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The 32 teams will be divided into eight groups of four

The road to the World Cup in Qatar is entering its final stretch. All that remains to be known now is the fate of the teams that have qualified for the World Cup, their opponents in the group stage and the possible crossings and clashes they will face in the knockout rounds. One of the most exciting moments in the world of soccer is this draw that, once every four years, brings the planet to a standstill so that fans from all corners of the world can find out the final group stage.


When is the draw for the World Cup in Qatar?
The draw for the group stage of the 2022 World Cup will take place on Friday, April 1 at 12:00 pm ET, at a gala event to be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center in Doha, Qatar. The draw will determine the composition of the eight groups of four teams that will make up the first phase of the World Cup in Qatar.

Once the 32 teams have been divided into the eight groups, it will be time to look ahead to the knockout rounds, as the schedule of matches has already been determined. The winner of group A will face the second of group B, the second of group A the winner of group B, and so on with the rest of the groups C-D, E-F and G-H.

Qualified teams for the 2022 World Cup

• Qatar
• Germany
• Denmark
• Brazil
• France
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Spain
• Serbia
• England
• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• Argentina
• Iran
• South Korea
• Japan
• Saudi Arabia
• Ecuador
• Uruguay
• Canada
• Ghana
• Senegal
• Portugal
• Poland
• Morocco
• Tunisia
• Cameroon
• Mexico
• United States

Pots for the Qatar World Cup

Qatar, as hosts, will be seeded and is directly assigned to the A1 slot, i.e. they will play in Group A. The other seven seeded teams will be the seven teams with the highest FIFA ranking.

The countries occupying positions 8-15 in the ranking will be assigned to Pot 2, while those ranked 16-23 with the best position will be placed in Pot 3. Finally, Pot 4 will include the teams ranked 24-28, which will also include the two winners of the intercontinental play-offs and the remaining winner of the UEFA play-offs (Wales vs. the winner of the Scotland-Ukraine).

POT 1

• Qatar
• Belgium
• Brazil
• France
• Argentina
• England
• Spain
• Portugal

POT 2

• Denmark
• Netherlands
• Germany
• Mexico
• United States
• Switzerland
• Croatia
• Uruguay

POT 3

• Senegal
• Iran
• Japan
• Morocco
• Serbia
• Poland
• South Korea
• Tunisia

POT 4

• Australia/United Arab Emirates/Peru
• New Zealand/Costa Rica
• Ukraine/Scotland/Wales
• Saudi Arabia
• Ecuador
• Ghana
• Cameroon
• Canada

Qatar 2022 World Cup format and schedule
The Qatar World Cup, still with 32 teams, will maintain a classic format of eight groups of four teams that will play three round-robin, one-legged matches. The top two finishers from each group will advance to the round of 16 and will face each other in the following format: A vs B, C vs D, E vs F and G vs H.

In the World Cup, unlike what happens in the European Championship, there is an extra match, the third and fourth place match played by the two teams that lose in the semifinals, the day before the final.

- Group stage: From November 21 to December 2

- Round of 16: 3 to 6 December

- Quarterfinals: December 9 and 10

- Semifinals: December 13 and 14

- Third and fourth place: December 17

- Final: December 18

 

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Sergio Aguero won't help coach Argentina at 2022 World Cup

Sergio Aguero has decided against helping coach the Argentina team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in November.

Aguero, 33, retired from football in December of last year and hadn't played since October of 2021 after coming off during a game with Barcelona when he experienced chest pains caused by an arrhythmia during the first half of a draw with Alaves.

- Marcotti: Spotlight on Qatar for Friday's World Cup draw
- Ogden: Aguero's legacy more than just one infamous goal

The former Manchester City star said in February that he would be part of Lionel Scaloni's backroom staff in Qatar, adding at the time that he needed to figure out role he'd play with the Argentina delegation in Qatar.

However, speaking with 'Equipo F' from ESPN Argentina in Qatar ahead of Friday's draw for the World Cup, Aguero changed course.


"The invitation to be part of Argentina staff was in the table. I spoke with Chiqui [Tapia, Argentina Football Association president] and I was clear with him about my goal to enjoy my time," Aguero said. "I'm going to Qatar, but as a fan.

"I have a great relationship with everyone from the national team but I don't see myself in the coaching staff and with the players on a day-to-day basis. They are asking for a role that isn't for me right now.

"I had a talk with [Lionel Messi] ... He and Scaloni gave me an idea of what they wanted from me. I asked them for some time to think about it and then told Chiqui that I wasn't ready for that. I will be available for any event related to Argentina national team, as an image or an ambassador but I don't want a day-to-day responsability with the team."

Regarding his health, Aguero said: "I still have to go to some checkups but I already started with some training in the gym. Little by little I started jogging, but not to a lot..I can play paddle tennis, golf."

Aguero twice won the Under-20 World Cup with Argentina. He was close to winning the World Cup in 2014 with the senior national team but Argentina lost 1-0 in extra time to Germany in the final at the Maracana stadium.

