Viewer’s information for the World Cup in Qatar

A final probability for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Kylian Mbappé again on the largest stage of all. Brazil bidding for a record-extending sixth title.

One of probably the most eagerly anticipated World Cups in reminiscence — as a lot for off-the-field causes as these on it — is simply across the nook in Qatar.

Thirty-two groups, 64 matches, 29 days. The first World Cup within the Middle East.

The event begins on Nov. 20 and the ultimate is about for Dec. 18.

Here’s a couple of issues to observe when the event will get going within the smallest nation ever to host a World Cup, the place some followers shall be staying in floating accommodations once they head over to absorb the video games:

TOP TEAMS

Brazil (No. 1 in FIFA rating). Neymar, Vinícius Júnior and the remainder of the flair-filled Selecao are peaking on the proper time. Is a primary World Cup title since 2002 on the horizon?

Belgium (No. 2). The “Golden Generation” is steadily breaking apart however there’s nonetheless Kevin De Bruyne main the Belgian cost.

Argentina (No. 3). No World Cup title because the days of the nice Diego Maradona. This would be the first World Cup since his demise in November 2020 and Argentina is enhancing, with Messi nonetheless at its core.

France (No. 4). The defending champions. Still the nation with probably the most depth to its squad, regardless of a rising damage checklist. Now with Mbappé AND Karim Benzema main the assault. No crew has retained its World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.

England (No. 5). The crew has hit a nasty patch of type — winless in six video games — however has a powerful monitor document in current main tournaments. England was a semifinalist on the World Cup in 2018 and a finalist on the European Championship in 2021.

Read up on all 32 groups who shall be taking part in within the World Cup.

BIG STARS

Lionel Messi, Argentina. The seven-time world participant of the yr may need been saving his 35-year-old legs for one final push at a World Cup winner’s medal that, to many, would solidify him as soccer’s biggest participant. He is in stellar type for Paris Saint-Germain for the time being.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal. He has received the European Championship however the main scorer in males’s worldwide soccer hasn’t performed in a World Cup remaining, not to mention received one. He’s 37 years outdated now and now not first selection at Manchester United — so profit from him when you can.

Kylian Mbappé, France. The star of the final World Cup on the age of 19 and he’s solely getting higher. The speedy striker may match Brazil nice Pelé in being a champion at his first two World Cups.

Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium. Widely considered the world’s finest midfielder, his driving runs are among the many finest sights in soccer. Belgium simply has to hope he arrives wholesome.

Neymar, Brazil. Often overshadowed by Mbappé and Messi at Paris Saint-Germain, nonetheless the primary man for Brazil. Watch out for tips and flicks, and a few histrionics, too.

HOW IT WORKS

Get prepared for a feast of soccer. There are eight teams of 4 groups, with the highest two advancing to the 16-team knockout stage.

There shall be 4 video games back-to-back per day — sure, 4! — for many of the first two units of group video games, then simultaneous kickoffs for the final two video games in every group.

There’ll be no break for the knockout stage, which begins the day after the group stage ends. The first day with out soccer comes on Dec. 7 — the seventeenth day of competitors.

MUST-SEE GAMES

Qatar vs. Ecuador, Nov. 20. The first match of the event and all the time a date to save lots of on the calendar.

Argentina vs. Mexico, Nov. 26. The first of the massive continental rivalries within the group stage, with Messi doubtlessly sealing his and Argentina’s spot within the final 16.

Spain vs. Germany, Nov. 27. Surely there can’t have been many larger group-stage matches than this at a World Cup? Two current champions, two giants of European and world soccer.

Iran vs. United States, Nov. 29. It has been labeled as “The Mother of All Games Part II.” Just like on the World Cup in 1998, the 2 nations will meet within the group stage in a politically charged matchup. Diplomatic relations have but to be restored between the nations since being severed in 1980.

Ghana vs. Uruguay, Dec. 2. Anyone keep in mind the evening of July 2, 2010? In the final minute of additional time in a World Cup quarterfinal match between Uruguay and Ghana, Luis Suarez intentionally stopped the ball along with his hand on the goalline, bought despatched off, just for Ghana to overlook the penalty and lose in a shootout as Suarez celebrated on the sideline. Revenge could be candy for Ghana.

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AP World Cup protection: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports