Who will win the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar?

Who will win the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar?


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France have lost 2 big players in Pogba and Kante.

On paper Brazil look strong and favourites.
 
Qatar manager Felix Sanchez says it will be a "historic moment" for the hosts to play their first match at a World Cup on Sunday.

Spaniard Sanchez, 46, will be in charge when Qatar open the tournament in their group game against Ecuador.

Qatar, ranked 50th in the world, are in Group A with Ecuador, Senegal and the Netherlands.

"It's a very important day for us. A historic moment, a moment of happiness for us," Sanchez said.

"It's an extraordinary day like no other. We have made such a huge effort in this country. We are all devoted for this World Cup and have invested so much.

"I hope it's a great party where we can enjoy football and I hope everyone from all countries in the world, together, can enjoy this experience. I'm happy to be the ones kicking off this competition."

Sanchez said playing at home in front of fans will make the occasion "even more special" and his team hope to be competitive against higher-ranked sides in their group.

"We are very motivated to take part. We have been waiting so long for this moment to arrive," he added.

"We are very much aware of who we are, where we are coming from and who we are facing. We know it will be a great challenge but in many ways we are eager to play and are very happy to be here."

Captain Hassan Al-Haydos, who plays as a forward for Doha-based Al Sadd, said Qatar are "very proud" and "full of enthusiasm" to kick off the tournament.

"There is no greater honour than to play in the World Cup," the 31-year-old said. "It is a huge task but we are ready. It goes without saying I am very proud to lead the squad.

"It is the edition of the World Cup of all Arabs, we bear the responsibility of all Arabs to play well with our performance and the team spirit. We have to represent all Arabs well.

"Inshallah [God willing], me and my team will perform up to the expectations and show the results of our hard work."

Earlier on Saturday, Fifa president Gianni Infantino accused the West of "hypocrisy" in its reporting about Qatar's human rights record on the eve of the World Cup.

The build-up to the event has been overshadowed by issues in Qatar including deaths of migrant workers and treatment of LGBT people.

BBC
 
I wonder if Qatar can make the Round of 16 along with Netherlands. They’ve got a slight chance I think.
 
After 12 years of questions, criticisms and conjecture, the Fifa World Cup in Qatar will finally get under way on Sunday.

The build-up to the first tournament to be held in a Muslim country in the Middle East has been overshadowed by a number of controversies.

But Fifa has asked all 32 competing nations to "focus on the football" and hosts Qatar will kick off the tournament against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium (16:00 GMT).

The home nations that have qualified are in the same group and in action the following day, with England up against Iran (13:00), before Wales play USA (19:00).

BBC Sport looks at the list of controversies, the excitement building on the ground in Qatar, and who could win the World Cup.

Qatar 2022 will go down as one of the most talked about and controversial World Cups in history.

The Gulf country defeated bids from South Korea, Japan, Australia and the United States to host the tournament, but there were allegations of widespread corruption in the process, which Qatar have always denied.

In February 2021, the Guardian said 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka had died in Qatar since it won its World Cup bid.

The number is based on figures provided by the countries' embassies in Qatar.

However, the Qatar government said the total was misleading, because not all the deaths recorded were of people working on World Cup-related projects. The government said its accident records showed there were 37 deaths among labourers at World Cup stadium construction sites between 2014 and 2020, only three of which were "work-related".

However, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) said that was an underestimate.

There have been fears over how LGBT fans can expect to be treated given the country's strict adherence to Sharia Law, with homosexuality illegal in Qatar.

Organisations engaging with Fifa over the tournament have said "progress has been slow" and "issues of concern" remain.

UK Pride organisations have called on bars and venues to not screen World Cup matches in a boycott of the tournament.

Players have been urged to use their influence to speak up about the issues in the country and at a news conference in Doha on Thursday, England defender Conor Coady said "we're not politicians".

The Everton defender added: "We'll never be politicians in terms of the way we look at things but, in terms of what the squad has done over the last few years and how much they've helped people, that comes with the territory."

Sepp Blatter, who was the president of Fifa and the man who announced the awarding of the tournament to Qatar in 2010, said last week that decision was a "mistake".

