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THE WORLD Cup 2022 draw has concluded – and England have drawn USA, Iran AND possibly Wales or Scotland in Group B.The Three Lions will begin their tournament on the opening day, where they will face the Iranians at 1pm.
The final team in Group B is the winner of the European play-off – meaning either Wales, Scotland or Ukraine will join the Three Lions.
Meanwhile Senegal will take on the Netherlands in the opening game, making Qatar the first World Cup since 1938 in which neither the holders nor the host nation have featured in the curtain-raiser.

Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
Group B: England, Iran, USA, European play-off winner
Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
Group D: France, Intercontinental play-off winner, Denmark, Tunisia
Group E: Spain, Intercontinental play-off winner, Germany, Japan
Group F: Belgium, Morocco, Croatia, Canada
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea

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Iran captain fears England
Iran’s captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh has revealed the Three Lions were the last team he wanted to face in the World Cup, after they were paired together in England’s group.
When asked if he was relishing the chance of playing against Gareth Southgate’s side, he told Sky Sports: “Not really, to be honest! England was the last team I would have picked, but it happened!
“England could easily have three top teams in the World Cup right now, they’re really well organised with the manager. They’ve worked together for a long time now and they know their strategy.
“Obviously the US are a strong side, they have a good generation now and most of their players are playing in Europe. And we still have to wait for the third team but we need to respect Scotland, Wales and Ukraine a lot. I don’t know a lot about Ukraine but the other two teams have made a lot of steps.
“It’s going to be very difficult to be honest but we’re going to be ready for it, prepared for it and we’re going to make our nation proud.”
Ghana’s extravagant kit
Ghana upset kit-lovers everywhere this week by eliminating Nigeria from World Cup 2022 contention.
But Thomas Partey and Co are set to gain a cult following of their own with their stunning jersey.
The Super Eagles had fans scrambling to the shops in 2018 to buy their glorious shirt used at that year’s World Cup.
And Ghana could now have a similar impact with their away kit.
The yellow, black, green and red effort features funky patterns as well as a lone black star – representing their team nickname.
Fans can currently pick up the Puma effort for £49 on sale – down from its original £70 price tag.

