One of the biggest sporting event in the world FIFA World Cup 2022 is all set to begin from November 20. Surrounded by controversies, the Qatar World Cup has garnered enough attention even before its start. The Football World Cup used to generate buzz 1-2 months prior to the kick-off from fans and players across the globe. But the Qatar World Cup has generated all the buzz for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic reasons. The mega event is just a few hours away but there is so many uncertainties looming around the fixtures and schedules because the event has quietly seeped in without even creating any noise.
But don’t worry, this article is an answer to every question that comes in your mind. Right from the opening ceremony to group fixtures and where to watch in India this article is one stop destination to FIFA WC Schedule.
The footballing fever has gripped India in many ways despite India’s absence from the event. So, it’s obvious that Qatar will have much more intensity in terms of its opening ceremony. Opening ceremony of the World Cup will take place on Sunday, before the opening Group A match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador at 7:30 pm IST. After getting underway on the 20th of November the event will end just 2 days short of a month. The World Cup final will be played on Sunday, Dec. 18 which is Qatar National Day. The match will kick off at 8:30 pm IST in 80,000 capacity Lusail Iconic Stadium
How many teams are participating in total?
Like the previous years, the group stages will have 32 teams, each divided into group of 4. There will be 64 matches including the knockouts for 29 days to decide the winner. The next World Cup however will have a greater number of teams, but the Qatar World Cup has following teams:
GROUP A: Qatar (hosts), Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands.
GROUP B: England, Iran, United States, Wales.
GROUP C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland.
GROUP D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia.
GROUP E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan.
GROUP F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia.
GROUP G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon.
GROUP H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea.
Where to watch in India?
You can stream the FIFA World Cup live on Jio Tv for free for online streaming but the tv subscribers can watch it on Sports18 and Sports18 HD.
Match timings (in IST)
The group stage matches will be played at 3.30 p.m., 6.30 p.m., 9.30 p.m. and 12.30 a.m.
Eight of the final group matches will be held at 8.30 p.m.
The round of 16, quarterfinals will be played at 8.30 p.m. and 12.30 a.m.
Both semifinals will be played at 12.30 a.m. on December 14 and 15. The third-place playoff is at 8.30 p.m. on December 17.
The FIFA World Cup final will be played on December 18 at 8.30 p.m.
What is the format of World Cup of 2022?
The group stage matches will be round robin where every team will play three games each. After the matches, top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout stages. A total of 16 teams will then participate in Super 16 from December 3 where eight teams will get eliminated. The remaining eight teams will then play quarterfinals from December 9 to bring about the four best teams who then will play semi-finals from December 13 and then two teams will fight for the coveted trophy on December 18. The knockout rounds will feature one-off matches, which can go to extra time and then penalties to decide the winner. he third-place playoff between the two losing semi-finalists takes place on December 17 at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Who are the title contenders?
Many believe that the strongest side is Brazil, but some believe that this could be Argentina and Messi’s year to finally clinch the title. Apart from the two sides, Beligum’s golden generation, England and even defending champions France are favourites to challenge for the title. But from the above five teams, Brazil has the strongest chance to finally end their 20-year World Cup jinx.