On the day before the tournament, Fifa president Gianni Infantino accused the West of "hypocrisy" in its reporting about Qatar's human rights record.

In an extraordinary monologue at a news conference in Doha, Infantino spoke for nearly an hour and made a passionate defence of Qatar and the tournament.

Temperatures in the summer often reach 50C here, which is why the tournament was moved for the first time to a 'winter' slot, though it is still a balmy 32C during the day and a pleasant 22C in the evening.

It has meant European leagues have been brought to a halt mid-season, with the opening game taking place just a week after the last Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester United.

Three months out from kick-off, the Fifa council approved a request from the South American confederation Conmebol to move the start of the tournament a day earlier than planned.

And just two days before the event, organisers announced fans would not be able to purchase or consume alcohol inside or within the perimeter area of any of the eight stadiums.

At 29 days from start to finish (20 November to 18 December), this will be the shortest World Cup since Argentina 1978.

That means organisers have had to schedule four games most days during the group stages and there is no turnaround time between the groups and the knockout stages, with the last 16 starting the day after the group stages end.


What will the experience be like for supporters?

A country which has a population of less than three million, Qatar expects to see a total influx of about 1.2 million visitors from around the world over the next month.

At a briefing last month, Fifa said nearly three million tickets had been sold for the tournament, with the host nation topping the list of countries with the highest number of tickets at 37% of sales.

Travelling around the capital of Doha in the days before the opening game, the buzz is palpable with bunting with flags from each competing country lining the streets.

Argentina shirts are by far the most popular choice of kit on show, mostly emblazoned with 'Messi 10' on the back. Lionel Messi - one of the tournament's star attractions - plays for Qatari-owned Paris St-Germain.

The country has spent billions on upgrading its infrastructure and the roads are already busy with locals and supporters from neighbouring Saudi Arabia expected to drive across the border. Fifa shuttle buses can be seen whizzing up and down the streets.

The metro carriages had been quiet early in the week but there was real congestion on the Friday and Saturday, the weekend days in Qatar. Questions remain as to how the system will cope with the arrival of tens of thousands of fans for each of the 64 games.

"It is going to be tough," an attendant at one of the stations told BBC Sport. "The smaller stops should be OK but it is going to be tough at the ones where stadiums are located. There are four matches a day so it will be extremely busy."

The Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park has bright, colourful lights illuminated overhead, with music pumping out at a nearby performance stage - though this is halted for a couple of minutes when the Adhan (call to prayer) is heard from nearby mosques.

Alcohol cannot be consumed in public in the Muslim country, but this rule has been relaxed a little for the tournament as fans can purchase a beverage in restricted areas such as the fan park, though a pint will set you back £12.50.


Who will win the World Cup?

'They have talent' - how will England do in Qatar?
Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002 and are, in fact, the last non-European team to lift the trophy.

Statisticians Opta have crunched the numbers and their prediction model says Tite's men are favourites to go all the way for a record-extending sixth time.

But Lionel Scaloni's Argentina have the second-highest probability of being champions for the third time, coming into the tournament on the back of a 36-game unbeaten run.

Gareth Southgate's England have hit a poor run of form at the wrong time, winless in their last six games as they look to take one step further from reaching the semi-finals four years ago.

Wales, who are in the same group, have qualified for the tournament for the first time since 1958 and will be aiming to reach the knockout stage again. That year they progressed to the quarter-finals before narrowly being beaten by eventual winners Brazil.

BBC Sport pundits have had their say with seven going for Brazil to win it, three for Argentina, two saying France will retain their trophy and only one plumping for England.


A growing injury list

Senegal forward Sadio Mane is one of the star player that will not be seen on the pitches in Qatar.

The ex-Liverpool frontman has undergone surgery on a knee injury he sustained playing for Bayern Munich just 10 days before the opening game.

Mane joins major names including Paul Pogba (France), Timo Werner (Germany), Reece James (England), Diogo Jota (Portugal) and Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina) who all miss out through injury.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah are two of the biggest players who won't be in action as their countries did not qualify.

