World Cup draw: Qatar to take on Ecuador in tournament opener

Hosts Qatar were drawn to take on Ecuador in the opening match of the World Cup 2022.

The final draw ceremony took place in Qatar’s capital Doha on Friday with 29 of the 32 teams confirmed already.

The remaining three, winners of the playoffs, will be confirmed by June this year.

The World Cup takes place across eight stadiums in Qatar from November 21 to December 18.

The #FIFAWorldCup groups are set 🤩

We can’t wait! 🏆#FinalDraw pic.twitter.com/uaDfdIvbaZ

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) April 1, 2022

Group A also includes African champions Senegal, who saw off Egypt in the qualifying playoffs, and Netherlands.

In other groups, the United States will face England and Iran in Group B where the fourth team will be decided from among Wales, Scotland and Ukraine.

Spain will take on Germany in a clash of former winners in Group E.

Holders France will meet Denmark and Tunisia in Group D.

Group G was one of the toughest, pitting five-times World Cup winners Brazil against Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.

The draw came after a 45 minute musical and video show as FIFA president Gianni Infantino promised the event would “simply be the best tournament ever”.

He also welcomed the world to Qatar and a plea to stop conflicts around the world.

“We want this to be the World Cup of unity, of peace,” he said before stepping off the stage.

Group A
Qatar
Ecuador
Senegal
Netherlands

Group B
England
Iran
United States
Wales/Scotland/Ukraine

Group C
Argentina
Saudi Arabia
Mexico
Poland

Group D
France
United Arab Emirates/Australia/Peru
Denmark
Tunisia

Group E
Spain
Costa Rica/New Zealand
Germany
Japan

Group F
Belgium
Canada
Morocco
Croatia

Group G
Brazil
Serbia
Switzerland
Cameroon

Group H
Portugal
Ghana
Uruguay
South Korea