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World Cup

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World Cup guest writersHome kit rankingsUSMNT hometown seriesRoad trip to
QatarHow to win the World Cup
Group Stage Matchweek 1
Sun, 4:00pm
QAT
ECU
Mon, 1:00pm
ENG
IRN
Mon, 4:00pm
SEN
NED
Mon, 7:00pm
USA
WAL
Tue, 10:00am
ARG
KSA
Tue, 1:00pm
DEN
TUN
Tue, 4:00pm
MEX
POL
Tue, 7:00pm
FRA
AUS
Wed, 10:00am
MAR
CRO
Wed, 1:00pm
GER
JPN
Wed, 4:00pm
ESP
CRC
Wed, 7:00pm
BEL
CAN
Thu, 10:00am
SUI
CMR
Thu, 1:00pm
URU
KOR
Thu, 4:00pm
POR
GHA
Thu, 7:00pm
BRA
SRB
Group Stage Matchweek 2
Fri, Nov. 25
WAL
IRN
Fri, Nov. 25
QAT
SEN
Fri, Nov. 25
NED
ECU
Fri, Nov. 25
ENG
USA
Sat, Nov. 26
TUN
AUS
Sat, Nov. 26
POL
KSA
Sat, Nov. 26
FRA
DEN
Sat, Nov. 26
ARG
MEX
Sun, Nov. 27
JPN
CRC
Sun, Nov. 27
BEL
MAR
Sun, Nov. 27
CRO
CAN
Sun, Nov. 27
ESP
GER
Mon, Nov. 28
CMR
SRB
Mon, Nov. 28
KOR
GHA
Mon, Nov. 28
BRA
SUI
Mon, Nov. 28
POR
URU
Group Stage Matchweek 3
Tue, Nov. 29
NED
QAT
Tue, Nov. 29
ECU
SEN
Tue, Nov. 29
IRN
USA
Tue, Nov. 29
WAL
ENG
Wed, Nov. 30
TUN
FRA
Wed, Nov. 30
AUS
DEN
Wed, Nov. 30
KSA
MEX
Wed, Nov. 30
POL
ARG
Thu, Dec. 1
CRO
BEL
Thu, Dec. 1
CAN
MAR
Thu, Dec. 1
CRC
GER
Thu, Dec. 1
JPN
ESP
Fri, Dec. 2
GHA
URU
Fri, Dec. 2
KOR
POR
Fri, Dec. 2
SRB
SUI
Fri, Dec. 2
CMR
BRA




WORLD CUP 2022



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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THE RADAR - THE ATHLETIC'S 2022 WORLD CUP SCOUTING GUIDE

The Radar is here - The Athletic's guide to 100 of the most talented and
under-the-radar footballers on show at the World Cup

The Athletic Staff42

Jesse Marsch: This young U.S. team makes me dream - especially for 2026

Paul Tenorio41

Explained: Why has FIFA banned beer from stadiums and why does it matter?

Matt Slater and Kate Burlaga31

World Cup predictions: Winner, Golden Boot - and which big team will flop?

Daniel Taylor, Carl Anka and more88

Deschamps trying to settle squad as France's World Cup defence looms

Amy Lawrence and Alexander Abnos2

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SPOTLIGHT

THE ATHLETIC'S BIG WORLD CUP QUIZ

Test yourself with 40 truly taxing questions on this World Cup and the history
of the competition...

The Athletic UK Staff54

Vahid Halilhodzic on 3 pre-World Cup sackings: 'It's sporting and moral
injustice'

Nick Miller and Joey D'Urso10

Meet The Athletic's guest writers for the World Cup

Nnamdi Onye43

Can the Qatar World Cup really be carbon neutral?

Jacob Whitehead35

Emi Martinez: ‘When I hear our anthem, there might be tears. We go there to win’

Gregg Evans32

Inside England and USMNT's World Cup training facilities in Qatar

Joey D'Urso and Adam Crafton69

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WORLD CUP FOCUS: ENGLAND

LOOKING PAST THE PICTURES AS ENGLAND PLAYERS MEET MIGRANT WORKERS

As England players met migrant workers, it was meant to be a heart-warming,
feel-good moment - so why didn’t it feel that way?