BBC
 
Argentina 🇦🇷 Will win

Leo Messi will do it for his fans :)

Hopefully exciting Matches

Qatar spend so much money on this World Cup unbelievable
 
My prediction:

Group A
1. Netherlands
2. Senegal
3. Ecuador
4. Qatar

Group B
1. England
2. Iran
3. Wales
4. USA

Group C
1. Argentina
2. Mexico
3. Saudi Arabia
4. Poland

Group D
1. Denmark
2. France
3. Australia
4. Tunisia

Group E
1. Spain
2. Japan
3. Germany
4. Costa Rica

Group F
1. Morocco
2. Belgium
3. Canada
4. Croatia

Group G
1. Brazil
2. Serbia
3. Switzerland
4. Cameroon

Group H
1. Portugal
2. Ghana
3. Korea Republic
4. Uruguay

Round of 16
- Netherlands vs Iran
- Argentina vs France
- Spain vs Belgium
- Brazil vs Ghana

- England vs Senegal
- Denmark vs Mexico
- Morocco vs Japan
- Portugal vs Serbia

Quarter-Finals
- Netherlands vs Argentina
- Spain vs Brazil

- England vs Denmark
- Japan vs Denmark

Semi-Finals
- Argentina vs Spain
- England vs Portugal

Match for Third Place
- Spain vs England

Final
- Argentina vs Portugal

-Argentina Win. Messi Will Finally Get his First World Cup. Heartbreak for Ronaldo, it will be unfair on him, as he too deserves a World Cup.
 
My prediction:

Group A
1. Netherlands
2. Senegal
3. Ecuador
4. Qatar

Group B
1. England
2. Iran
3. Wales
4. USA

Group C
1. Argentina
2. Mexico
3. Saudi Arabia
4. Poland

Group D
1. Denmark
2. France
3. Australia
4. Tunisia

Group E
1. Spain
2. Japan
3. Germany
4. Costa Rica

Group F
1. Morocco
2. Belgium
3. Canada
4. Croatia

Group G
1. Brazil
2. Serbia
3. Switzerland
4. Cameroon

Group H
1. Portugal
2. Ghana
3. Korea Republic
4. Uruguay

Round of 16
- Netherlands vs Iran
- Argentina vs France
- Spain vs Belgium
- Brazil vs Ghana

- England vs Senegal
- Denmark vs Mexico
- Morocco vs Japan
- Portugal vs Serbia

Quarter-Finals
- Netherlands vs Argentina
- Spain vs Brazil

- England vs Denmark
- Japan vs Denmark

Semi-Finals
- Argentina vs Spain
- England vs Portugal

Match for Third Place
- Spain vs England

Final
- Argentina vs Portugal

-Argentina Win. Messi Will Finally Get his First World Cup. Heartbreak for Ronaldo, it will be unfair on him, as he too deserves a World Cup.
 
Brazil is terrific out wide in attack, but they don’t have a Number 9.

They can field nine high quality support strikers and wingers, but no centre-forward.

It’s a weird, weird World Cup when Canada has two players better than anybody in the Brazil starting eleven!

You have a Great Knowledge and Analysis on Football, I enjoy reading your posts; However, it would be interesting if you were to pick/ predict a team to win.
 
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So that's Benzema, Kante, Pogba and Nkunku gone for France. That's huge even for a squad of their capability.

It's going to take some effort from them to win this World Cup now.
 
I actually think France will get knocked out of groups they had a poor Euros campaign and haven't been great since. A tournament too far for Deschamps who should have been fired 2 years ago. Last 4 World Cups have been dominated by European nations. I have a sneaky feeling Ronaldo and Messi will be facing off in the final. Messi to finally get the missing piece in his glittering career.
 
If there is no upset, Argentina and Brazil may meet at semi-final.

Final can be between Argentina/Brazil and France.
 
So that's Benzema, Kante, Pogba and Nkunku gone for France. That's huge even for a squad of their capability.

It's going to take some effort from them to win this World Cup now.

Seems that the World Cup Holder’s Curse may be striking yet again. Terrible way to go into the tournament for them.
 
