Updated December 18, 2022, 09:00 ET – The FIFA World Cup is the world’s biggest single-sport event, with a never-ending stream of electrifying experiences, performances, and proceedings. Qatar is hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 to feature the tournament from 20 November to 18 December for the title of football world champion.

Let us describe a bit of what we’ve gathered so far about the World Cup 2022, including the qualified teams and best players, the ticket prices, stadiums, and about the World Cup audience.

Table of Contents

Which Countries Are Playing in the World Cup 2022?

Following the contest’s first round, 32 countries are selected from men’s national football teams to compete in a World Cup for one month in a host country chosen by FIFA.

The countries which are playing in the World Cup 2022 in Qatar are as follows. Click a country below to view a brief synopsis of its star player(s) and World Cup history.

How Much Are FIFA World Cup Tickets?

World cup fans in Qatar are offered tickets category-wise (divided into four categories). Also, there is special seating for those with disabilities or limited mobility.

  • Category 1 is the most expensive and is located in prime areas of the stadium.
  • Categories 2 and 3 are stadium seating areas that provide a less-than-premium view of the action.
  • Category 4 is a section of the stadium reserved solely for Qataris.

All tickets are priced in Qatari riyal for both national and international fans. Prices of tickets range from 40 riyals ($11) to 5,850 riyals ($1,607), depending on the category.

Here are the details of World Cup ticket prices based on the categories and matches:

MatchesCat 1Cat 2Cat 3Cat 4Accessibility
Group matches$220$165$69$11$11
Round of 16$275$206$96$1+$1+
Opening match$618$440$302$55$55
Quarterfinals$426$288$206$82$82
3rd/4th place match$426$302$206$82$82
Semi-finals$956$659$357$137$137
World Cup Final$1607$1003$604$206$206
World Cup Ticket Prices

Qatar World Cup 2022 Stadiums

The World Cup 2022 games will be played in eight enormous stadiums. Check these out.

FIFA World Cup 2022 Stadiums
Stadium NameCapacityLocation
Al Bayt Stadium60,000AI Khor City
Khalifa International Stadium40,000Aspire
AI Thumama Stadium40,000AI Thumama
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium40,000Umm AI Afaei
Lusail Stadium80,000Lusail City
Stadium 97440,000Ras Abu Aboud
Education City Stadium40,000AI Rayyan
AI Janoub Stadium40,000AI Wakrah
FIFA World Cup 2022 Stadiums Capacity and Location

How Many People Watched the World Cup?

According to FIFA Publications, over one million spectators are expected to attend the tournament’s 64 matches. In addition, over 3 billion people will watch the competition on in-home television worldwide, including around 1 billion viewers tuning in to watch the final game.

The global TV audience for the 2018 World Cup held in Russia was 3.5 billion people. The increase is most likely due to the growing popularity of football in large populations such as Canada and the United States.

More than 1 billion people worldwide tuned in to watch Argentina and Germany’s FIFA competition in Brazil in 2014. At the time, it was the most-watched sports episode in the world.

The final game of FIFA between Croatia and France drew 1.12 billion viewers worldwide. That was the most-watched World Cup, but Qatar is ready to top it. In all likelihood, the 2026 World Cup will surpass it.

Top Countries in the World Cup 2022

Best Players & Predictions

Previous World Cups have provided a stage for established icons to shine and for emerging players to leave their imprint on the global stage, and 2022 should be no different.

Let’s see which countries are playing in World Cup 2022 with their best players and how they are projected to finish.

1. Is Argentina in the World Cup 2022?

You never expect not to see Argentina in the World Cup 2022, right? Argentina is in FIFA 2022 with their world-class best player, Lionel Messi. Messi’s powers have been exaggerated in recent years, with the mercurial Argentine demonstrating his abilities in a more profound role at PSG. Everyone will be looking at him as he attempts to add a World Cup to his long list of individual and team achievements in what he has already stated will be his final World Cup appearance.