Seven years later at the same venue, Argentina, with Aguero on the squad, won their first major title in 28 years by beating Brazil 1-0 to lift the 2021 Copa America.

Argentina finished second in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying behind first-placed Brazil to secure an automatic spot at this year's World Cup.

 

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FIFA World Cup Draw 2022 highlights: World Cup groups and schedule revealed
FIFA World Cup Draw 2022 highlights The United States will face England and Iran in Group B at the World Cup finals while Spain will take on Germany in a clash of former winners in Group E.


FIFA World Cup Draw 2022 highlights: The United States will face England and Iran in Group B at the World Cup finals while Spain will take on Germany in a clash of former winners in Group E. Holders France will meet Denmark and Tunisia in Group D while the tournament will kick off on Nov. 21 with hosts Qatar playing Ecuador.

For the U.S., the draw pits them against their former colonial rulers England and the Iranians, a country they have had long-running political disputes with. Group G was one of the toughest, pitting five-times World Cup winners Brazil against Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.



FIFA 2022 World Cup Draw Live Updates: A closer look at all the groups
Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
Group B: England, Iran, USA, Wales / Scotland / Ukraine
Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
Group D: France, Peru / Australia / UAE, Denmark, Tunisia
Group E: Spain, Costa Rica / New Zealand, Germany, Japan
Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea

 

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2022 World Cup finals bracket and fixtures schedule

Check out all the fixtures and venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, including the knockout bracket.

What is the FIFA World Cup format?
The 32 teams were drawn into eight groups of four nations. The top two in each group will advance to the knockout rounds.

The competition then moves onto a round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final.

The tournament is being hosted by Qatar from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18.

FIFA World Cup fixtures
Group stage kickoff times and venues for all games will be confirmed in due course.

All times shown are local

TIME ZONE CONVERSION:
1 p.m. local: 10 a.m. GMT, 5 a.m. ET
4 p.m. local: 1 p.m. GMT, 8 a.m. ET
6 p.m. local: 3 p.m. GMT, 10 a.m. ET
7 p.m. local: 4 p.m. GMT, 11 a.m. ET
10 p.m. local: 7 p.m. GMT, 2 p.m. ET

GROUP STAGE

Monday, Nov. 21
Group A: Senegal vs. Netherlands (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 1 p.m.)
Group B: England vs. Iran (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 4 p.m.)
Group A: Qatar vs. Ecuador (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; 7 p.m.)
Group B: United States vs. Wales or Scotland / Ukraine (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 10 p.m.)

Tuesday, Nov. 22
Group C: Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia (Lusail Stadium, Lusail; 1 p.m.)
Group D: Denmark vs. Tunisia (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 4 p.m.)
Group C: Mexico vs. Poland (Stadium 974, Doha; 7 p.m.)
Group D: France vs. Peru or Australia / United Arab Emirates (Al Janoub Stadium; 10 p.m.)

Wednesday, Nov. 23
Group F: Morocco vs. Croatia (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; 1 p.m.)
Group E: Germany vs. Japan (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 4 p.m.)
Group E: Spain vs. Costa Rica or New Zealand (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 7 p.m.)
Group F: Belgium vs. Canada (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 10 p.m.)

Thursday, Nov. 24
Group G: Switzerland vs. Cameroon (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakra; 1 p.m.)
Group H: Uruguay vs. South Korea (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 4 p.m.)
Group H: Portugal vs. Ghana (Stadium 974, Doha; 7 p.m.)
Group G: Brazil vs. Serbia (Lusail Stadium, Lusail; 10 p.m.)

Friday, Nov. 25
Group B: Wales or Scotland / Ukraine vs. Iran (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 1 p.m.)
Group A: Qatar vs. Senegal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 4 p.m.)
Group A: Netherlands vs. Ecuador (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 7 p.m.)
Group B: England vs. United States (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; 10 p.m.)

Saturday, Nov. 26
Group D: Tunisia vs. Peru or Australia / United Arab Emirates (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakra; 1 p.m.)
Group C: Poland vs. Saudi Arabia (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 4 p.m.)
Group C: Argentina vs. Mexico (Lusail Stadium, Lusail; 10 p.m.)
Group D: France vs. Denmark (Stadium 974, Doha; 7 p.m.)

Sunday, Nov. 27
Group E: Japan vs. Costa Rica or New Zealand (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 1 p.m.)
Group F: Belgium vs. Morocco (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 4 p.m.)
Group F: Croatia vs. Canada (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 7 p.m.)
Group E: Spain vs. Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; 10 p.m.)

Monday, Nov. 28
Group G: Cameroon vs. Serbia (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakra; 1 p.m.)
Group H: South Korea vs. Ghana (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 4 p.m.)
Group G: Brazil vs. Switzerland (Stadium 974, Doha; 7 p.m.)
Group H: Portugal vs. Uruguay (Lusail Stadium, Lusail; 10 p.m.)