After Netherlands 2-0 win over Senegal

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The opening match of the 2022 Fifa World Cup drew larger television audiences in France, Spain and the United Kingdom than for the first game of the 2018 World Cup but viewing figures were much lower in Germany.

An average audience of 6.2 million viewers in the UK tuned into the BBC’s coverage of the match between Qatar and Ecuador. The public-service broadcaster’s coverage began with an acknowledgement of the controversy surrounding Qatar’s hosting of the tournament and did not include full coverage of the opening ceremony.

https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/...edium=email&utm_campaign=London+PM_2022-11-21
 
That on paper was the game that Argentina needed to win, and win well, to give them a cushion and to allow for a surprise result against either Mexico (more likely) or Poland.

Messi & Co are right under pressure now — getting out of this group is going to be a huge challenge.
 
After goalless draw between Morrroco and Croatia

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How bad have Germany become from that gritty hard players to transforming into a slick robust outfit to meek caricatures from 2006 to 2022 Its a bell shaped curve a nosedive
 
How bad have Germany become from that gritty hard players to transforming into a slick robust outfit to meek caricatures from 2006 to 2022 Its a bell shaped curve a nosedive

Woke generation. Too busy with "protest" and gimmicks.
 
So 7-0 it is , from Aragones to Del Bosque all would be proud of Lá Rójă
 
Points table after Spain's 7-0 win over Costa Rica

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The winner will be one from Belgium, Spain, England and France. Can't see any non European team winning the WC.
 
Why not Brazil?

Also, Argentina is not out yet. They have fairly easy opponents (Poland and Mexico).

Poland and Mexico aren’t easy opponents bro. If just one of them beats Argentina or if they both hold Argentina to a draw, Messi’s men are out.
 
Poland and Mexico aren’t easy opponents bro. If just one of them beats Argentina or if they both hold Argentina to a draw, Messi’s men are out.

For a heavyweight team like Argentina, those teams shouldn't be too difficult.

Mexico are generally Argentina's bunny. Mexico always lose to them in World Cups.

It would be shocking if Argentina get eliminated in group stage.
 
For a heavyweight team like Argentina, those teams shouldn't be too difficult.

Mexico are generally Argentina's bunny. Mexico always lose to them in World Cups.

It would be shocking if Argentina get eliminated in group stage.

A heavyweight team like Argentina who just lost convincingly to Saudi Arabia.
 
Why not Brazil?

Also, Argentina is not out yet. They have fairly easy opponents (Poland and Mexico).

Would love to see Argentina win but it will take a miracle from here.

Brazil are always hyped but haven't risen to the occasion since 2002. They tend to struggle against top European teams like Belgium, Netherlands, France etc.
 
Would love to see Argentina win but it will take a miracle from here.

Brazil are always hyped but haven't risen to the occasion since 2002. They tend to struggle against top European teams like Belgium, Netherlands, France etc.

Why miracle? They just have to beat Mexico and Poland. Even one win and one draw may do it.

They are in trouble though if they lose one more.
 
Why miracle? They just have to beat Mexico and Poland. Even one win and one draw may do it.

They are in trouble though if they lose one more.

Not many teams win a tournament like the WC after losing the 1st game, though I recall Spain doing it in 2010.
 
Two losses in the group stage of a tournament, for any team, is usually curtains.

Losing the first game isn’t the end but it piles huge pressure onto a team straight away, particularly when said defeat was to arguably the weakest opponent in the group. That can mentally lead them onto another poor result, and then they’re out. This has been seen time and time again.

Argentina could come back from this bad start, but with Mexico and Poland to come they are already in big trouble frankly.
 
After goalless draw between Uruguay and South Korea

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How it stands in Group D
Tunisia v Australia (10:00 GMT)

Australia went down 4-1 to holders France in their opening match, while Tunisia played well to secure a point against Denmark.

This should be a decent game. Both teams need a win to give themselves a chance of reaching the knockout stage.
 
Nine of 11 Saudi starters play for same club. Who are Al Hilal?
The Riyadh-based club is the kingdom’s most successful football team.