Lionel Messi World Cup bicycle kick
Lionel Messi – Argentina

Has Argentina ever won a World Cup? Argentina has twice won the World Cup, in 1978 and 1986.

2. Is Australia in the World Cup 2022?

Australia, with Ajdin Hrustic as their best player, is applying for the World Cup 2022. Australia has high hopes of progressing from a challenging tournament. The Socceroos are above the figure of their parts, and, as cringe-worthy, as it may sound, they have a collective mentality designed to exceed expectations.

Has Australia ever won a World Cup? No, they have not won any FIFA World Cup.

3. Is Belgium in the World Cup 2022?

In the world Cup 2022, Belgium is playing with their leading light Kevin De Bruyne. With a star-studded lineup that has consistently underperformed in previous tournaments, De Bruyne will be tasked with finally helping Belgium lose their ‘nearly men’ tag in Qatar. However, the Manchester City midfielder will be determined to establish himself as the world’s best midfielder.

Has Belgium ever won a World Cup? They drew England (4-4) in 1954 and won their first FIFA in 1970, defeating El Salvador.

4. Is Brazil in the World Cup 2022?

The mercurial Brazilian known as “Neymar” is still carrying his nation’s hopes on the leading stage, and Qatar 2022 will be no exception. Despite failing to reach the goals he might have anticipated with PSG in recent years due to injuries, for the 2021 Copa America beaten finalists, Neymar remains the focal point of the attack.

Neymar goal score at World Cup 2022
Neymar – Brazil

Also, regardless of the pressure of becoming a key player for Brazil and Real Madrid in the last consecutive years, Vinicius Jr. has excelled. His partnership with Karim Benzema in Real Madrid is the most dangerous in Spanish football. His top-notch talent could propel him to become one of Qatar 2022’s marquee players.

Has Brazil ever won a World Cup? Brazil has won the FIFA five times and is the pre-tournament favorite to win a sixth time.

5. Is Canada in the World Cup 2022?

For the first time since Mexico in 1986, Canada has qualified for the World Cup despite missing their talisman for the final push. Davies was ruled out due to myocarditis, or heart inflammation, caused by a COVID-19 infection. The Bayern Munich star’s emotional reaction to Canada’s qualification for Qatar on social media demonstrated how much it means to him.

Has Canada ever won a World Cup? No, Canada has not even scored a goal in the World Cup.

6. Is Cameroon in the World Cup 2022?

Yes, Cameroon has also qualified as World Cup 2022 team. Andre Onana is their best player, positioned as a goalkeeper. Surprisingly, he played more for Cameroon in 2022 than Ajax and Inter. But his agility and personality make him one of Cameroon’s leaders, and it’s no coincidence that he deposed Inter’s longtime captain, Samir Handanovic, in goal earlier this year. Onana exudes confidence and possesses the necessary abilities.

Has Cameroon ever won a World Cup? No, they have yet to win any World Cup.

7. Is Costa Rica in the World Cup 2022?

With Keylor Navas, Costa Rico is among the FIFA World Cup-qualified teams. Coach Suárez has only been on the job since the middle of 2021, but he has completely transformed the team. While the defense is stable, the youth, like 18-year-old Bennette, have had a significant positive impact.

Has Costa Rica ever won a World Cup? No, Costa Rica never made it to the FIFA World Cup win. 

8. Is Croatia in the World Cup 2022?

Croatia, with the international midfielder Luka Modric, is in the World Cup 2022. After the World Cup, Modric will most likely retire from international football. He will, however, continue to lead Croatia to victory in Qatar, and despite his advanced age, he is still a match for anyone in world football.

Has Croatia ever won a World Cup? Although it appeared in the World Cup six times, Croatia never won the competition.

9. Is Denmark in the World Cup 2022?

Denmark has qualified for the World Cup in 2022. Denmark comes into this game full of confidence after reaching the Euros semi-finals and winning against France two times in the Nations League. Christian Ericksen is their best player. They are a well-organized team that defends well as a unit and can alter patterns and tactics throughout the game. Although a few of their forwards are not in form, and goals may be challenging to come by, Eriksen will be crucial to this team’s winning.

