France
Update 16th December: Lionel Messi has broken down the fascinating strategy behind his 99.9% unsaveable penalty against Croatia, which was found to be the finest spot-kick of the entire World Cup so far.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Semi Final - Argentina v Croatia - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 13, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi scores their first goal from the penalty spot past Croatia's Dominik Livakovic REUTERS/Carl Recine
Read more: Lionel Messi's strategy behind 99.9% unsaveable World Cup penalty vs Croatia
Update 15th December: Karim Benzema has not played a match for France at the World Cup due to injury. But reports have suggested he may be able to play against Argentina in the final on Sunday. Didier Deschamps was asked about Benzema's availability after their win against Morocco.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JUNE 23: Karim Benzema of France reacts after the linesman gives his goal as on offside. After a VAR check the goal stands and France score their second goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group F match between Portugal and France at Puskas Arena on June 23, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Read more: Karim Benzema: Will France star play in World Cup final vs Argentina?
Update 14th December: Morocco might have been eliminated from the 2022 World Cup against France in the semi-finals, but they still produced one of the best moments of the tournament: Sofyan Amrabat's superhuman tackle on Kylian Mbappe.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Semi Final - France v Morocco - Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar - December 14, 2022 France's Kylian Mbappe in action with Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
Read more: Best 2022 World Cup moment? Morocco star's epic tackle on Kylian Mbappe
Update 13th December: Lionel Messi produced a contender for the best assist of the World Cup for Argentina vs Croatia. Fan footage makes it look even more astonishing.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 13: Lionel Messi of Argentina controls the ball against Josko Gvardiol of Croatia during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi final match between Argentina and Croatia at Lusail Stadium on December 13, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Read more: Lionel Messi: Fan footage of Argentina star’s assist shows his genius
Update 12th December: Neymar has shared DMs with Brazil teammates Marquinhos, Thiago Silva and Rodrygo after their World Cup exit.
AL RAYYAN, QATAR - DECEMBER 09: Neymar of Brazil looks on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Croatia and Brazil at Education City Stadium on December 09, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Read more: Neymar messages: Brazil star shares DMs with teammates after World Cup exit
Update 12th December: Full footage has emerged of Cristiano Ronaldo gradually breaking down in tears as he left the pitch after Portugal's elimination vs Morocco.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Quarter Final - Morocco v Portugal - Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar - December 10, 2022 Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after a Portugal's chance to score REUTERS/Carl Recine
Read more: Cristiano Ronaldo: Full footage of Portugal icon's reaction to World Cup exit
Update 11th December: Kylian Mbappe couldn't help himself after Harry Kane missed a late penalty for England. His reaction said it all.
Read more: Kylian Mbappe's full reaction to Harry Kane's missed penalty in France 2-1 England
Update 10th December: Pepe was fuming that an Argentine referee was in charge for Portugal's 1-0 defeat against Morocco. He made his feelings very clear after the game.
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 10: Pepe of Portugal speaks to Referee Facundo Tello after the team's defeat during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Morocco and Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium on December 10, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Read more: World Cup: Pepe fumed about Argentine ref & Lionel Messi after Portugal 0-1 Morocco
Update 10th December: Argentina's players have been slammed for taunting their Dutch opponents after the penalty shoot-out, but epic aerial footage may explain why they did it.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 09: Argentina players celebrate after their win in the penalty shootout as Netherlands players looks dejected during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Netherlands and Argentina at Lusail Stadium on December 09, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Read more: World Cup: Footage shows why Argentina’s players taunted Netherlands’ players after penalties
Update 10th December: Tunnel footage shows Wout Weghorst's altercation with Argentina players and explains why Lionel Messi snapped while doing a post-match interview.