Tuesday, Nov. 29
Group A: Netherlands vs. Qatar (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; 6 p.m.)
Group A: Ecuador vs. Senegal (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 6 p.m.)
Group B: Wales or Scotland / Ukraine vs. England (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 10 p.m.)
Group B: Iran vs. United States (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 10 p.m.)

Wednesday, Nov. 30
Group D: Tunisia vs. France (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 6 p.m.)
Group D: Peru or Australia / United Arab Emirates vs. Denmark (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakra; 6 p.m.)
Group C: Poland vs. Argentina (Stadium 974, Doha; 10 p.m.)
Group C: Saudi Arabia vs. Mexico (Lusail Stadium, Lusail; 10 p.m.)

Thursday, Dec. 1
Group F: Croatia vs. Belgium (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 6 p.m.)
Group F: Canada vs. Morocco (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 6 p.m.)
Group E: Japan vs. Spain (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 10 p.m.)
Group E: Costa Rica or New Zealand vs. Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; 10 p.m.)

Friday, Dec. 2
Group H: South Korea vs. Portugal (Education City Stadium; 6 p.m.)
Group H: Ghana vs. Uruguay (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakra; 6 p.m.)
Group G: Cameroon vs. Brazil (Lusail Stadium; 10 p.m.)
Group G: Serbia vs. Switzerland (Stadium 974, Doha; 10 p.m.)

BRACKET - ROUND OF 16

Saturday, Dec. 3
49 - Winners of Group A vs. Runners-up of Group B (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 6 p.m.)
50 - Winners of Group C vs. Runners-up of Group D (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 10 p.m.)

Sunday, Dec. 4
52 - Winners of Group D vs. Runners-up of Group C (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 6 p.m.)
51 - Winners of Group B vs. Runners-up of Group A (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; 10 p.m.)

Monday, Dec. 5
53 - Winners of Group E vs. Runners-up of Group F (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah; 6 p.m.)
54 - Winners of Group G vs. Runners-up of Group H (Stadium 974, Doha; 10 p.m.)

Tuesday, Dec. 6
55 - Winners of Group F vs. Runners-up of Group E (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 6 p.m.)
56 - Winners of Group H vs. Runners-up of Group G (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail; 10 p.m.)

BRACKET - QUARTERFINALS

Friday, Dec. 9
58 - Winners of 53 vs. Winners of 54 (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 6 p.m.)
57 - Winners of 49 vs. Winners of 50 (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail; 10 p.m.)

Saturday, Dec. 10
60 - Winners of 55 vs. Winners of 56 (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 6 p.m.)
59 - Winners of 51 vs. Winners of 52 (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; 10 p.m.)

BRACKET - SEMIFINALS

Tuesday, Dec. 13
61 - Winners of 57 vs. Winners of 58 (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail; 10 p.m.)

Wednesday, Dec. 14
62 - Winners of 59 vs. Winners of 60 (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; 10 p.m.)

BRACKET - THIRD PLACE

Saturday, Dec. 17
63 - Losers of 61 vs. Losers of 62 (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 6 p.m.)

BRACKET - FINAL

Sunday, Dec. 18
64 - Winners of 61 vs. Winners of 62 (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail; 6 p.m.)

 

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High demand expected as FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Ticket applications open to fans following Final Draw.

• More than 800,000 tickets sold in the first ticket sales phase
• New sales window starts today with a random selection draw period running until Thursday, 28 April
• Supporter tickets and the chance to apply for tickets to two matches in one day now available

A second Random Selection Draw sales period for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ opens today at 11:00 CET via FIFA.com/tickets. With the Final Draw completed, fans can now see who their team will face in the Group Stage and place their requests for their preferred opening fixtures.
The phase will run until Thursday, 28 April at 11:00 CET, and applicants will have for the first time the opportunity to request tickets to up to two matches per day at the beginning of the group stage, with the respective compatibility rules to be made available on FIFA.com/tickets. This is an unprecedented benefit at a FIFA World Cup™ thanks to the tournament’s uniquely compact nature and short travel times between all eight state-of-the-art stadiums.
Also for the first time, Supporter Tickets and Conditional Supporter Tickets will be on offer for those who self-declare as followers of a certain competing country and want to sit with fellow fans of that team. Please note that some member associations require fans to be member of their official fan clubs in order to apply for these tickets.
Fans will be again able to apply for Individual Match Tickets and Four-Stadium Ticket Series, while Accessibility Tickets will be available across all products. In line with FIFA’s ticketing policy at recent editions of the FIFA World Cup, Qatar residents will have exclusive access to Category 4 tickets, with prices starting at just QAR 40 each.
In this sales period, it will make no difference whether applications are submitted on the first day, the last day or any time in between, as all tickets will be allocated after the ticket application period has closed. In cases where the number of tickets applied for exceeds the available ticket inventory for the domestic or international market, tickets will be allocated by a random selection draw process.
All fans will be duly notified of the outcome of their applications no earlier than Tuesday, 31 May, along with the steps to follow and, if successful, the deadline by which to pay for allocated tickets.