Has Denmark ever won a World Cup? No, Denmark has never advanced past the quarter-finals.

10. Is Ecuador in the World Cup 2022?

Ecuador, with their star athlete Moises Caicedo, is in FIFA 2022. Ecuador is competing in its fourth World Cup, and hopes are high that they will repeat their best performance of reaching the last 16. Ecuador has a young team, which means speed, energy, and adrenaline, with several new players hoping to make an impression. On the other hand, La Tricolor does not concede much, but they only find the net sometimes.

Has Ecuador ever won a World Cup? No, they have never won the FIFA Cup.

11. Is England in the World Cup 2022?

With their best player Harry Kane, England is playing as the World Cup 2022 team. Southgate’s side, who were semi-finalists in 2018 and Euro finalists three years later, want to go in this tournament. England has one of the most lethal goal scorers in the world in Kane, who is supported by creative, young talent like Foden and Saka. However, Southgate has been chastised for being overly cautious, and there are legitimate concerns about the defense due to injuries and poor form.

Harry Kane kicking in World Cup 2022
Harry Kane – England

Has England ever won a World Cup? England’s only FIFA World Cup victory to date came in 1966.

12. Is France in the World Cup 2022?

France plays in the FIFA World Cup 2022 with their best performer, Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe was outstanding for France as they won the World Cup in 2018. However, the PSG star has stepped up to another level in the last two seasons. He is predicted to be one of the defending champions’ standout performers.

Has France ever won a World Cup? Yes, the French won their first World Cup in 1998.

13. Is Germany in the World Cup 2022?

Germany is among the World Cup 2022 teams with their star player Jamal Musiala. Without exaggeration, this adolescent could be the best pocket player in the game. No one is as deft as he is under extreme pressure in confined spaces. Musiala, in fact, frequently moves into double or triple coverage on purpose to make room for his teammates. He is on his way to becoming Germany’s offensive focal point at 19.

Has Germany ever won a World Cup? Germany has won the FIFA four times and competes in its 20th World Cup.

14. Is Ghana in the World Cup 2022?

Yes, Ghana is in the World Cup 2022, with their leading player Mohammed Kudus. The Black Stars are a young team in transition, and the talent is there. However, this FIFA tournament could be a spectacular failure or a success.

Ghana outwitted Nigeria in the play-off and has since added players of dual nationality, particularly on the wings and in defense, and looks stronger as a result. Where will the objectives come from? That is the primary concern for coach Addo. If that question is answered, Ghana can succeed in Qatar.

Has Ghana ever won a World Cup? Ghana performed well in the World Cup but hasn’t won the cup.

15. Is Iran in the World Cup 2022?

It will be Iran’s sixth World Cup, and they hope to advance from their group after a strong showing in Russia. Mehdi Taremi is their standout performer. Carlos Queiroz’s reappointment ensures that Team Melli will not concede any soft goals. He provides defensive consistency.

Has Iran ever won a World Cup? No, the country never even managed to progress over the group stage.

16. Is Japan in the World Cup 2022?

Yes, Japan (with their best player Takefusa Kubo) is among the 32 teams playing in the World Cup 2022. This year’s summer transfer window saw the Japanese midfielder join Real Sociedad. He is consistently demonstrating the potential that Asians have always suspected he possessed. He will undoubtedly be a pivotal figure for the Blue Samurai, who could be in for a historic tournament.

Has Japan ever won a World Cup? No, Japan has never even made it to the FIFA semifinals.

17. Is Mexico in the World Cup 2022?

Mexico is playing in the World Cup 2022 with their best player Simon Borg. It’s difficult to see them getting healthy and settling in time to cause havoc in a group that includes Saudi Arabia, Poland, and a dangerous Argentina side.

Has Mexico ever won a World Cup? No, Mexico has never been able to win the World Cup.

