World Cup 2022: Gossip, groups, schedule, results, and table

France was the winner of Russia 2018 under Didier Deschamps, who also won the tournament as a player. Their chances this year look slimmer after having their crucial players, including Karim Benzema, ruled out due to ill-timed injuries.

Meanwhile, Brazil look set to start its campaign in style. With players like Vinicius Jr., Gabriel Jesus, Antony, and Gabriel Martinelli, to name a few, on the frontline, Neymar Jr. can heave a sigh of relief. 

For some fans, the upcoming edition will be a tribute to players making last-time appearances, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Before the tournament starts in a few hours, we have the latest updates to get you started!

Trivia

Who is the youngest player in the tournament?

Youssoufa Moukoko will enter as the youngest player in the World Cup. He is expected to match the greatness of Jamal Musiala's ascent at Bayern. 

Youssoufa Moukoko helped Borussia Dortmund with three assists and six goals in Bundesliga 2022. Timo Werner's injury allowed Youssoufa Moukoko to be named in Hansi Flick's final squad. 

Who is the oldest player?

The most notable names are Lionel Messi (35), Cristiano Ronaldo (37) and Luka Modric (37), Dani Alves (39), and Thiago Silva (38). However, Mexico goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera is the oldest player in Qatar. 

Who tops the list of World Cup experiences?

With 165 caps, Argentina's Lionel Messi has made the highest number of appearances and scored the highest number of goals. This year, it'll be his last bid to pursue the elusive World Cup trophy. 

Diego Maradona, who has 21 World Cup games under his belt, currently holds the record for the most individual appearances. 

Group A schedule 

The Dutch are the favourites in Group A because the squad boasts stars like Frenkie de Jong, Virgil van Dijk, and Memphis Depay. Host teams generally play well, which means Qatar might thrive. 

Meanwhile, Senegal are the strongest team in Africa at the moment. Ecuador have qualified after pulsating wins against Colombia and Chile. 

Group C schedule

Lionel Messi will hope for a tournament victory this year and will toil away to lead his side to the round of 16.

Mexico are a strong contender to advance to the round of 16. Poland and Saudi Arabia are currently the underdogs in Group C.

Group D schedule

Reigning champions France are expected to advance despite injury concerns, and Denmark will try to follow suit. 

Tunisia and Australia will struggle to enter the group stages, but a surprise or two might work wonders. 

Group F schedule 

Second-ranked Belgium could top the standings, while 2018 finalists Croatia could undoubtedly enter the next round. 

Morocco have a decent squad, while the Canadian team has individual talent - Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David - who want to show the best of their abilities. 

Date	Fixture	Venue
Nov 20	Qatar vs Ecuador	Al Bayt Stadium
Nov 21	Senegal vs Netherlands	Al Thumama Stadium
Nov 25	Qatar vs Senegal	Al Thumama Stadium
Nov 25	Netherlands vs Ecuador	Khalifa International Stadium
Nov 29	Ecuador vs Senegal	Khalifa International Stadium
Nov 29	Netherlands vs Qatar	Al Bayt Stadium

Group B schedule

England are in patchy form after their final match run at the Euro 2020 but are looking for a top finish in Group B. 

USA, Wales and Iran will battle for the second spot.

Date	Fixture	Venue
Nov 21	England vs Iran	Khalifa International Stadium
Nov. 21	USA vs Wales	Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Nov. 25	Wales vs Iran	Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Nov. 25	England vs USA	Al Bayt Stadium
Nov. 29	Wales vs England	Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Nov. 29	Iran vs USA	Al Thumana Stadium

Group C schedule

Lionel Messi will hope for a tournament victory this year and will toil away to lead his side to the round of 16.

Mexico are strong contenders to advance to the round of 16. Poland and Saudi Arabia are currently the underdogs in Group C.

Date	Fixture	Venue
Nov. 22	Argentina vs Saudi Arabia	Lusail Iconic Stadium
Nov. 22	Mexico vs Poland	Stadium 974
Nov. 26	Poland vs Saudi Arabia	Education City Stadium
Nov. 26	Argentina vs Mexico	Lusail Iconic Stadium
Nov. 30	Poland vs Argentina	Stadium 974
Nov. 30	Saudi Arabia vs Mexico	Lusail Iconic Stadium

Group D schedule

Reigning champions France are expected to advance despite injury concerns, and Denmark will try to follow suit. 

Tunisia and Australia will struggle to enter the group stages but a surprise or two might work wonders. 

Date	Fixture	Venue
Nov. 22	Denmark vs Tunisia	Education City Stadium
Nov. 22	France vs Australia	Al Janoub Stadium
Nov. 26	Tunisia vs Australia	Al Janoub Stadium
Nov. 26	France vs Denmark	Stadium 974
Nov. 30	Australia vs Denmark	Al Janoub Stadium
Nov. 30	Tunisia vs France	Education City Stadium

Group E schedule

Watch out for Group E as both Spain and Germany won the tournament recently. 

Japan have been a decent performer while Costa Rica stunned the world with a strong run in 2014. 

Date	Fixture	Venue
Nov. 23	Germany vs Japan	Khalifa International Stadium
Nov. 23	Spain vs Costa Rica	Al Thumama Stadium
Nov. 27	Japan vs Costa Rica	Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Nov. 27	Spain vs Germany	Al Bayt Stadium
Dec. 1	Japan vs Spain	Khalifa International Stadium
Dec. 1	Costa Rica vs Germany	Al Bayt Stadium

Group F schedule 

Second-ranked Belgium could top the standings while 2018 finalists Croatia could undoubtedly enter the next round. 

Morocco have a decent squad while the Canadian team has individual talent - Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David - who want to show the best of their abilities. 

Date	Fixture	Venue
Nov. 23	Morocco vs Croatia	Al Bayt Stadium
Nov. 23	Belgium vs Canada	Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Nov. 27	Belgium vs Morocco	Al Thumama Stadium
Nov. 27	Croatia vs Canada	Khalifa International Stadium
Dec. 1	Croatia vs Belgium	Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Dec. 1	Canada vs Morocco	Al Thumama Stadium

Group G schedule

Brazil are the inarguable favourite in Group G and they have a high chance of not just advancing but also winning the coveted trophy after 20 years.

Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon are expected to throw in some competitive football. 

Date	Fixture	Venue
Nov. 24	Switzerland vs Cameroon	Al Janoub Stadium
Nov. 24	Brazil vs Serbia	Lusail Iconic Stadium
Nov. 28	Cameroon vs Serbia	Al Janoub Stadium
Nov. 28	Brazil vs Switzerland	Stadium 974
Dec. 2	Serbia vs Switzerland	Stadium 974
Dec. 2	Cameroon vs Brazil	Lusail Iconic Stadium

Group H schedule

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal are a powerhouse of talent and their qualification to the next round should take place undeterred. 

However, Uruguay, South Korea and Ghana are not to be forgotten. 

Date	Fixture	Venue
Nov. 24	Uruguay vs South Korea	Education City Stadium
Nov. 24	Portugal vs Ghana	Stadium 974
Nov. 28	South Korea vs Ghana	Education City Stadium
Nov. 28	Portugal vs South Korea	Lusail Iconic Stadium
Dec. 2	Ghana vs Uruguay	Al Janoub Stadium
Dec. 2	South Korea vs Portugal	Education City Stadium

The World Cup semi-finals will occur on December 13-14 at the Lusail Iconic Stadium and the Al Bayt Stadium. The third-place play-off will be held on December 17 at the Khalifa International Stadium.

The championship match will occur on December 18 at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.