Jack Pitt-Brooke9

Phillips, Walker and the battle to get fit for the World Cup

Pol Ballus8

'At the peak of his powers' - how Callum Wilson forced his way into England's
World Cup squad

Chris Waugh31

Picking England's line-up to face Iran: Eight writers, eight starting XIs

Daniel Taylor, Jack Pitt-Brooke and more129

England's World Cup 2022 squad analysed: From Wilson's form to the versatility
of White

Mark Carey, Michael Cox, and Liam Tharme38

Southgate puts faith in tried and trusted, but Maddison call-up reflects need
for new tricks

Oliver Kay94

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


WORLD CUP FOCUS: USMNT

THE BIGGEST SURPRISES AND TAKEAWAYS FROM THE USMNT WORLD CUP SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter faced some tough decisions as he decided on his
final squad for the 2022 World Cup

Paul Tenorio and Sam Stejskal131

Fan survey reveals big dip in confidence after dismal pre-World Cup window

Jeff Rueter69



'It just takes time': Gio Reyna on his return from a lost year

Paul Tenorio14



Gregg Berhalter talks being USMNT coach, World Cup, Christian Pulisic and more

The Athletic Staff30



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WORLD CUP CONVERSATIONS

Interviews with those who have lifted the trophy to trailblazers breaking new
ground in Qatar.

VAN DER SAR EXCLUSIVE: HEARTBREAK IN ‘98 WORLD CUP SHOOTOUT AGAINST BRAZIL

The former Manchester United and Netherlands goalkeeper offers a unique
perspective on the global game as chief executive of Ajax

Laurie Whitwell and Nick Miller21

Deschamps: France's 'complicated' World Cup defence, filling the Pogba and Kante
void

Amy Lawrence17

Being one of the first women to referee at the men's World Cup

Jacob Whitehead13

Emi Martinez: 'When I hear our anthem, there might be tears. We go there to win'

Gregg Evans32

Pochettino: The World Cup, Diego Maradona and me

Jack Pitt-Brooke77

Ronaldo's 'very tough moment' in France in 1998

Dermot Corrigan33

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


ROAD TRIP TO QATAR

Follow along as our reporters travel from London to Doha, via every mode of
transport they can think of.

DAY 15: FIREBALL DRUMSTICKS AND SPAIN OVERSHARE ON THEIR TEAMSHEET

On Day 15 of the road trip to Qatar, our intrepid writers take in Jordan v Spain
where the pre-game entertainment rivalled the on-pitch fare

Laurie Whitwell3

Day 14: A tournament for the Middle East? And a haircut

Nick Miller and Laurie Whitwell5

Day 13: Train tension, scenic strolls and a man named after Tupac

Laurie Whitwell and Nick Miller5

Day 12: Welcome to Red Star Belgrade - mind the tank

Nick Miller and Laurie Whitwell21

Day 11: Chatting Panini stickers with Biscan and lunch at Boban's restaurant

Nick Miller and Laurie Whitwell8

Day 10: 'Breaking in' to an abandoned stadium? Yes please

Nick Miller and Laurie Whitwell5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


WORLD CUP TEAMS: GROUP A

QATAR: ORGANISED AND AGGRESSIVE, BUT UNDER HUGE PRESSURE

The hosts will need to be at very their best if they are to achieve their aim of
avoiding the same fate as South Africa in 2010

Uri Levy27

Ecuador: An action hero, a qualification scare and some Seagulls

Felipe Cardenas14



Senegal: Experienced, settled, but still reliant on Mane

Gary Al-Smith15



Netherlands: A rock-solid defence but uncertainty in goal

The Athletic Staff21



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WORLD CUP TEAMS: GROUP B

ENGLAND: SOUTHGATE WILL STICK WITH TRIED AND TRUSTED – FOR GOOD OR BAD

Gareth Southgate's team were national darlings at World Cup 2018 and Euro 2020 -
now England and their manager are under pressure to deliver

Jack Pitt-Brooke110

USA: This might just be USMNT’s ‘Golden Generation’

Paul Tenorio207



Iran: Protests, a grudge match and football’s longest throw

Uri Levy14



Wales: Gareth Bale's fitness aside, pride may take them far

Stuart James10



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


WORLD CUP TEAMS: GROUP C

ARGENTINA: CAN UNLIKELY SAVIOUR SCALONI HELP MESSI TO THE PERFECT ENDING?

When Argentina flopped in Russia the World Cup dreams of Lionel Messi looked
over - but an unlikely hero has the team back firing again...

Felipe Cardenas22

Saudi Arabia: They've had the prep, but do they have the goals?