Read more:Lionel Messi: Tunnel footage shows Wout Weghorst altercation with Argentina players
Update 9th December: Lionel Messi was filmed snapping at a member of the Dutch camp before he gave an interview in the mixed zone in the wake of Argentina's dramatic win on penalties.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Quarter Final - Netherlands v Argentina - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 10, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after he scores a penalty during a penalty shootout REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
Read more: Lionel Messi snaps at member of Dutch camp after Argentina win
Update 9th December: Neymar looked absolutely distraught when Brazil were knocked out on penalties against Croatia, but still showed his class when a young fan ran over to him.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Quarter Final - Croatia v Brazil - Education City Stadium, Doha, Qatar - December 9, 2022 Brazil's Neymar and Dani Alves look dejected after being eliminated from the World Cup REUTERS/Matthew Childs
Read more: Distraught Neymar showed class after Brazil’s shock World Cup exit v Croatia
Update 8th December: Raheem Sterling will return to the England squad ahead of their huge quarter-final match vs France.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Raheem Sterling of England in action during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on September 26, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Update 8th December: According to reports in Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave after being told he was benched against Switzerland.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 06: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts to coming onto the pitch during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Switzerland at Lusail Stadium on December 06, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Read more: Cristiano Ronaldo 'threatened to leave World Cup' after he was benched vs Switzerland
Update 7th December: Bernardo Silva was the only Portugal player left on the pitch during the celebrations for Goncalo Ramos' first goal vs Switzerland - and fans think they know why.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 06: Goncalo Ramos of Portugal celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Switzerland at Lusail Stadium on December 06, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Read more - Bernardo Silva: Why did Portugal man stop celebrating with teammates vs Switzerland?
Update 6th December: Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped to the bench for Portugal's last 16 clash with Switzerland. The noise inside the stadium when he entered the fray in the 73rd minute was deafening.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 06: Ricardo Horta, Vitinha
and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal stand on the sideline before the substitution during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Switzerland at Lusail Stadium on December 06, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Read more: Cristiano Ronaldo: Crowd erupts when Portugal star was subbed on v Switzerland
Update 6th December: Brazil knocked South Korea out of the World Cup on Monday evening. Richarlison consoled an emotional Son Heung-min after the game and then sent a lovely tweet.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 - Brazil v South Korea - Stadium 974, Doha, Qatar - December 5, 2022 South Korea's Son Heung-min with Brazil's Richarlison after the match as South Korea are eliminated from the World Cup and Brazil progress to the quarter finals REUTERS/Paul Childs
Read more: Brazil 4-1 South Korea: Richarlison's lovely tweet to Heung-min Son goes viral
Update 5th December: Tite crowned Brazil's stunning start to their round of 16 clash with South Korea, which saw them race into a 4-0 lead, by producing a hilarious goal celebration.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 - Brazil v South Korea - Stadium 974, Doha, Qatar - December 5, 2022 Brazil's Richarlison celebrates scoring their third goal with Brazil coach Tite and teammates REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
Read more: Brazil vs South Korea: Tite’s hilarious celebration after amazing World Cup goal
Update 5th December: Kylian Mbappe has been ‘deliberately hiding’ the World Cup sponsor name in his Man-of-the-Match photos.
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 04: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates after scoring the team's third goal in the second half against Poland during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between France and Poland at Al Thumama Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Read more - Kylian Mbappe ‘deliberately hiding’ World Cup sponsor name in Man of the Match photos
Update 4th December: England have set up a mouth-watering World Cup semi-final against France thanks to a convincing 3-0 victory over Senegal.