18. Is Morocco in the World Cup 2022?

Morocco is among the World Cup teams, and their best performer is Achraf Hakimi. Hakimi is competing in his second World Cup and has been in good form for PSG this season. Morocco is an underdog with a brilliant group and nothing to lose. Hakimi’s runs and activity on the right can play a big part in their chances to win.

Has Morocco ever won a World Cup? Morocco has only won one of its last ten FIFA World Cup matches.

19. Is the Netherlands in the World Cup 2022?

The Netherlands competes in the World Cup with their best player, Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch are much more robust in midfield and at the back than in recent years. Van Dijk will try to prove himself as a world-class athlete in his position.

Has the Netherlands ever won a World Cup? The Netherlands holds the record for appearing in the most FIFA finals but never won the competition.

20. Is Poland in the World Cup 2022?

Oland is among the qualified World Cup 2022 countries, and their star player is Robert Lewandowski. That’s not to say Poland doesn’t have other fine troupes, but none are on Lewandowski’s level. When Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina face Poland, he will be chosen as the player to stop.

Has Poland ever won a World Cup? No, Poland has never won the World Cup.

21. Is Portugal in the World Cup 2022?

With the globally-worshiped football star Cristiano Ronaldo as their best player, Portugal is playing in the World Cup 2022. Despite a turbulent time at Manchester United, expectations will be high for Ronaldo in Qatar, where he will compete in a record-equaling fifth final. However, they eventually defeated North Macedonia to be eligible for the competition, and the 2016 European champions relied heavily on Ronaldo’s talent to direct their attack once again.

Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup 2022 athlete
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal

Has Portugal ever won a World Cup? No, Portugal has never won in the World Cup. However, they have appeared in the FIFA tournament seven times.

22. Is Qatar in the World Cup 2022?

Akram Afif is the best player in Qatar and is performing with high hopes in the World Cup 2022. The hosts are in a complex group with Senegal, the Netherlands, and Ecuador. Sánchez has been the head coach since 2017, and the team’s key members have all graduated from the Aspire Academy. This is a physically imposing squad that has been outmuscled on numerous occasions. It will be critical to see how they handle themselves off the ball.

Has Qatar ever won a World Cup? Qatar has just qualified for FIFA.

23. Is Saudi Arabia in the World Cup 2022?

Saudia Arabia is playing in the World Cup 2022 with their best player Salem Al-Dawsari. Renard’s new generation conquered Asian qualifying, but it will be difficult for them to match the groundbreaking squad of 1994.

They have the best player in the Middle East in Al Dawsari and a welcome blend of youth and experience. However, their goals are scarce in previous performances, and there is no clear favorite to begin at the top.

Has Saudi Arabia ever won a World Cup? No, Saudi Arabia has never won the World Cup tournament.

24. Is Switzerland in the World Cup 2022?

Switzerland is playing in the World Cup 2022, and their world-know FIFA player is Granit Xhaka. Despite a poor start, they have remained in the top group of the Nations League. The Under-17 World Cup champions of 2009 are in their prime years, with players like Akanji and Embolo in top form.

Has Switzerland ever won a World Cup? Although Switzerland has made it to the World Cup 11 times, they never won.

25. Is Serbia in the World Cup 2022?

Serbia is playing in the World Cup with their best athlete Dusan Vlahovic. The big man has struggled at the club level in recent months. However, he forms a heavyweight tag team with Aleksandar Mitrovic in Serbia’s goal-scoring plans. When he’s on fire, he’s 22, outmuscles, and outpaces most defenders.

Has Serbia ever won a World Cup? No, they never won the World Cup.

26. Is Senegal in the World Cup 2022?

Yes, Senegal is in the world Cup 2022 with their star player Kalidou Koulibaly. Senegal has excellent chances in this World Cup after winning the African Cup of Nations in February. While much will be focused on their brilliant forward, Sadio Mane, the captain Koulibaly is essential.

Has Senegal ever won a World Cup? Despite appearing in the finals twice, Senegal has never won the World Cup.