Uri Levy3



Mexico: A jeered manager and a misfiring Raul Jimenez

Felipe Cardenas9



Poland: Lewandowski, a divisive coach, and an armband in Ukraine colours

Michael Zachodny11



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


WORLD CUP TEAMS: GROUP D

FRANCE: LES BLEUS LOOK DESTINED TO GO BIG OR GO HOME EARLY AGAIN

Recent tournaments have been a mixed bag for Les Bleus - their squad is rammed
with talent, but their preparations have been troubling

The Athletic UK Staff15

Australia: Fitness worries leave only cautious optimism

Kieran Pender8



Denmark: Eriksen, a Bundesliga sensation, and knack for beating France

The Athletic UK Staff10



Tunisia: A competitive midfield but a lack of threat up top

Maher Mezahi1



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WORLD CUP TEAMS: GROUP E

SPAIN: PASS MASTERS STILL LACKING THAT FINISHING TOUCH

Luis Enrique's team will dominate possession and should create plenty of chances
— whether Morata and co take them is a different matter...

Pol Ballus11

Costa Rica: Conservative approach will both help and hinder

Paul Tenorio2



Germany: No prolific striker, but Flick still has quality in attack

Raphael Honigstein22



Japan: Group brings excitement and dread in equal measure

Dan Orlowitz5



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


WORLD CUP TEAMS: GROUP F

BELGIUM: ONE LAST CHANCE FOR GENERATION WHO HAVE UNDERACHIEVED

Belgium missed a big chance to win in 2018. Now Roberto Martinez is trying again
with many of those players, in their last chance at glory

The Athletic UK Staff22

Canada: A Geordie coach, the Iceman, and a players' strike

Joshua Kloke29



Morocco: A new homegrown coach, Hakim Ziyech and a wiry No 8

Maher Mezahi3



Croatia: A successful changing of the guard from 2018

Juraj Vrdoljak7



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


WORLD CUP TEAMS: GROUP G

BRAZIL: TITE'S SQUAD HAS MORE THAN ENOUGH QUALITY AND DEPTH TO DELIVER THE 'HEX'

The five-time winners have incredible depth at their disposal this time around,
with arguably the best squad heading to this World Cup...

James Horncastle38

Serbia: Dejan Stojkovic's stylish team has public back onside

Sonja Nikcevic8



Switzerland: Raised expectations - can they upset the odds again?

Oliver Zesiger2



Cameroon: New coach and new systems mean lack of cohesion

Gary Al-Smith4



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WORLD CUP TEAMS: GROUP H

PORTUGAL: YOUNG STARS, AGEING STARS, AND A FAMILIAR DEBATE ABOUT RONALDO

Portugal have some superstar players, the best talent in the world, but they
need to get them performing

Tim Spiers32

Ghana: A strong team on paper, but can they find a way to gel?

Gary Al-Smith8



Uruguay: Mind games, Darwin Nunez and hopes for a third trophy

Felipe Cardenas10



South Korea: Rock solid defence can show it's not all about Son

The Athletic UK Staff7



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


RATING EVERY TEAM'S KITS

World Cup 2022 home kits: Gorgeous Ghana, a Wales wonder but bonkers from
Belgium

A good kit can change your feeling about a team so the Netherlands, England and
Belgium won't have much neutral support with their offerings

Nick Miller89

World Cup 2022 away kits: Art from Japan and South Korea plus a Belgian recovery

Nick Miller76

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


USMNT HOMETOWN SERIES

To better understand the U.S. men’s national team before it begins the World
Cup, we traveled to the hometowns of several of its most important figures.

TOURING THE GERMAN TOWN WHERE WESTON MCKENNIE LEARNED TO PLAY SOCCER

How a chance meeting outside a school gymnasium set McKennie on the path to
Qatar

Paul Tenorio25

How changing homes led Tyler Adams to key USMNT role at the World Cup

Sam Stejskal35

Brenden Aaronson's World Cup journey started in a New Jersey basement

Sam Stejskal34

'He’s different': How Sergiño Dest's upbringing in the Netherlands led him to
the USMNT

Sam Stejskal23

The school that shaped USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter

Sam Stejskal72

Inside the Queens neighborhood Tim Weah calls home

Sam Stejskal23

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IN & OUT: ENGLAND'S SQUAD

IN: MADDISON. FROM SOUTHGATE’S BAD BOOKS TO COMPELLING CASE

After three years out of the England picture James Maddison did not expect World
Cup call - but his form has forced Gareth Southgate's hand