Marquinhos reacts to draw
Brazil star Marquinhos has given his opinion of the nation’s World Cup group.
He said: “It’s a draw similar to the 2018 World Cup. Switzerland and Serbia are with us again, they were complicated and tight matches. It will be another tight World Cup, with a very high level in many teams.
“I hope we will have a good group stage and qualify. There are no easy games in the World Cup, the three opponents we will play are very strong, they will give us a lot of trouble.
“We will have to be at our best from the first game.”
Brazil boss on Cameroon
Brazil boss Tite has admitted he doesn’t know much about World Cup opponents Cameroon.
Brazil were drawn alongside the African nation, Serbia and Switzerland in Group G.
But Tite revealed that his knowledge of Cameroon is limited.
He said to the BBC: “I have no deep knowledge about Cameroon.
“I have a general idea, but I can’t give you specific details as I was geared towards the World Cup qualifiers and in the direct preparation of the team.”
Sterling’s feeling good
Raheem Sterling is feeling optimistic ahead of the World Cup.
After finding out who England will play in the group stages, Sterling took to social media to express how he was feeling.
He simply wrote: “Let’s go.”
Matic on United and Maguire
Nemanja Matic admits Manchester United have not been good enough this season but defended teammate Harry Maguire against England’s boo-boys.
He said: “Harry Maguire did not serve that. I think that he played very well for England at the last Euros. He did fantastic so I don’t understand them.
“We have to be honest and say almost every player has to do more, has to give more.
“We have to do better as a team here. There is no more excuse.
“The last nine games we need to win seven or eight.”
Van Gaal on World Cup group
Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has admitted that he has never seen Qatar play in a competitive match.
Holland were placed into Group A alongside the World Cup hosts and will be the favourites to progress to the round-of-16.
Ecuador and Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal were also drawn in the group, but Van Gaal is clearly not phased about who his side will face.
The ex-Man United boss said: “I don’t know if this is a nice draw, I don’t know much about these countries.
“I have been in Senegal on holiday two years ago, I have never been in Ecuador, I have never seen Qatar play.”
Iran and USA’s game view
Iran coach Dragan Skocic has said his nation’s game with the USA in the World Cup has nothing to do with politics despite the two countries’ frosty relationship.
He said: “I am not political. I am focusing on football.
“My team and I will therefore only concentrate on sporting matters and prepare for the games in the best possible way.”
Martinez on Argentina’s hopes
Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez reckons Argentina will win the World Cup as they’re the best team in the world.
Martinez will join Lionel Messi and Co as Argentina look to lift the trophy for the first time.
And he reckons the South American side nation can’t be stopped.
Martinez said: “No one else can be a favourite when the best in the world is ours.”
World Cup prize money
England have a huge incentive to lift the World Cup as the competition’s winner will get £32million, reports claim.
However, if the Three Lions finish runners up they will get £22.8m.
And Gareth Southgate’s side, along with the rest of the World Cup participants will get £1.1m each to prepare for the contest, according to Statista.
Saliba wants first-team football
Arsenal star William Saliba has revealed he needs to be playing regular football to be in with a shot of getting a spot in France’s World Cup team.
The Gunners ace is on loan at Marseille and has no intention of returning to The Emirates unless he gets to start consistently.
He said to L’Equipe: “Of course, I can’t just be on the bench at Arsenal and be happy.
“I want to play as a starter. After that, if I get into the rotation as a substitute, it’s not like staying with the Under-23s and never being in the squad.”
Neymar’s no longer No.1
Neymar won’t be the main threat for Brazil in the World Cup later this year, according to the country’s media.
The country have a new set of stars to entertain the masses led by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, they claim.
A journalist for UOL Esporte: “Neymar has not been the most important player in the Brazilian team for some time.
“You have Marquinhos, Casemiro, Paquetá now and Vinícius Júnior is coming.
“As a protagonist, he doesn’t work. And I think the national team is getting certain independence from Neymar in this final stretch of preparation.”
Looking forward to it
USA ace Christian Pulisic has revealed that Chelsea team-mate and England star Mason Mount was the first person to call him after the World Cup draw.
The two Blues pals will face each other in the group stages after England and USA were drawn in the same group.
And Pulisic is relishing the chance to play against Mount.
He said: “Of course playing against England is exciting. It’s funny you know, the first call I got was from Mason on my team and we’re already talking, excited, looking forward to the game.
“It’s obviously a big team (England) and I know a lot of these guys but I think it’s a really nice match up and something that we’re definitely excited about.”
Hoddle on England’s World Cup hopes