The full breakdown of products on offer via FIFA.com/tickets are as follows:

• Individual Match Tickets Tickets for a specific match, available across four different price categories.
• Supporter Tickets Group-stage tickets for supporters of a certain team, available across three different price categories.
• Conditional Supporter Tickets Tickets for supporters of a certain team for a second-round match that could potentially feature their team, available across three different price categories.
• Four-Stadium Ticket Series Tickets for fans who want to sample the atmosphere across four different matches and iconic stadiums on successive days.
• Accessibility Tickets Tickets that provide access to tailored facilities and spaces for disabled people and people with limited mobility, covering a range of requirements, as part of any of the above products.

Visa payment cards are the exclusive payment method accepted for residents of Qatar, while Visa and selected other payment cards are accepted for international fans. Visa is the preferred payment solution for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
Accommodation and Hayya Card (Fan ID) Once fans have paid for their tickets, they will be able to browse accommodation and apply for their Hayya Card, which doubles as an entry permit for international fans travelling to Qatar for the tournament.
All spectators, regardless of whether they are based in Qatar or abroad, will need a Hayya Card along with a match ticket to enter the stadiums. To explore accommodation options and read more about the Hayya Card, visit Qatar2022.qa.
COVID-19 measures FIFA.com/tickets FIFA and Qatar are committed to putting health first. The Qatari authorities will provide the required safeguards to protect the health and safety of all involved in Qatar 2022. In that regard, all attendees must follow the travel advice from the Qatari authorities, including the latest guidance from the Ministry of Public Health. Full information on COVID-19-related safety measures will be communicated in advance of the tournament.
Visit FIFA.com/tickets to buy a ticket and the FAQs section for more information about the products, packages and price categories.

 

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Homegrown coaches doing Africa’s finest proud

• Four of Africa’s five qualifiers for Qatar 2022 have homegrown coaches
• The men in charge of Cameroon, Ghana and Senegal are all former internationals
• Tunisia’s head coach has over 20 years of experience in the dugout

National identity is important to the countries that will be representing Africa at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. After entrusting their teams to foreign coaches for many years, four of the five representing the continent at the global finals will do so boasting homegrown tacticians.


FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
African nations at the FIFA World Cup
23 Feb 2022

Cameroon are in the hands of Rigobert Song, who represented them with such distinction on the pitch and was a two-time CAF African Cup of Nations winner in 2000 and 2002. The former defender, who also forged a successful club career in Europe, will now try to make history with the Indomitable Lions in Qatar, where they have been drawn in Group G with Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia. Speaking after his side had edged Algeria on away goals to qualify, he hailed their never-say-die spirit. “I’d like to congratulate both teams on the match they played, and my players, who showed how indomitable they are,” said Song. “In the first match, we struggled against a defensive side that prevented our players from expressing themselves in attack. We managed to respond to that today by playing with two men up front.”

Ghana also went back to the past in their successful bid to reach Qatar 2022, handing the reins of the national team to Otto Addo, who played in Germany before moving into coaching. The Black Stars have a daunting challenge ahead of them in Group H, one of the toughest sections in the first round, with Portugal, Uruguay and Korea Republic providing the opposition. The ex-player Senegal turned to was Aliou Cisse, who ran out for French clubs Paris Saint-Germain and Lille. An AFCON runner-up with the Lions of Teranga in 2002, he guided them to the continental title for the first time earlier this year. Cisse’s Senegal will come up against tournament hosts Qatar, Netherlands and Ecuador in Group A.

While Tunisia’s Jalel Kadri lacks the playing CV of his Cameroonian, Ghanaian and Senegalese opposite numbers, he more than makes up for it with his coaching experience. Having embarked on his career in the dugout in 2001, he is now preparing for his biggest challenge yet. Tunisia have been drawn in Group D, where they will take on France, Denmark and one of either Australia, Peru or United Arab Emirates.

 

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Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' shirt expected to fetch £4 million at auction


Following Maradona's death in 2020, Steve Hodge said the shirt was not for sale.

The shirt worn by Diego Maradona when he scored his infamous "Hand of God" goal against England at the 1986 World Cup is expected to sell for at least £4 million ($5.23 million), auctioneer Sotheby's said Wednesday.

The shirt is owned by former England midfielder Steve Hodge, who swapped jerseys with Maradona after Argentina won the match 2-1 thanks to two goals by the forward, the second a solo effort that is considered to be one of the greatest ever scored.

It was Hodge's attempted back pass that Maradona chased before using his hand to push the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton for the first goal. Following Maradona's death in 2020, Hodge said the shirt was not for sale.