Doha, Qatar – As the announcer blared one after another the names of the Saudi players – to loud cheers inside Lusail stadium – a distinctive pattern emerged.

Of the 11 players lined up on Tuesday up to play against Argentina, nine were from Saudi champions Al Hilal – a rare occurrence for a modern-era football World Cup.

What’s more, two of the five substitutes that took to the pitch for the Green Falcons also play for the same club.

And crucially, Saleh al-Shehri and Salem al-Dawsari – the scorers of both Saudi Arabia’s goals in the historic upset against the Lionel Messi-led Argentina – are also Al Hilal players.

Who are Al Hilal?
Founded in 1957, Riyadh-based Al Hilal are the kingdom’s – and Asia’s – most successful team, attracting big names from home and abroad.

In June, the team nicknamed the Blue Waves were crowned champions of the Saudi Pro League for an 18th time.

Their roster included Nigerian international and former Watford and Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo, who scored the two decisive goals in the last match of the season that helped them clinch the title.

Since the top Saudi league was established in 1976, Al Hilal are among only four teams to have participated in every season.

They have also won the Crown Prince Cup, the oldest domestic football competition in the kingdom, a record 13 times.

And last year, Al Hilal became the first club to win four Asia Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League titles. They have also scooped the Asia Cup Winners Cup and the Asian Super Cup twice.

Who are Al Hilal?
Founded in 1957, Riyadh-based Al Hilal are the kingdom’s – and Asia’s – most successful team, attracting big names from home and abroad.

In June, the team nicknamed the Blue Waves were crowned champions of the Saudi Pro League for an 18th time.

Their roster included Nigerian international and former Watford and Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo, who scored the two decisive goals in the last match of the season that helped them clinch the title.

Since the top Saudi league was established in 1976, Al Hilal are among only four teams to have participated in every season.

They have also won the Crown Prince Cup, the oldest domestic football competition in the kingdom, a record 13 times.

And last year, Al Hilal became the first club to win four Asia Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League titles. They have also scooped the Asia Cup Winners Cup and the Asian Super Cup twice.

Who are Al Hilal?
Founded in 1957, Riyadh-based Al Hilal are the kingdom’s – and Asia’s – most successful team, attracting big names from home and abroad.

In June, the team nicknamed the Blue Waves were crowned champions of the Saudi Pro League for an 18th time.

Their roster included Nigerian international and former Watford and Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo, who scored the two decisive goals in the last match of the season that helped them clinch the title.

Since the top Saudi league was established in 1976, Al Hilal are among only four teams to have participated in every season.

They have also won the Crown Prince Cup, the oldest domestic football competition in the kingdom, a record 13 times.

And last year, Al Hilal became the first club to win four Asia Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League titles. They have also scooped the Asia Cup Winners Cup and the Asian Super Cup twice.

Is Al Hilal’s success good for the Green Falcons?
In international football, players, busy with club commitments, hardly get time to train with their national team peers and develop a close understanding of each others’ movement on the pitch.

In the run-up to the World Cup, the first to be played at this time of the year, many players joined their national teams just a few days before the 32-team global tournament got under way on November 18.

Managers preparing for months had little time to put their final stamp on their teams or assess their players adequately.

But for the Saudis, it was a different story.

Eleven of the players that stepped onto the field against Argentina train with each other daily. And in a rather interesting twist, these footballers are all coached at Al Hilal by an Argentinian: Ramón Díaz, an experienced manager who has been in charge of several teams in his home country, as well as the national team of Paraguay.

Motivational coach
Aside from having almost all their starting 11 from one team, the Saudi national team has a coach who has made a name for himself turning unfancied teams into killers of giants.

Frenchman Herve Renard, 54, burst onto the international scene in 2012 when he led Zambia to the Africa Cup of Nations title for the first time, beating in the final an Ivory Coast team that included English Premier League legends such as Didier Drogba and brothers Yaya and Kolo Toure.

Renard, a powerful motivator, then headed to Ivory Coast where he led them to the continental trophy before setting up camp in Rabat. He then guided Morocco to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the first time in 20 years the North Africans qualified for the tournament.