27. Is Spain in the World Cup 2022?

With Pedri as their shining player, Spain is among the teams playing in the World Cup 2022. Pedri is the latest midfielder to emerge from Spain’s production line, producing Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi. However, there are whispers around Camp Nou that Pedri could surpass his Barcelona forefathers. He will be looking to put up on an incredible breakthrough show at FIFA 2022.

Has Spain ever won a World Cup? Yes, Spain won the World Cup tournament in 2010 against Germany. 

28. Is South Korea in the World Cup 2022?

South Korea is also playing in the world Cup 2022 in Qatar. Son Heung-min is their best player and has repeatedly demonstrated his brilliance with Tottenham in the Premier League, scoring some of the league’s most spectacular goals. He’s just as ruthless on the international stage, with more than 30 global goals to his name, and he’ll be one of the strikers expected to shine in the Middle East.

Has South Korea ever won a World Cup? No, even after appearing in the World Cup seven times, they have not won the competition once.

29. Is Tunisia in the World Cup 2022?

Tunisia is in FIFA 2022, and their best player is Youssef Msakni. Tunisia has only lost once since January. However, the 5-1 beat to Brazil demonstrated how close they are to the top sides. They fight back to get chances against better teams and rely far too heavily on 32-year-old captain Msakni.

Has Australia ever won a World Cup? No, this country has not been able to win the World Cup.

30. Is Uruguay in the World Cup 2022?

Uruguay is also in the World Cup 2022. Few players have improved as quickly as Federico Valverde in the last year. As a key attacking player for Real Madrid, he is a potential star in these FIFA matches for Uruguay. One unknown is which position he will take: He has tended to play more centrally for his country than on the right wing, where he has already scored eight goals for Real Madrid this season.

Has Uruguay ever won a World Cup? In 1930, Uruguay hosted and won the inaugural FIFA World Cup.

31. Is the USA in the World Cup 2022?

If the United States Men’s National Team is to advance far in the World Cup 2022 tournament, they will need their talisman, Christian Pulisic, to lead them. The Chelsea playmaker has been a standout in their qualifying campaign, and he expects to bring his club-level big-game experience to the world stage as part of Gregg Berhalter’s talented squad.

Christian Pulisic playing World Cup 2022 soccer
Christian Pulisic – USA

Has the US ever won a World Cup? Surprisingly, the United States men’s football team has yet to win a FIFA tournament.

32. Is Wales in the World Cup 2022?

Wales arrives at the World Cup for the first time in 64 years with no expectations, but they are committed to doing more than make up the numbers. Gareth Bale, their star player, may not be carrying the hopes of a country on his shoulders alone, but it certainly feels that way. Wales has some good players, but Bale is a worldwide megastar. A spirit of brotherhood underpins a modest squad that boasts a pair of game-changers in Ramsey and Bale.

Has Wales ever won a World Cup? The country has qualified twice but has yet to win any competition.

FIFA World Cup 2022 Standings

FIFA World Cup 2022 Standings – Finalized December 3, 2022

FIFA World Cup 2022 Standings - Updated December 3, 2022, 10:00 ET
FIFA World Cup 2022 Standings – Finalized December 3, 2022