Rob Tanner13

Out: Ward-Prowse. Why he's not been making the same impact for Saints

Jacob Tanswell11

In: Gallagher. Versatile, relentless running and a superb attitude

Dominic Fifield and Liam Twomey19

Out: Tomori. How a Chelsea boy conquered Italy with Milan

Liam Twomey52

In: Alexander-Arnold. Understanding the Liverpool v England 'debate'

Ahmed Walid96

Out: Toney. Brentford's wait for a player to represent England continues

Jay Harris9

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


COUNTDOWN TO QATAR

HOW TO WIN THE WORLD CUP: THE LESSONS TEAMS CAN LEARN FROM PREVIOUS WINNERS

Winning the World Cup doesn't require what you might think, such as a prolific
No 9 or winning all the group games or picking form players

Michael Cox49

The World Cup 'injury crisis': Separating fact from fiction

Jacob Whitehead62

Qatar: Is it really ready to host a World Cup?

Philip Buckingham, Matt Slater and more140

12 stars and storylines that could define the World Cup

Nick Miller71

Exploring Qatar's eight World Cup stadiums and what fans can expect in November

Joey D'Urso121

World Cup health check: The issue each country must address before Qatar

Liam Tharme, Felipe Cardenas and more36

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Advertisement


World Cup Standings
Full Standings

Group A
GP
GD
PTS
1

Qatar
QAT
0
0
0
2

Ecuador
ECU
0
0
0
3

Senegal
SEN
0
0
0
4

Netherlands
NED
0
0
0



Group B
GP
GD
PTS
1

England
ENG
0
0
0
2

Iran
IRN
0
0
0
3

United States
USA
0
0
0
4

Wales
WAL
0
0
0



Group C
GP
GD
PTS
1

Argentina
ARG
0
0
0
2

Saudi Arabia
KSA
0
0
0
3

Mexico
MEX
0
0
0
4

Poland
POL
0
0
0



Group D
GP
GD
PTS
1

France
FRA
0
0
0
2

Australia
AUS
0
0
0
3

Denmark
DEN
0
0
0
4

Tunisia
TUN
0
0
0



Group E
GP
GD
PTS
1

Spain
ESP
0
0
0
2

Costa Rica
CRC
0
0
0
3

Germany
GER
0
0
0
4

Japan
JPN
0
0
0



Group F
GP
GD
PTS
1

Belgium
BEL
0
0
0
2

Canada
CAN
0
0
0
3

Morocco
MAR
0
0
0
4

Croatia
CRO
0
0
0



Group G
GP
GD
PTS
1

Brazil
BRA
0
0
0
2

Serbia
SRB
0
0
0
3

Switzerland
SUI
0
0
0
4

Cameroon
CMR
0
0
0



Group H
GP
GD
PTS
1

Portugal
POR
0
0
0
2

Ghana
GHA
0
0
0
3

Uruguay
URU
0
0
0
4

South Korea
KOR
0
0
0





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MORE STORIES

WHY HAS FIFA BANNED BEER FROM QATAR WORLD CUP STADIUMS AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Fans will no longer be able to drink beer at World Cup stadiums in Qatar but why
was the decision taken so late?

Matt Slater and Kate Burlaga31

JAMES MADDISON UNLIKELY TO FEATURE IN ENGLAND'S WORLD CUP MATCH AGAINST IRAN

James Maddison is highly unlikely to feature in England’s opening World Cup
match against Iran in Qatar.  The 25-year-old missed England’s training today
and Thursday and did not join the group for the open training session. Maddison
scored in Leicester’s win at West Ham but then limped off...

Jack Pitt-Brooke1

JESSE MARSCH: THIS YOUNG U.S. TEAM MAKES ME DREAM - ESPECIALLY FOR 2026

Jesse Marsch breaks down the USMNT, what gives him hope and the tactics that can
be key at the World Cup

Paul Tenorio41

CANADA'S 'BROTHERHOOD' AND 'RESILIENCE' WILL BE CORNERSTONE OF ANY WORLD CUP
SUCCESS

Canada are one of the lowest-ranked teams at the World Cup - but their attitude
and togetherness gives them a chance of springing a surprise

Joshua Kloke2

THE ATHLETIC'S BIG WORLD CUP QUIZ

Test yourself with 40 truly taxing questions on this World Cup and the history
of the competition...

The Athletic UK Staff54

ENGLAND SPONSOR LUCOZADE PULLS BRANDING FROM QATAR WORLD CUP

England sponsor Lucozade will avoid having a brand presence at the FIFA World
Cup in Qatar. Lucozade is a partner of England, rather than FIFA or the
tournament itself, and has chosen to remove its branding at “press conferences,
training sessions, and pitches”. It is understood that it is a...