Diego Maradona scored with his hand against England in 1986. Allsport/Getty Images

Brazilian great Pele's jersey from the 1970 World Cup final is the most expensive soccer shirt sold at auction, according to Guinness World Records. It fetched £157,750 in 2002, over three times the expected price.

Maradona, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, is widely considered one of the greatest ever footballers. He died at age 60 from a cardiac arrest.

 

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Bento: Facing Portugal won't be easy emotionally

• Paulo Bento played for Portugal against Korea Republic at the 2002 finals

• Now he is set to coach the Taegeuk Warriors against his country of birth

• He discusses how emotional it will be and facing Cristiano Ronaldo

The Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ was an exciting occasion for fans all over the world, though few of them will have understood exactly how Paulo Bento felt when it was over. The Korea Republic coach, and former Portugal midfielder, will be up against his country of his birth in Group H, a section that also contains Ghana and Uruguay. Bento knows that emotionally, the final first-phase outing at Education City Stadium will be challenging. “I said yesterday that it was not something I wanted,” he told FIFA after the draw. “Obviously, from a sporting point of view, we’ll approach the game in same way, with the same care and the same level of preparation as we have against the teams we’ve played in the past, and as we will all the teams we’re going to face in the group phase. “However, I know it’s not going to be an easy game in an emotional sense. Regardless of what the situation will be by the time the game comes around, it’s definitely going to be an emotional challenge for me. It’s a first for me and it’s sure to be a different experience.” As fate would have it, Bento was on the pitch for the only previous World Cup meeting between the two sides, when the Taegeuk Warriors won 1-0 in the group phase at Korea/Japan 2002 to send the Seleção das Quinas out of the competition.



Korea Republic are the second national team Bento has taken charge of in a coaching career which began two years after that World Cup exit. The first was his home nation, between 2010 and 2014, when he took Portugal to Brazil 2014. In the Taegeuk Warriors job since August 2018, Bento will come up against a side spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo in his quest to reach the Round of 16. “We know what Cristiano can do but there’s much more to the national team than that,” he said.



Bento will at least have the sympathy of his Portugal counterpart Fernando Santos as he prepares for this unusual challenge. “With us both coming from the same country, we obviously don’t want to play each other before the final phase, but that’s just the way it is,” Santos told FIFA. “I hope we both go through.”

 

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68 years on: Why Switzerland could make the quarter-finals once again

• Switzerland have failed to reach the World Cup quarter-finals since a legendary match against Austria in 1954

• They are set to face familiar foes from Russia 2018™ in Qatar

• We look at three reasons why La Nati have a chance to make it through to the last eight

The last time that Switzerland progressed to the quarter-finals on football’s biggest stage was on home soil, at the 1954 FIFA World Cup™. And it was no ordinary last-eight tie that was played out at the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise in Lausanne, between the host nation and neighbours Austria. A number of the players suffered from the heat, which peaked at 40°C that day. Austrian goalkeeper Kurt Schmied went down with heatstroke early on and staggered around between the posts for the rest of the match, as substitutes were not permitted back in those days.



What followed was a free-for-all between the two teams. Switzerland took a 3-0 lead only for Austria to turn things and go in at the break 5-4 ahead. Yes, there were nine goals in the first half – the first eight coming between the 16th and the 34th minute in the space of little over a quarter of an hour.
By the time the final whistle blew, Austria had made it through to the last four with a 7-5 win, but that was as far as they would go, with eventual winners West Germany getting the better of them in the semi-finals.



The 'Heat Battle of Lausanne' as it is known set a record unequalled to this day, with the most goals ever (12) in a World Cup match. It was also the last time that Switzerland made it through to the quarter-finals. Since then, La Nati have reached the Round of 16 on four occasions without ever going further.
There was particular heartbreak for the Swiss at Germany 2006, when the team did not concede a single goal but went out to Ukraine on penalties. That set another record that still stands, with Pascal Zuberbuhler letting in the fewest goals at a World Cup.



In Qatar, Switzerland have been drawn in a group just as tough as they found themselves in four years ago in Russia, where they were up against Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica. Back then, they finished second but went out in the Round of 16 to Sweden. In Qatar this November and December, they will once again cross swords with Brazil and Serbia, while Cameroon will be their other group-stage opponents this time around. So what makes us think La Nati could finally get through to the last eight once again, 68 years after that 7-5 defeat to Austria? We have come up with three reasons why they stand a good chance of progressing in Qatar.

 

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England immortality beckons for Kane in Qatar

• Harry Kane won the adidas Golden Boot at the last FIFA World Cup

• Bookmakers make him favourite to repeat that feat at Qatar 2022

• The Spurs striker is also closing in on England’s all-time scoring record

Harry Kane has already written his name in FIFA World Cup™ history. By scoring six times at Russia 2018, the England captain earned himself the tournament’s adidas Golden Boot and, in doing so, followed in feted footsteps of men like Ronaldo, Gerd Muller and Eusebio.
Kane, 28, is also already assured of his place as a Three Lions legend. No-one in the history of England’s national team has scored more often in competitive fixtures, and his overall record of 49 from 69 appearances stands comparison with anyone in modern-day international football.