Glenn Hoddle thinks England are ready to win the World Cup.
He told Betfair: “It’s a very favourable draw and I see England as one of the favourites to win the competition.
“I can’t see any hurdles that England could fall at in the group, even if we got a draw against one of them I still think we would qualify.
“England can win the World Cup. Gareth has got a great record, he’s taken them to the semi-final of the last World Cup and he got to the final of the Euros.
“If England are a race horse they are ready to win. They’re one of the favourites and this group of players are capable of winning the tournament.”
Japan have no fear
Japan have no fear going into the World Cup despite being drawn in the Group of death along with Spain and Germany.
They’ll also have to take on the winner of a play-off tie between Costa Rica and New Zealand who will take group E’s last spot.
But Japan’s boss Hajime Moriyasu is looking forward to rubbing shoulders with the big boys.
He said: “To be drawn against teams that have experience of winning the World Cup is meaningful for us because we’re aiming to take on the best in the world.
“We’ll start analysing our opponents, but we won’t be looking at them as being better than us. We want to bring out our own strengths.”
Messi’s World Cup?
Argentina legend Javier Zanetti has high hopes for Lionel Messi at the World Cup.
Messi’s yet to lift the World Cup with his country but Zanetti hopes Argentina’s Copa America win will spur Messi and Co to glory in Qatar.
He said: “Messi is very happy. I see him happy playing with the Argentine national team; hopefully, it will be his World Cup.
“Winning the Copa América did us good because it freed us after many years without winning a title.”
Southgate’s group stage view
England boss Gareth Southgate has given his thoughts on the Three Lions’ group stage opponents.
He said: “It’s intriguing isn’t it, because we’ve never played Iran. And then the States … I’ve met (US coach) Gregg (Berhalter) a lot recently, so we’ve had some good chats and he’s got them vastly improved.
“The third game is going to be a highly emotional game whoever it is. We all know where our thoughts are with Ukraine and we have to see whether they are even able to play or not.
“And of course if it’s one of the British teams, we’ve been through that in tournaments recently. So they become unique games, really. Form is totally out of the window.”
England’s route after group stage
Then should England qualify from the group they will be back in action that weekend.
Depending on if they top it or go through in second place, the Three Lions will face a team from Group A on either Saturday 3 or Sunday 4 December.
If they finish second, then it will be a 3pm clash on the Saturday.
But if they win the group, then they will be in action on Sunday at 7pm.
England’s group stage matches
It is set to be a condensed schedule with FOUR matches played on the opening match-day of the showpiece event.
And England versus Iran will be the second one to take place with a 1pm kick off (GMT) at the Khalifa International Sports Stadium.
It is Friday night action next for our men, with the second group match against USA set for a 7pm start.
That one will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium on November 25.
Then England will be hoping for some Tuesday night delight in their final group clash.
The potential bumper Battle of Britain will be staged at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on November 29 with a 7pm kick off UK time.
England’s World Cup run
England’s World Cup schedule has been revealed – and it will all begin with a Manic Monday!
The Three Lions head to Qatar later this year with the tournament due to take place in winter for the first time in history.
It all gets underway on November 21 and England will be in action on the opening day.
Gareth Southgate’s men were drawn in Group B along with Iran, USA and the winner of the Uefa play-offs – which will be either Wales, Scotland or Ukraine.
One more to go
There’s still one spot up for grabs in the World Cup as the last play-off game between Scotland and Ukraine is yet to be decided.
The winner of the game delayed due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will face Wales in the final play-off tie.
FIFA are determined to get the last UEFA World Cup qualifying spot wrapped up by the end of June.
The plan is for the semi-final and the final to both be pencilled in for the same month to speed up the process.
Which could mean a very busy schedule for Wales who have UEFA Nations League fixtures to work around.
And for either Scotland or Ukraine who are exactly in the same boat.
It’s all Lou to me
Louis Van Gaal has admitted that he doesn’t know much about Holland’s Group A opponents at the Qatar World Cup.
But he did reveal that he went on holiday to Senegal a few years back who are in the group.
And it’s been announced that Van Gaal’s troops will take on the African nation in the tournament’s opening game.
Opening game revealed
A new opening game for the World Cup has been announced.
After it was revealed that host nation Qatar won’t participate in the tournament’s opener.
The new first game will be played between Senegal and Holland, the BBC reported.
African Champions Senegal vs. The Netherlands will now be the opening match of World Cup.That is a great match to kick-off with.— John Bennett (@JohnBennettBBC) April 2, 2022