FIFA World Cup 2022 Scores

FIFA World Cup 2022 Scores – Finalized December 3, 2022

GameDateHomeAwayScoreWinner
GROUP A
111/20/2022QatarEcuador0-2Ecuador
211/21/2022SenegalNetherlands0-2Netherlands
311/25/2022QatarSenegal1-3Senegal
411/25/2022NetherlandsEcuador1-1Tied
511/29/2022EcuadorSenegal1-2Senegal
611/29/2022NetherlandsQatar2-0Netherlands
GROUP B
711/21/2022EnglandIran6-2England
811/21/2022United StatesWales1-1Tied
911/25/2022WalesIran0-2Iran
1011/25/2022EnglandUnited States0-0Tied
1111/29/2022WalesEngland0-3England
1211/29/2022IranUnited States0-1United States
GROUP C
1311/22/2022ArgentinaSaudi Arabia1-2Saudi Arabia
1411/22/2022MexicoPoland0-0Tied
1511/26/2022PolandSaudi Arabia2-0Poland
1611/26/2022ArgentinaMexico2-0Argentina
1711/30/2022PolandArgentina0-2Argentina
1811/30/2022Saudi ArabiaMexico1-2Mexico
GROUP D
1911/22/2022DenmarkTunisia0-0Tied
2011/22/2022FranceAustralia4-1France
2111/26/2022TunisiaAustralia0-1Australia
2211/26/2022FranceDenmark2-1France
2311/30/2022AustraliaDenmark1-0Australia
2411/30/2022TunisiaFrance1-0Tunisia
GROUP E
2511/23/2022GermanyJapan1-2Japan
2611/23/2022SpainCosta Rica7-0Spain
2711/27/2022JapanCosta Rica0-1Costa Rica
2811/27/2022SpainGermany1-1Tied
2912/1/2022JapanSpain2-1Japan
3012/1/2022Costa RicaGermany2-4Germany
GROUP F
3111/23/2022MoroccoCroatia0-0Tied
3211/23/2022BelgiumCanada1-0Belgium
3311/27/2022BelgiumMorocco0-2Morocco
3411/27/2022CroatiaCanada4-1Croatia
3512/1/2022CroatiaBelgium0-0Tied
3612/1/2022CanadaMorocco1-2Morocco
GROUP G
3711/24/2022SwitzerlandCameroon1-0Switzerland
3811/24/2022BrazilSerbia2-0Brazil
3911/28/2022CameroonSerbia3-3Tied
4011/28/2022BrazilSwitzerland1-0Brazil
4112/2/2022SerbiaSwitzerland2-3Switzerland
4212/2/2022CameroonBrazil1-0Cameroon
GROUP H
4311/24/2022UruguaySouth Korea0-0Tied
4411/24/2022PortugalGhana3-2Portugal
4511/28/2022South KoreaGhana2-3Ghana
4611/28/2022PortugalUruguay2-0Portugal
4712/2/2022GhanaUruguay0-2Uruguay
4812/2/2022South KoreaPortugal2-1South Korea
FIFA World Cup 2022 Scores – Finalized December 3, 2022

FIFA World Cup 2022 Knockout Bracket

We are down to the final 16 teams. A few of the favorites include the Netherlands, England, Argentina, Brazil, and Morocco. Who will finish first? Who will be the world champs? Let’s see how things progress down to the finals. (Italics mean the team won on penalty kicks.)

Finalized December 18, 2022

GameDateHomeAwayScoreWinner
Round of 16
112/3/2022NetherlandsUnited States3-1Netherlands
212/3/2022ArgentinaAustralia2-1Argentina
312/4/2022FrancePoland3-1France
412/4/2022EnglandSenegal3-0England
512/5/2022JapanCroatia1-3Croatia
612/5/2022BrazilKorea Republic4-1Brazil
712/6/2022MoroccoSpain3-0Morocco
812/6/2022PortugalSwitzerland6-1Portugal
Quarterfinals
1012/9/2022CroatiaBrazil4-2Croatia
1112/9/2022NetherlandsArgentina3-4Argentina
1212/10/2022MoroccoPortugal1-0Morocco
1312/10/2022EnglandFrance1-2France
Semifinals
1412/13/2022ArgentinaCroatia3-0Argentina
1512/14/2022FranceMorocco2-0France
Finals – 3rd Place
1612/17/2022CroatiaMorocco2-1Croatia
Finals
1712/18/2022ArgentinaFrance4-2Argentina
FIFA World Cup 2022 Knockout Bracket Scores – Finalized December 18, 2022
FIFA World Cup 2022 Knockout Bracket Scores - Finalized December 18, 2022
FIFA World Cup 2022 Knockout Bracket – Finalized December 18, 2022

About Alex J

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