The World Cup is almost here and we now know the groups heading into Qatar this November. Since Qatar are the host nation, they automatically qualify which will make their first ever appearance in the World Cup. They were also crowed AFC Asian Cup Champions back in 2019 for the first time.
In South America, five-time World Cup winners Brazil is the only country that has qualified for every World Cup. Copa America winners Argentina have also qualified for the thirteenth time in a row. Urugay have also qualified, along with Ecuador, who had a surprising strong run during qualifying. With Peru taking fifth place, they will play the winners of Australia and the United Arab Emirates in the intercontinental playoffs in June. With Colombia and Chile’s poor performances, they will be missing the World Cup.
European giant teams of Germany, France, England, Belgium, Spain, and Croatia have all qualified to Qatar. The Netherlands will be returning to the World Cup after missing out in 2018. Denmark and Serbia have also qualified for the World Cup. Norway failed to qualify, leaving Erling Haaland out of the World Cup.
Italy lost the heartbreaking playoff match to North Macedonia 1-0 and will fail to make the World Cup for the second time in row. This comes after Italy won the Euro Cup last year. Portugal and Poland made it through by the playoff matches while Wales will have to face the winner of Ukraine and Scotland in June.
The Americans are back in the World Cup after failing to qualify in 2018. They will be joined by Mexico and Canada, who qualify for their first World Cup in 36 years. Costa Rica will go to the intercontinental match where they will play against New Zealand.
Over in the AFC, Japan and South Korea have qualified, along with Iran and Saudi Arabia. Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand will fight for the last spot. The winner of Australia and UAE will face Peru and New Zealand will face Costa Rica.
The AFCON had an eventful ending to the World Cup qualifiers. Ghana held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw and took the last spot to qualify to Qatar as they led on away goals. This cause chaos in the capital of Nigeria as fans broke onto the pitch and cause violence on the pitch. The Nigerian police were forced to get involve and tear gassed several fans to control the violence.
Along with Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Cameroon, and Tunisia have all qualified to the World Cup in Africa.
Here are the official group stages:
Group A
Qatar
Ecuador
Senegal
Netherlands
Group B
England
Iran
USA
Euro Play-off
Group C
Argentina
Saudi Arabia
Mexico
Poland
Group D
France
IC Play-off 1
Denmark
Tunisia
Group E
Spain
IC Play-off 2
Germany
Japan
Group F
Belgium
Canada
Morocco
Croatia
Group G
Brazil
Serbia
Switzerland
Cameroon
Group H
Portugal
Ghana
Uruguay
Korea Republic