Saudi Arabia are next in the World Cup action on Saturday against Poland, looking for a win that will get them to the next stage. And with a group of players who have trained together for so long and a coach who has mastered the art of overachieving, the Green Falcons can hope to be able to scale new heights.

Al-Jazeera
 
The team that peaks in round of 16- Argentina,France,Germany(maybe).

Currently Brazil or Spain seem like unbeatable but i doubt they will win.
 
Based on what we have seen so far, one of these teams are likely to lift the trophy --> Brazil, Argentina, France, and Spain.
 
I've said Spain since last year. However I think England are the other favourites

England couldn't even handle USA.

I don't think they are among top 5 favorites. They tend to collapse in pressure situations. One example would be Euro final at home.
 
England couldn't even handle USA.

I don't think they are among top 5 favorites. They tend to collapse in pressure situations. One example would be Euro final at home.

It's the lack of pressure I think works in favour. Iran was a double-edged sword as they rolled over flattering England and then crashed back to earth v USMNT.

If they're allowed to play with freedom, I think England can be unstoppable.
 
Group E wide open after Germany's 1-1 draw with Spain:

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Looking forward to see my fav team since 1990, Brazil, today. They have good depth in the squad this time around and for me they are the biggest favourites.

I have always had a soft corner for Argentina as well, and Spain is always a likeable team. Pity that France is missing some key players otherwise they would have been even more dangerous.
 
Louis van Gaal says the Netherlands have to believe they can win the World Cup and not just target reaching the knockout stages of the tournament.
 
Who needs what to make it through to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™? And who could soon be on their way home?

With Matchday 2 now complete, FIFA+ has analysed all the key scenarios going forward.

Group A
Ecuador-Senegal (29 November, 18:00 local time)
Netherlands-Qatar (29 November, 18:00 local time)

Netherlands need to win or draw to qualify. They will still qualify if they lose, provided Ecuador beat Senegal.
Ecuador need to win or draw to qualify. They remain in contention to qualify if they lose and Qatar beat Netherlands.
Senegal need to win to qualify but remain in contention if they draw and Qatar beat Netherlands.
Qatar are eliminated.

Group B
Wales-England (29 November, 22:00 local time)
IR Iran-USA (29 November, 22:00 local time)

England will qualify with a win or draw. Depending on goal difference, the Three Lions could also make it through in defeat.
Wales must win to have any chance of progressing.
IR Iran are guaranteed to progress if they beat USA.
A draw will also take the Iranians through provided Wales do not beat England (in which case goal difference will come into play).
For USA, it's simple: win and they are through. Lose or draw and they will be heading home.

Group C
Saudi Arabia v Mexico (30 November, 22:00 local time)
Poland v Argentina (30 November, 22:00 local time)

Poland will be through with a win or a draw, but would be knocked out by a defeat coupled with a Saudi Arabia victory. If Poland lose and Saudi Arabia draw, the two teams will have to be separated by goal difference. If Poland lose and Mexico win, their fate will also be decided on goal difference.
Argentina must win to be sure of progressing, while a draw would be enough if Mexico and Saudi Arabia also draw. However, a draw coupled with a Saudi Arabia victory would see La Albiceleste knocked out, and a draw coupled with a Mexico win takes the group to goal difference. Argentina are out if they lose.
Saudi Arabia will reach the Round of 16 if they win. A draw would be enough if Poland defeat Argentina, but if both matches are tied, they will go out. Should Argentina defeat Poland and Saudi Arabia draw, progress will be decided on goal difference between the European and Middle East sides. Defeat would see them knocked out.
Mexico must win to have any chance of staying in the competition. They will be sure to go through if Poland win. If they win and Argentina and Poland draw, it will come down to goal difference with Argentina. Should Argentina win, goal difference will be required to separate Mexico and Poland.

Group D
Tunisia-France (30 November, 18:00 local time)
Australia-Denmark (30 November, 18:00 local time)

France are already qualified and will top the group unless they lose to Tunisia and Australia beat Denmark, which would leave them tied on six points with the Socceroos.
Victory will see Australia qualify, while a draw would be enough unless Tunisia beat France, which would see the North African side go through on goal difference.
Denmark must win against Australia and, if they do so, will be certain to qualify unless Tunisia beat France, which would leave them tied on four points with the Carthage Eagles.
Tunisia must beat France and hope Denmark avoid defeat by Australia to be in contention to qualify.