Rooney’s record within touching distance
The likes of Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo will also have their eyes on Qatar 2022’s Golden Boot, of course, and Kane’s chances of an unprecedented double may rest on whether England can go the distance. But another historic achievement – the all-time Three Lions scoring record – now looks to be a mere formality.
Having recently moved past Gary Lineker (48) to join the great Bobby Charlton on 49 England goals, Kane is now just four away from equalling Wayne Rooney’s benchmark of 53. The current holder certainly knows that his record won’t last for much longer, and has been full of praise for the man set to eclipse him.
“Harry’s a fantastic player and goalscorer,” he said. “If I were building a team, he’d be the one I’d start with. Harry Kane: there’s my No9, then I’d build the rest around him.
“Records are great of course but they’re there to be broken. When Harry does break it, he deserves all the praise and credit that he gets because it’s a great honour to hold that record. “For him and for the manager Gareth Southgate, I also think he should try to get that record before the World Cup so it doesn’t become a distraction.”



Final fantasy
Provided he stays fit, Kane will have six UEFA Nations League fixtures – against Germany, Hungary and Italy – to match and potentially surpass Rooney before heading to Qatar. But with England’s clashes against Hungary in Budapest and Italy at Wembley set to be played in front of empty stadiums due to UEFA sanctions, there are fears that this landmark occasion could fall a little flat.
“It would be hugely unfortunate [if the record was broken in an empty stadium],” Southgate admitted recently. “The games behind closed doors, frankly we have seen and had enough of them, but for both countries it is a punishment because our fans and their fans weren’t able to control themselves. That’s an embarrassment for us, but it is the situation we have got and it would be particularly sad if that was the game where Harry broke the record.
“I don’t think he will worry where he is playing. But it would be lovely if it was at Wembley. And if it was in the World Cup final, it would be absolutely fine!”
That is the dream. And if he could grab a record-breaking, Golden Boot-winning strike to fire England to their first global title in 56 years, Kane would make the transition from legend to World Cup immortal – and national saint.

 

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Every American child should be able to play

• Earnie Stewart explains how FIFA’s Global Talent analysis can help the United States

• Stresses importance of a clear pathway from junior football towards professionalism

• United States has “huge ambitions” in football

Earnie Stewart, US Soccer's Sporting Director, has first-hand experience of how the soccer culture has evolved in the United States over the last 20 years. The former U.S. international spent most of his club career in the Netherlands and explains that when he came over to play for the U.S. in home matches, the crowd could provide a somewhat disconcerting experience. Stewart said that fans would cheer at unusual moments such as when a player headed the ball. "If you came from Europe and you played in Europe, the moments of cheering were awkward,” he said.



It is all very different nowadays. “There is a soccer culture, there is a soccer atmosphere, stadiums in the MLS and NWSL are coming along, these places are being sold out, which is really important,” said Stewart, who won 101 caps and played at three FIFA World Cups. “So, that means the sport has grown at a tremendous pace and the understanding of what they see is really there." Men's national team results have also improved greatly. The U.S. have reached the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals once, the round of sixteen twice and the Copa America semi-finals once. Last year saw them win their seventh Concacaf Gold Cup title as well as the inaugural Concacaf Nations League. Most recently, they sealed their place at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ where they will face England, IR Iran, and either Ukraine, Scotland or Wales in Group B. FIFA President Gianni Infantino wants to increase global competitiveness as part of his Vision 2020-23 and, with a men’s World Cup on home soil coming up in 2026, it would appear to be the ideal opportunity for the U.S. to take the next step and reach the later stages of the tournament. In women’s football, the U.S, are already at the top with four World Cup and four Olympic titles – both records – and they intend to stay there.

Ensuring that every talented player gets a chance is a key part of that plan, and in that sense, FIFA’s ground-breaking study on the global development ecosystem could not have come at a better time – especially as it included a dedicated country report for each participating member association. "We are in the process of creating our technical plan for our technical development. So, it couldn’t have come at a better time to actually have a third party, in this case, FIFA coming in and actually analyse us," he said. "What does talent development look like in our country and what were our thoughts? We sought to combine those with the thoughts of FIFA, and at the same time, the best practices that they’ve seen all over the world. We want to become better every single day. We have huge ambitions as the United States. We have a huge country, so we have the numbers, we have the facilities."

Ged Roddy, a high-performance specialist who worked on the U.S. country report, said the USSSF’s positive, open-minded approach was an example of how the report could benefit MAs. “The USA entered into this project with a really open mindset, and they were, and are, already searching for areas where they can improve because they want to be the very best," he said. "There were no walls being put up, there were open and honest conversations about what they felt they did well and what they felt they needed to do better. "In the nicest possible way, they used FIFA, which is exactly what we wanted them to do, because it gave them time and space to review what they were doing and make some decisions about how they were going to work going forward.”



