World Cup draw Concluded: What To Expect From the Tournament
The draw for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 is now complete. Below is a live feed of the audience’s reaction to the drawing.
This World Cup will be unlike any other. The first World Cup to be staged in the Arab world will be held in Qatar, whose hosting of the tournament is contentious for the reasons outlined in this article. The tournament will also be the first to take place in November and December rather than May, June, or July, allowing for a shorter span of only 28 days.
Find the complete draw below:
- Group A: Qatar (hosts), Netherlands, Senegal, Ecuador
- Group B: England, United States, Iran, Wales/Scotland/Ukraine
- Group C: Argentina, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia
- Group D: France, Denmark, Tunisia, Peru/Australia/UAE
- Group E: Spain, Germany, Japan, Costa Rica/New Zealand
- Group F: Belgium, Croatia, Morocco, Canada
- Group G: Brazil, Switzerland, Serbia, Cameroon
- Group H: Portugal, Uruguay, South Korea, Ghana
Which is the Toughest Group?
Spain will face Germany, as well as Japan, Costa Rica, and either New Zealand or Costa Rica.
There are two former World Cup winners there, as well as a good Japan squad and two intriguing intercontinental play-off teams.
Berhalter gives his thoughts
The head coach of the United States Men’s National Team is upbeat about the upcoming tournament this winter.
He remarked after today’s draw, “We’ve progressed, we’ve gotten to 15th in the world.”
“We have a young roster – the World Cup’s youngest squad.” There are many parallels (with Southgate when he took over England) and a plethora of excellent young players.
“That’s a plus for us because the guys are fearless.” We have objectives, and they’re used to playing in big games.”
Will France be happy with their pick?
Denmark will pose a challenge, as they did at the Euros last summer, but will the reigning champions be satisfied with their path out of the group and on to the next round?
Chris Waugh examines the situation.
Gareh Southgate on England Pick
The England manager is speaking from Doha, Qatar, where the draw took place earlier today.
“It’s interesting, isn’t it?” We haven’t played Iran in a long time, and then there’s the United States, where I’ve recently met Greg (Berhalter) and had some wonderful conversations.
“Whoever it is, the third one is going to be a really emotional game.” We all know how we feel about Ukraine, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens. If it’s a British squad, we’ve had those in recent tournaments, and they turn into one-of-a-kind games.”