AL KHOR, QATAR - DECEMBER 04: Harry Kane of England celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between England and Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Read more - World Cup: England set up France quarter-final with 3-0 win vs Senegal
Results
AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 20: Pervis Estupinan of Ecuador during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Group A
- Qatar 0-2 Ecuador
- Senegal 0-2 Netherlands
- Qatar 1-3 Senegal
- Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador
- Ecuador 1 - 1 Senegal
- Netherlands 2 - 0 Qatar
Group B
- England 6-2 Iran
- USA 1-1 Wales
- Wales 0-2 Iran
- England 0-0 USA
- Iran 0 - 1 USA
- Wales 0 - 3 England
Group C
- Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
- Mexico 0-0 Poland
- Argentina 2-0 Mexico
- Poland 2-0 Saudi Arabia
- Poland 0-2 Argentina
- Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico
Group D
- Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
- France 4-1 Australia
- France 2-1 Denmark
- Tunisia 0-1 Australia
- Australia 1-0 Denmark
- Tunisia 1-0 France
Group E
- Germany 1-2 Japan
- Spain 7-0 Costa Rica
- Costa Rica 1-0 Japan
- Germany 1-1 Spain
- Germany 4-2 Costa Rica
- Spain 1-2 Japan
Group F
- Morocco 0-0 Croatia
- Belgium 1-0 Canada
- Belgium 2-0 Morocco
- Croatia 4-1 Canada
- Morocco 2-1 Canada
- Belgium 0-0 Croatia
Group G
- Switzerland 1-0 Cameroon
- Brazil 2-0 Serbia
- Cameroon 3-3 Serbia
- Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
- Serbia 2-3 Switzerland
- Cameroon 1-0 Brazil
Group H
- Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
- Portugal 3-2 Ghana
- Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
- South Korea 2-3 Ghana
- Ghana 0-2 Uruguay
- South Korea 2-1 Portugal
Round of 16
- Netherlands 3-1 USA
- Argentina 2-1 Australia
- France 3-1 Poland
- England 3-0 Senegal
- Japan 1-1 Croatia (1-3)
- Brazil 4-1 South Korea
- Morocco 0-0 Spain (3-0)
- Portugal 6-1 Switzerland
Quarter-finals
- Croatia 1-1 Brazil (4-2)
- Netherlands 2-2 Argentina (3-4)
- Morocco 1-0 Portugal
- France 2-1 England
Semi-finals
- Croatia 0-3 Argentina
- Morocco 0-2 France
Third place match
- Croatia 2-1 Morocco
Final
- Argentina 3-3 France (4-2)
World Cup 2022 Dates
The 2022 FIFA World Cup will take place between Monday 21st November 2022 and Sunday 18th December 2022.
World Cup 2022 Schedule
BERLIN - JULY 9: General view of the World Cup trophy prior to the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Final match between Italy and France at the Olympic Stadium on July 9, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Here is the official schedule for the 2022 World Cup that has been pencilled in by FIFA:
- Group stage: Monday 21st November until Friday 2nd December
- Round of 16: Saturday 3rd December until Tuesday 6th December
- Quarter-finals: Saturday 9th December and Sunday 10th December
- Semi-finals: Tuesday 13th December and Wednesday 14th December
- Third-place Play-off: Saturday 17th December
- Final: Sunday 18th December
World Cup 2022 UK Kick Off Times
The UK kick-off times are as follows:
- Group stage: 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm and 7 pm GMT.
- Final round of Group games and knock-out matches: 3 pm and 7 pm GMT.
- Final: 3 pm GMT.
What days do England play in the World Cup 2022?
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Players of England pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on September 26, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Here are all the days and dates that England play in the Qatar 2022 World Cup:
- England v Iran: 1 pm GMT - Monday 22nd November 2022
- England v USA: 7 pm GMT – Friday 25th November 2022
- Wales v England: 7 pm GMT – Tuesday 29th November 2022
What is the best way to travel to stadiums in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup?
Fans have been advised to travel by transport to each stadium as it takes around 10-15 minutes minimum to walk to reach stadiums. They should travel by car, metro or bus, and to bring lots of water. More travel information can be seen on the official Qatar site.
World Cup 2022 Stadiums
The tournament will take place in the Middle Eastern country of Qatar, hence why the tournament is being played during the British winter for the first time in history.