Stewart recognised that the U.S. faces challenges when it comes to ensuring that talented players did not slip through the net. "I think there is a way that we can better organise ourselves so that doesn’t happen as much," he said. "From what I’ve seen, and what FIFA has seen, is that we have all these different pyramids. If you can structure and organise that in the best possible way, it won’t happen as much. But, because there are these separate entities and organisations that all have their pyramid, I can imagine that there is talent that gets lost." It was also important that there was a clear pathway from junior football towards professionalism, especially as football in the U.S. has to compete with other sports. “Every child should be able to play at their level, whatever that level is. Some of them become professional soccer players; others become referees; others become fans of the game," he said.

In the women’s game, Stewart said it was possible that the pathway through college soccer might become less important. “In the past, and that’s something we’re looking at right now, college has always been like this extreme plus that we had here in the United States,” he said. “What we’ve seen on the boys’ side, is that the college pathway has actually become less critical. The MLS has built up their academies, the USL too. More academies have been built within the soccer ecosystem on the boys’ side, and the thought is also, that is going to happen more on the women’s side as well. So, we’re trying to keep a close eye on that.” In the long run, the aim is to join the list of teams whose names routinely crop up on the list of potential men’s World Cup winners, while remaining at the top of the women’s game "In the end, it’s also about sustainable success," said Stewart. “Obviously, you want to compete with bigger countries like Spain and Brazil that have been in finals and always reach the quarter-finals or semi-finals. That’s where we want to get to. That’s why we come to the office every single day, and what we are working towards."

 

[EZ12]

Ten teen wonders who could illuminate Qatar

• We spotlight ten youngsters who could dazzle at Qatar 2022
• All will be teenagers when the 22nd FIFA World Cup kicks off
• Argentina, England, Germany, Ghana, Mexico, Spain and USA are represented

Felix Afena-Gyan
Ghana
19 years old
2 caps; 0 goals

It's startling to think that, 18 months ago, Afena-Gyan was leading the line for Berekum Presbyterian Senior High School in his native Sunyami. Now, following a meteoric rise, he’s starring for Roma and destined to represent Ghana at the World Cup. Despite his slight stature, Afena-Gyan’s strength and balance enables him to win balls he has no right to, shake off challenges and stay on his feet. He boasts electric pace, skill, and can also score tap-ins, long-range thunderbolts and goals from seemingly impossible angles.
Ghana boast the highest-scoring African in World Cup history in Asamoah Gyan, and other legendary attacking players such as Karim Abdul Razak, Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah. Afena-Gyan has the talent and time to swagger his way into the pantheon they decorate.



Stat
At 18 years and 306 days, Afena-Gyan rose from the bench to score his first Roma goals – his second was a sensational strike – and secure a 2-0 win at Genoa in November. Consequently, he became the third-youngest foreigner to score multiple goals in a Serie A game after Alexandre Pato (18 years and 147 days) and Valeri Bojinov (17 years and 337 days).

Did you know? After his opener against Genoa, Afena-Gyan raced to the touchline to remind Jose Mourinho he’d promised him a pair of designer trainers if he scored in Serie A. The following day, the Portuguese coach presented the then 18-year-old with an €800 pair of Balenciaga sneakers.

Quote “He’s a diamond. He’s 19 years old – it’s hard to believe. He’s so creative, his movement is great, and defensively he gives it his all.”
Otto Addo



Jude Bellingham
England
18 years old
12 caps; 0 goals

Physically indomitable and technically brilliant, Bellingham has been likened to two of the greatest midfielders of the last 30 years in Patrick Vieira and Steven Gerrard. Another of them, the notoriously difficult to impress Roy Keane, has uncharacteristically waxed lyrical about the Borussia Dortmund midfielder on multiple occasions. The Bellingham bandwagon just keeps getting bulkier. A who’s who of the sport’s most prestigious clubs are reportedly desperate to seize the signature of a player Gareth Southgate believes can function as a No6, a No8 or a No10.



Stat
140 years had passed since a 17-year-old played the full 90 minutes for England until Jude Bellingham did against Austria last year. He later became the youngest player in UEFA EURO history – a record Poland’s Kacper Kozlowski nonetheless broke six days later.

Did you know? Despite only playing one season for the Birmingham City first team – he had become, shortly after turning 16, their youngest-ever player – the club incredibly retired Bellingham’s No22 jersey when he left for Dortmund in 2019.