Jacob Whitehead9

Advertisement



AARON RAMSDALE HAILS BUKAYO SAKA'S STRENGTH OF CHARACTER AHEAD OF FIRST WORLD
CUP

England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has hailed his club and international
team-mate Bukayo Saka’s strength of character ahead of both players’ first World
Cup. Saka missed England’s decisive penalty in their Euro 2020 loss against
Italy last year at Wembley Stadium, but Ramsdale...

The Athletic Staff4

IRANIANS PLANNING TO BOYCOTT WORLD CUP MATCHES - INCLUDING GAME VS ENGLAND

Iranians are planning a boycott of their team’s World Cup matches, including
Monday’s fixture against England, as part of on-going protests against the
country’s regime. Carlos Queiroz’s team headed to Qatar amid the greatest
demonstration of dissent to hit Iran in years. The death of...

Richard Sutcliffe16

USMNT AND WALES' TACTICAL APPROACHES SET UP AN INTRIGUING WORLD CUP OPENER

The key to the U.S. gameplan could lie in a friendly played over the summer

Sam Stejskal and Paul Tenorio36

TRADE UNION WORKING WITH QATAR WARNS THERE IS ‘NO SIGN THAT SUSTAINABLE CHANGE
IS COMING’ FOR MIGRANT LABOURERS

Two days before the World Cup kicks off, a leading trade union working with the
Qatari government has warned there is “no sign that sustainable change is
coming” for migrant labourers. The Building and Wood Workers’ International
(BWI), who have worked in Qatar since 2016, warned their...

Jacob Whitehead2

THE BEST AND WORST WORLD CUP KITS OF ALL TIME

There have been both beautiful and horrifying World Cup kits over the years, but
which one made both lists?

Pablo Maurer and Felipe Cardenas74

WORLD CUP TV PREVIEW: FOX'S PLANS, CREW ASSIGNMENTS AND A BIG VIEWERSHIP HOPE

Fox plans to cover the games, not Qatar's human-rights issues, when live
coverage begins Sunday. Here's everything else you need to know.

Richard Deitsch76

Advertisement



EXPLAINED: WHY IT IS SO HARD TO PROVIDE A DEATH TOLL FOR QATAR’S MIGRANT WORKERS

The deaths of migrant workers in Qatar over the last 12 years has shocked the
world, but why can't an official death toll be produced?

Jacob Whitehead10

QATAR BANS BEER SALES AT WORLD CUP STADIUMS

Qatar’s World Cup organisers have announced that alcoholic beer will not be sold
to fans at World Cup stadium sites just two days before the tournament begins.
The news represents a reversal in initial plans, when major World Cup sponsor
Budweiser was allowed to sell alcoholic beer within the...

The Athletic Staff97

MILAN BORJAN IN THE WORDS OF HIS TEAM-MATES: 'BONKERS YET BRILLIANT'

Borjan's former and current team-mates talk to The Athletic about one of
Canada’s most gregarious, but also important, players

Joshua Kloke5

THE WORLD CUP ARRIVES IN QATAR: WHAT WE'VE SEEN THE WEEK BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT

The week leading up to the start World Cup in Qatar has been a little eerie, and
it's hard to know if anyone is truly ready

The Athletic Soccer staff13

THE RADAR - THE ATHLETIC'S 2022 WORLD CUP SCOUTING GUIDE

The Radar is here - The Athletic's guide to 100 of the most talented and
under-the-radar footballers on show at the World Cup

The Athletic Staff42

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS: WINNER, GOLDEN BOOT - AND WHICH BIG TEAM WILL DISAPPOINT?

Golden Boot winner, dark horses, best matches and overall champions - these are
our experts' verdicts on Qatar 2022

Daniel Taylor, Carl Anka and more88

Advertisement



DIDIER DESCHAMPS TRYING TO SETTLE SQUAD AS FRANCE'S WORLD CUP DEFENCE LOOMS

France's preparations for the World Cup have been far from ideal but a squad of
such immense talent should never be written off

Amy Lawrence and Alexander Abnos2

HOW DO ENGLAND AND ARSENAL PROTECT BUKAYO SAKA ON THE PITCH?

Bukayo Saka is a marked man given his talent and threat, a certain degree of
physicality is expected as the opposition struggle to stop him

James McNicholas60

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