April 1st saw the draw for the Group stage of the 2022 World Cup Finals take place at a glittering ceremony in Doha. Always one of the biggest sports news events of the year, the tournament is now really taking shape.
Appetites whetted; many fans will have begun plotting their sides route to the final and picking out their best bets. And for those looking to place a wager on the mega event – don’t forget to check out the best new betting sites offers.
But who were the beneficiaries of the draw? Here we take a look at each of the sections, including the sides FIFA World Rankings (FWR) in an attempt to answer this question.
Group A
- Qatar – FWR 51
- Ecuador – 46
- Senegal – 20
- Netherlands – 10
As one of the lowest rated nations in the finals, hosts Qatar were always likely to be outsiders to qualify. This draw could however have been much worse. Avoiding the top eight sides in the competition must count as a plus, and they will likely fancy their chances of taking something from an Ecuador side only five spots above them in the rankings. Tournaments always tend to benefit when the host nation progresses and, with the top two making it through, Qatar may just have a chance.
Group B
- England – 5
- Iran – 21
- USA – 15
- Ukraine/Scotland/Wales – 27/39/18
England are amongst the favourites to win this year’s tournament, and Gareth Southgate must be pretty pleased to have landed in this section. The potential of a derby atmosphere should Scotland or Wales make it through adds a little spice to proceedings, but it would be a big shock were the “Three Lions” not to make it through – with a well organised USA outfit possibly the most likely to join them.
Group C
- Argentina – 4
- Saudi Arabia – 49
- Mexico – 9
- Poland – 26
Not a great draw for Poland, being landed with not one but two of the World’s top ten, and a side in Saudi Arabia who will be playing almost on home soil. In Robert Lewandowski, they have a man who gives them a chance, but he will need to be firing on all cylinders if the European nation are to progress. Lionel Messi’s Argentina are clear favourites, followed by an improving Mexico outfit.
Group D
- France – 3
- Denmark – 11
- Tunisia – 35
- Australia/UAE/Peru – 42/68/22
Defending champions France can’t have too many complaints and will start hot favourites here. Denmark are a classy outfit on their day and will have plenty of neutral supporters thanks to the Christian Eriksen factor, but Tunisia would look to be up against it. Of the other potential qualifiers, a promising Peru side would add real interest if making it through their playoff.
Group E
- Spain – 7
- Germany – 12
- Japan – 23
- Costa Rica/New Zealand – 31/101
Group E sees the standout clash of the opening phase as Spain and Germany do battle on Match Day 2. Both previous winners of the competition, and traditional footballing giants, the outcome of that clash will most likely determine who tops this section. Whilst the two sides would no doubt have preferred to have avoided each other; it would be a surprise should they not both make it through. A nightmare draw for Japan and Costa Rica/New Zealand.
Group F
- Belgium – 2
- Canada – 38
- Morocco – 24
- Croatia – 16
Belgium may have been recently been displaced as the world’s number one ranked side, but they could scarcely have asked for a better draw here, with an aging Croatia side looking their biggest threat. Losing finalists in 2018, Luka Modrić and co may be vulnerable, as whilst this looks a tall order for Canada, a Morocco squad peppered with quality individuals has a definite chance.
Group G
- Brazil – 1
- Serbia – 25
- Switzerland – 14
- Cameroon – 37
An interesting repeat of the 2018 tournament, with Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia landing in the same section once again. Brazil topped the Group four years ago and – blessed with an abundance of riches in every position – will be favourite to do so once again. Who will follow them through is tougher to predict. An experienced Switzerland side look reliable, but won’t have it all their own way against a tough to break down Cameroon outfit, and a Serbia side who have real quality running through the spine of the team.
Group H
- Portugal – 8
- Ghana – 60
- Uruguay – 13
- South Korea – 29
Could this be the last World Cup hurrah for the sports all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo? It’s not impossible that he will line up as a 41-year-old in North America in 2026, but this surely represents his last realistic opportunity. CR7’s Portugal outfit should progress, but could have had it a little easier. A fiery, Luis Suarez led, Uruguay are no pushover, whilst South Korea’s high energy approach – aided by Portuguese coach Paulo Bento – can be tough to combat. A Ghana outfit who look a notch below previous generations will be doing well to make an impact.