Eight stadiums have been selected to host games across the competition and are as follows:
Al Khor
Capacity: 60,000
Matches:
- Group Games x5
- Round of 16 x1
- Quarter-Final x1
- Semi-Final x1
Al Rayyan
Capacity: 40,000
Matches:
- Group Games x5
- Round of 16 x1
Al Wakrah
Capacity: 40,000
Matches:
- Group Games x5
- Round of 16 x1
Doha (Al Thumama Stadium)
Capacity: 40,000
Matches
- Group Games x5
- Round of 16 x1
- Quarter-Final x1
Doha (Khalifa International Stadium)
Capacity: 40,000
Matches
- Group Matches x5
- Round of 16 x1
- Third-place Play-Off
Doha (Education City Stadium)
Capacity: 40,000
Matches
- Group Games x5
- Round of 16 x1
- Quarter-Final x1
Lusail
Capacity: 80,000
Matches
- Group matches x5
- Round of 16 x1
- Quarter-Final x1
- Semi-Final x1
- Final
Ras Abu Aboud
Capacity: 40,000
Matches
- Group Matches x5
- Round of 16 x1
World Cup 2022 Groups
The Group Stage draw for the World Cup has finally happened and we now know the groups for the tournament. Here they are in full:
Group A
- Qatar
- Ecuador
- Senegal
- Netherlands
Group B
- England
- Iran
- USA
- Wales
Group C
- Argentina
- Saudi Arabia
- Mexico
- Poland
Group D
- France
- Australia
- Denmark
- Tunisia
Group E
- Spain
- Costa Rica
- Germany
- Japan
Soccer Football - World Cup - Final Draw - Doha Exhibition & Convention Center, Doha, Qatar - April 1, 2022 Draw assistant Adel Ahmed MalAllah draws Serbia REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
Group F
- Belgium
- Canada
- Croatia
- Morocco
Group G
- Brazil
- Serbia
- Switzerland
- Cameroon
Group H
- Portugal
- Ghana
- Uruguay
- South Korea
World Cup 2022 Tickets
YEREVAN, ARMENIA - NOVEMBER 14: Fans take pictures of their match ticket outside the stadium prior to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Armenia and Germany at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Yerevan, . (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Fans can purchase tickets from FIFA's official website.
FIFA opened the first and second sales phases for World Cup 2022 tickets on 19th January 2022 where there will be "random selection draws", similar to ballots. The following types of tickets will be available during this sale:
- Individual Match Tickets (IMTs)
- Team Specific Ticket Series (TSTs)
- Four-Stadium Ticket Series (FSTs)
Fans will be given a certain status following the application review: successful, partially successful or unsuccessful. If you make it past this stage, FIFA will then send an email with instructions concerning payment, where individuals are allowed to purchase up to six tickets per match or up to 60 tickets across the entire competition.
Click on the link below to find out more about the sales phases and the pricing that has been applied.
Read more: World Cup 2022 Tickets: Everything You Need to Know
World Cup 2022 Odds
Here are some prices that various bookmakers are offering so far (as of 24th October 2022):
- Brazil: 4/1
- France: 6/1
- Argentina: 13/2
- England: 7/1
- Spain: 8/1
- Germany: 9/1
- Netherlands: 12/1
- Belgium: 14/1
- Portugal: 16/1
- Denmark: 28/1
- Uruguay: 40/1
- Croatia: 50/1
- Switzerland: 66/1
- Mexico: 80/1
- Senegal: 80/1
- Ecuador: 100/1
- Serbia: 100/1
- Poland: 150/1
- USA: 150/1
- Wales: 150/1
- Cameroon: 250/1
- Iran: 250/1
- Japan: 250/1
- Morocco: 250/1
- South Korea: 250/1
- Australia: 500/1
- Canada: 500/1
- Ghana: 500/1
- Qatar: 500/1
- Tunisia: 500/1
- Costa Rica: 750/1
- Saudi Arabia: 750/1
You can find all of the latest World Cup 2022 news and everything Football related right here at GiveMeSport.