Group E
Costa Rica-Germany (1 December, 22:00 local time)
Japan-Spain (1 December, 22:00 local time)

Spain will qualify for the Round of 16 with a win or a draw. Defeat to Japan will leave them relying on their currently superior goal difference to progress, unless Costa Rica beat Germany, in which case Luis Enrique’s side will be out.

Japan can go through with victory against Spain, while a draw, coupled with deadlock in the Costa Rica v Germany clash, will ensure they progress. They will go out if they are beaten by Spain, or if the match ends in a draw and Costa Rica triumph against Germany. Goal difference will be required to decide their fate if they draw and Germany are victorious.

Costa Rica can reach the last 16 by defeating Germany. A draw for Luis Fernando Suarez’s side would also guarantee a spot in the next phase if Spain overcome Japan, but if the current group leaders are beaten then goal difference comes into play. A draw in both games or a defeat for Costa Rica puts them out.

Germany must pick up three points to stay in contention. Victory over Costa Rica coupled with a win for Spain against Japan will see them qualify. A draw between Luis Enrique’s side and the Samurai Blue, or a win for Japan, would take the equation to goal difference. All other results would see Hansi Flick’s men out of the competition.

Group F
Canada-Morocco (1 December, 18:00 local time)
Croatia-Belgium (1 December, 18:00 local time)

Croatia are through if they win or draw. Defeat would leave them needing eliminated Canada to overcome Morocco, in which case goal difference would be required to separate Zlatko Dalic's side from the Atlas Lions.
Morocco are through if they win or draw. Defeat would leave them needing Belgium to overcome Croatia, in which case goal difference would be required to determine if they or the 2018 runners-up progress to the last 16.
Belgium will qualify for the Round of 16 with victory over Croatia. Defeat will see them knocked out. A draw will only be enough if Morocco are beaten by Canada, with goal difference then set to determine where Roberto Martinez’s side and Walid Regragui’s outfit finish in Group F.
Canada are already eliminated after losing their opening two fixtures.

Group G
Serbia-Switzerland (2 December, 22:00 local time)
Cameroon-Brazil (2 December, 22:00 local time)

Brazil are already through and will finish top of the group if they draw or win. If Brazil lose and Switzerland win, top spot will be decided by goal difference.
Switzerland will be out if they are beaten by Serbia, but through with a win. Should they take all three points, goal difference would decide top spot of the group if Brazil lose against Cameroon. If Switzerland draw they would be through if Brazil win or draw. But if Cameroon beat Brazil and the Swiss take a point, then second place will be decided by goal difference.
Serbia and Cameroon both need to win to still have a chance to progress. If both win then second place between the two would be decided by goal difference.

Group H
Ghana-Uruguay (2 December, 18:00 local time)
Korea Republic-Portugal (2 December, 18:00 local time)

Portugal are already through and can secure top spot with a draw or a win against Korea Republic.
Ghana can progress with a win against Uruguay. If they draw they would go through if Korea Republic do not beat Portugal. If the Asian side win then second place would be decided by goal difference between them and Ghana.
Uruguay and Korea Republic will be out if they lose or draw. Uruguay can still go through with a win if Korea Republic don't beat Portugal. If both teams triumph, then second spot will be decided between them by goal difference.


Tiebreaker information
If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points after the completion of the group stage, the following criteria, in the order below, shall be applied to determine the ranking:

• Step 1:
(a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;
(b) superior goal difference in all group matches;
(c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.

• Step 2:
If two or more teams in the same group are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings will be determined as follows:
(d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
(e) superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
(f) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned;
(g) highest team conduct score relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained;
(h) drawing of lots by FIFA.

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/world-cup-qatar-2022-group-stage-qualifying-permutations
 
Can't rule Portugal out I think.

They look well-organised with several match-winners.
 
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