Quote “The potential for this kid… it is scary. He is a good size, he looks like a footballer, he looks like a boxer. He is a strong, powerful boy and Gareth must be rubbing his hands together. He’s an amazing talent.”
Roy Keane



Marcelo Flores
Mexico
18 years old
1 cap; 0 goals

Wondering how someone who has never even made a top-tier appearance at club level has an international cap to his name? It’s because Flores is really special. Besides, Mexico coach Tata Martino witnessed Javier Mascherano do the same, and ‘El Jefecito’ (The Little Chief) went on to have an outstanding career. Flores, who has been unstoppable for Arsenal’s youth sides, chose Mexico over Canada and England. After electrifying in their 2-1 win over USA at U-20 level in November, the jet-heeled dribble wizard was promoted into the senior squad and made his debut in a 2-2 draw with Chile. Nicknamed ‘The Mexican Messi’ – he grew up idolising ‘La Pulga Atomica’ – Flores has been infatuating Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and has ambition in abundance. “I want to star at the World Cup and go on to become the best player in the world,” he declared.



Stat
Ruben and Susan Flores have three kids, and all three are footballers at different London clubs. Arsenal prospect Marcelo’s sisters Silvana and Tatiana play for Tottenham and Chelsea respectively.

Did you know? Flores was discovered by chance by while visiting his father in the Cayman Islands, where the latter worked as the women’s national team coach. An Ipswich Town scout was amazed by Marcelo’s talent and the rest is history.

Quote “He’s a huge talent. He’s very skilful and he always demands the ball. It’s very exciting for Mexicans to have this player.”
Tata Martino



Gavi
Spain
17 years old
6 caps; 0 goals

Gavi is a quintessential La Masia product, a Xavi-Andres Iniesta hybrid who seems destined to become of the finest players on the planet. With extrasensory vision, impeccable control, an exorbitant footballing IQ, and exceptional passing and dribbling, he is a dream offensively, but the ferocious tackler is also wowing with his defensive output, with Dani Alves lauding his “competitive madness”. Gavi became the youngest player in the 101-year history of the Spanish national team in October, responding by dazzling as Luis Enrique’s men ended Italy’s world-record 37-game unbeaten run. He is now a firm fixture in the Roja midfield.



Stats
In October 2021, at 17 years and 80 days, Gavi became the youngest player to start El Clásico in 80 years. In February, he became the second-youngest player to score against Atletico Madrid in La Liga. The youngest remains Raul, whose first professional goal came in El Derbi Madrileño in 1994. The forward had, ironically, only joined Real when Atleti shut down their youth academy.

Did you know? Gavi, who will be 18 years and 110 days when Spain kick off their campaign, will eclipse Cesc Fabregas and become the youngest player to appear for Spain in a World Cup if he plays in Qatar. If he finds the target during the tournament, the Los Palacios y Villafranca native will become the youngest European to score. The record currently belongs to Michael Owen, who was 18 years and 191 days when he netted for England against Romania in 1998.

Quote “He’s spectacular. He plays like he’s in the schoolyard or the backyard. He’s the future and the present of the national team.”
Luis Enrique



Yunus Musah
USA
19 years old
16 caps; 0 goals

Gareth Southgate made a personal plea to sway Musah into committing his senior international future to England, but the NYC native chose to be part of the most exciting USA generation ever. The Valenica man, who often plays on the right of a midfield three, boasts power, sprinter’s pace and electrifying dribbling. He has taken inspiration from N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Christian Pulisic, reportedly interested Barcelona, and delivered a magnificent, man-of-the-match performance in a 0-0 in Mexico last month that pushed USA towards the line in Qatar 2022 qualifying.



Stat At the age of 17 years and 337 days, Musah became the second-youngest player to score for Valencia in La Liga. The youngest was Juan Mena in 1941.

Did you know? Musah was born in New York City to Ghanaian parents. He grew up in Italy and England, where he was on the books at Arsenal before joining Valencia. Musah won over 30 caps for the Three Lions at youth level.

Quote “Stopping him is a big problem for any team. He constantly drives at defences. He’s so fast, agile, mobile and keeps the ball close to his feet.”
Gregg Berhalter



Jamal Musiala
Germany
19 years old
11 caps; 1 goal

Germany have registered some pivotal defeats of England over the years. Securing the senior future of this wunderkind, who wore three blue lions on his badge at U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-21 level, could prove one of their biggest. An excellent dribbler boasting illimitable energy and a rasping shot, the question is where Musiala will attempt to write his legacy. He says he prefers to operate in behind a striker, but he can also play out wide, up front and as a box-to-box midfielder. Already a key player for Bayern Munich, he is a forerunner for the Best Young Player award won by Lukas Podolski at Germany 2006 and Thomas Muller at South Africa 2010.


Stats At 17 years and 115 days, Musiala outranked the likes of Toni Kroos, David Alaba and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to become the youngest player to represent Bayern in the Bundesliga – a record he since lost to 16-year-old Paul Wanner. At the UEFA EURO last year, Musiala became the youngest player to appear for Germany at a major tournament.

Did you know? Musiala attributes his footballing intelligence to playing chess in his youth, and his agility to training in the Korean martial art Hapkido.

Quote “He has unbelievable potential. It's extraordinary. He has great finishing qualities. Unbelievable attacking qualities also in his dribbling with the ball. He has the basis for an outstanding career.”
Julian Nagelsmann