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World Cup 2022: Every team that has qualified for Qatar so far


The World Cup in Qatar is fast approaching, with only eight months until the tournament kicks off in Doha.

Thirty-two teams will play a total of 64 games across 27 days in the battle to be named World Champions, with France the early favourites but plenty of strong sides ready to challenge the current holders.

But who are those sides? Below is a list of every team that has qualified for the tournament so far ahead of the draw, to be made on April 1st.

Who has qualified?

Qatar (hosts) 

Qualified automatically thanks to being the hosts of this year's tournament.

Argentina

This could be Lionel Messi's final major tournament, and he and his side will be hoping to make it one to remember.

Brazil

Yet to lose any of their 16 qualifying games, Brazil will be confident of improving on their quarter-final finish in 2018.

England

Semi-finalists four years ago and Euro 2020 finalists, England will be among the favourites for the tournament when it commences.

Germany

Hansi Flick's side came through a relatively straightforward group with ease, conceding just four goals across qualifying and will be there or thereabouts.

France

The current World and Nations League champions, Les Bleus are the team to beat as they look to retain their trophy.

Republic of Korea

South Korea, famous for their efforts in World Cup 2002 when they made the semifinals, made it through their group without losing a game.

Japan

Having not missed a World Cup since 1994, Japan will be looking to go further than their round of 16 loss to Paraguay in 2018.

Netherlands

After shockingly missing out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the Netherlands will be looking to bounce back with a strong performance in Qatar this November.

Switzerland

The Swiss knocked France out of Euro2020, and Granit Xhaka and co. will be looking to provide more shocks at this year's tournament.

Iran

Iran topped their qualifying group but will need to continue their strong form if they want to make it out of the group stages at the seventh time of asking in the tournament proper.

Serbia 

Having failed to qualify for either of the last two World Cups since they have become an independent nation, Serbia's footballing talent continues to grow and they will have high hopes for Qatar.

Spain

Perhaps coming into a new golden generation, with youthful stars aplenty, this tournament could come too soon for Spain but they will certainly be one to watch.

Belgium

A side coming to the end of their own golden generation, Belgium will be hoping that their national team finally live up to the hype that they have promised for the last decade.

Denmark 

Finishing 4th at Euro2020 amid adversity in the absence of Christian Eriksen, the Danes are dark horses for this competition once more, having finished above Scotland and Austria in their qualification group to make it through.

Croatia

Finalists last time out in 2018, Croatia's ship to win a major tournament may well have sailed, failing to make it past the round of 16 at Euro 2020.

Saudi Arabia

Heading to the World Cup for the second time in a row after missing out in 2010 and 2014, Saudi Arabia will be looking to improve on their record of not having made it out of the group stages since their first tournament appearance in 1994.

Uruguay

Two time World Cup champions, Uruguay have not hit the highs of their 4th place finish in 2010 since. In Luis Suarez's twilight years, it may be the end of a generation in South America.

Ecuador

Did not appear in Russia in 2018, but will be back for Qatar. Will need to seriously overachieve to make it out of the group stages, though.

Canada

Going to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, their qualification was met by jubilation across the country by players and fans alike. In Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies, they have mercurial talents, and will be hoping for a favourable draw.

Ghana

A goal from Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was enough to see Ghana through to the World Cup finals, to make it four appearances in six tournaments since the turn of the century.

Senegal

Knocked out Egypt and Mo Salah on penalties to secure qualification. The Lions of Teranga will be heading to the World Cup for the third time in their history, having failed to make it out of the group stage in 2018. Will be hoping to do better in Qatar.

Portugal

Survived the play-offs to take their place in Qatar thanks to a 2-0 win over North Macedonia. Will be hoping that their current crop is enough to take them to their first World Cup final in the nation's history.

Poland

Another side that didn't make it out of the group stage in Russia, a Robert Lewandowski-spearheaded Poland side will be expected to offer a better account of themselves come the 2022 tournament.

Robert Lewandowski

Tunisia 

Returning for their second consecutive World Cup, the Eagles of Carthage have never made it out of the group stage in their history. They will be hoping that changes in Qatar.

Morocco

Struggled at the recent Africa Cup of Nations but have made it to Qatar in November, having failed to make it out of the group stage in Russia.

Cameroon

Have not won a World Cup game since 2002 in 6 attempts, but a last-minute winner against Algeria ensured that they will have a chance to change that record when the next tournament comes around.

Mexico 

Mexico made it through a tricky qualifying session ahead of Qatar, but that should not deter the central American side, who will be looking to add to their current record of reaching the last-16 but going no further for 7 consecutive tournaments.

USA
Qualified by the skin of their teeth despite a final day defeat to Costa Rica. The USA were not at the Russian showpiece 4 years ago, and will be hoping that their talented generation can make up for lost time in Qatar.

Read more:

On the plane or still at home? Ranking each England player’s chances of making it to Qatar

Ben Browning

Ben Browning

Football writer and analyst. Long-time writer of all things Arsenal and avid watcher of European football. Happy to discuss all things football over on Twitter.


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