The 2022 World Cup kicks-off with Group A as hosts Qatar prepare to battle it out with Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador.
Qatar will be hoping to impress in their first ever World Cup, while the Netherlands are back after failing to qualify for Russia four years ago. Senegal were crowned African Cup of Nations champions earlier this year and will give anyone a run for their money, while Ecuador have a number of stars who could help them progress.
Mirror Football tells you all you need to know about the teams competing in Group A, including how they qualified, the ones to watch and when all the fixtures are taking place.
Qatar (H)
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World Cup appearances: 0
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FIFA world ranking: 50
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Head coach: Felix Sanchez
Qatar were automatically placed into Group A after qualifying as hosts and will be desperate to prove they are worthy of competing on the World Cup stage, despite never qualifying for the tournament in their history.
The hosts were crowned Asian Cup champions in 2019, beating the likes of South Korea and Japan on their way to glory. They have already played 11 friendly matches this year in preparation for the tournament, drawing with the likes of Chile and Morocco, while beating Ghana.
Qatar are captained by Al-Sadd forward Hassan Al-Haydos, while Al-Duhail’s Almoez Ali has 41 goals in 84 appearances. However, with all of their players residing in the Qatar Stars League, experience of top level football is lacking and progression from the group stage seems unlikely.
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Ecuador
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World Cup appearances: 3
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FIFA world ranking: 44
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Head coach: Gustavo Alfaro
Ecuador are back on the World Cup stage for the first time since 2014 and will be looking to do more than just make up the numbers in Group A as they target knockout round progression for just the second time in their history.
Alfaro’s side secured their place at the tournament after finishing fourth in the South American qualifying section, losing just once at home as they held Brazil and Argentina to 1-1 draws, while they reached the quarter-finals of the Copa America in 2021.
Ecuador boast the likes of Brighton trio Pervis Estupinan, Moises Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento, while former West Ham striker Enner Valencia will captain the side. Should they defeat Qatar in their opener, then they will look to challenge Senegal for second-place.
Senegal
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World Cup appearances: 2
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FIFA world ranking: 18
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Head coach: Aliou Cisse
2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal are competing in their second consecutive World Cup and will be the dark horse in Group A as their talented squads aim to make it to the knockout stages for just the second time in their history.
The Lions of Teranga topped their qualification group with five wins from six games before defeating Egypt in the final round, via a penalty shoot-out victory after the two sides drew 1-1 over two legs, to secure their place at the tournament.
Senegal’s squad is packed with talent, including Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly, and will be favourites to finish as runners-up behind the Netherlands should Sadio Mane stay fit throughout the tournament to spearhead their attack.
Netherlands
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World Cup appearances: 10
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FIFA world ranking: 8
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Head coach: Louis van Gaal
Netherlands are back on the World Cup stage after failing to qualify for Russia in 2018 and will be looking to do some serious damage at this year’s tournament as they head into Qatar as one of the favourites.
The Oranje have finished as runners-up and in third-place in their last two World Cups, while they have never failed to make it out the group stage. They reached the last 16 of Euro 2020 last year, before confirming their place in Qatar by topping their qualification group in their final fixture.
With a squad that boasts Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo and more, the Netherlands are fully expected to top Group A and should have no trouble in doing so as they aim to progress into the latter stages of the tournament.
Group A fixtures (UK time)
Qatar vs Ecuador - Sunday, November 20 (4pm)
Senegal vs Netherlands - Monday, November 21 (4pm)
Qatar vs Senegal - Friday, November 25 (1pm)
Netherlands vs Ecuador - Friday, November 25 (4pm)
Netherlands vs Qatar - Tuesday, November 29 (3pm)
Ecuador vs Senegal - Tuesday, November 29 (3pm)