Qatar NOT in opening game
The World Cup 2022 fixtures have been revealed.
And for the first time since 1938, neither the host nation nor the holder will be involved in the opening match.
Here is how the first day of the tournament – November 21 – will look.

Group A: Senegal vs Netherlands (10am)
Group B: England vs Iran (1pm)
Group A: Qatar vs Ecuador (4pm)
Group B: United States vs Wales or Scotland / Ukraine (7pm)

Summary of yesterday’s 2022 World Cup draw
The World Cup 2022 draw is complete – and England have drawn USA, Iran AND possibly Wales or Scotland in Group B.
The final team in Group B is the winner of the European play-off – meaning either Wales, Scotland or Ukraine will join the Three Lions.
But European champions Italy will NOT be in Qatar, having surprisingly lost 1-0 in their qualifier against North Macedonia.

Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
Group B: England, Iran, USA, European play-off winner
Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
Group D: France, Intercontinental play-off winner, Denmark, Tunisia
Group E: Spain, Intercontinental play-off winner, Germany, Japan
Group F: Belgium, Morocco, Croatia, Canada
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea

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THE WORLD Cup 2022 draw has concluded – and England have drawn USA, Iran AND possibly Wales or Scotland in Group B.The final team in Group B is the winner of the European play-off – meaning either Wales, Scotland or Ukraine will join the Three Lions.
But European champions Italy will NOT be in Qatar, having surprisingly lost 1-0 in their qualifier against North Macedonia.

Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
Group B: England, Iran, USA, European play-off winner
Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
Group D: France, Intercontinental play-off winner, Denmark, Tunisia
Group E: Spain, Intercontinental play-off winner, Germany, Japan
Group F: Belgium, Morocco, Croatia, Canada
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea

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France
Coach: Didier Deschamps
World Cup best: Winners 1998, 2018
Les Bleus turned a limited game-plan into maximum reward in Russia, defending with resolve, showing poise in the middle and then attacking with pace and conviction.
They are a better side with Karim Benzema to augment Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann, though all of France wonders what version of Paul Pogba will show up.
The Euro 2020 flop will burn deep for them.
Tunisia – profile
Coach: Jalel Kadri
Star man: Wahbi Khazri
World Cup best: Group stage 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018
The Carthage Eagles put up a hell of a fight before Harry Kane’s knock-out blow in Volgograd in 2018 but since then faith in the team has taken a knock.
Qualifying in the play-off with Mali, due to a disastrous back pass own goal, came after managing just two shots on target in 180 minutes, summed up their limitations.
Skipper Khazri is far from a regular for St Etienne in France. 
Spain – profile
Coach: Luis Enrique
Star man: Pedri
World Cup best: Winners 2010
Spain underwhelmed with their last 16 exit in Russia, after a group phase debacle in Brazil.
But reaching the Euro 2020 semis suggested Luis Enrique and his young team can think of returning to former glories.
La Furia Roja, though, still lack the natural finisher that many of their rivals boast and that could be their downfall once again.
Canada – profile
Coach: John Herdman
Star man: Alphonso Davies
World Cup best: 1986 group stage
Consett-born former Sunderland youth team coach Herdman has made a name for himself in New Zealand and now Canada and qualifying before the US and Mexico was a genuine feat.
Bayern Munich left-back Davies and Lille striker Jonathan David are among more than half the likely squad plying their trade in Europe.
Outsiders, of course, but making to Qatar was a massive success.
Brazil – profile
Coach: Tite
Star man: Neymar
World Cup best: Winners 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
Expectations on the “Selecao” are always mountainous but the past four World Cups have been a huge disappointment, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Neymar’s reputation hinges on him making a real impact on the game’s biggest stage.
Tite has built a functional side, rather than one in the grand Brazilian traditions.
But Qatar will be neutral territory and his side will be the local “favourites” once the Arabic nations are eliminated. That could prove a factor.
England’s fixtures booked in
England will start their Qatar World Cup campaign on the opening day of the tournament.
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions will face Iran on Monday, November 21.
England will then play USA on November 25, before what could be a tasty final game of Group B on November 29.

The 1966 World Cup winners will face either Wales, Scotland or Ukraine.
Wales have already reached the final and will take on the winner of Scotland vs Ukraine – to be played in June, with England forced to wait over two months to find out their final group-stage opponent.
England’s path to glory
When asked about the World Cup draw earlier this week, England midfielder Jack Grealish said: “As a group we don’t really fear anyone”.
And to win the coveted prize, they most likely will have to beat the very best the World has to offer.
If England top the group, their most likely opponent in the last-16 is the runner-up from Group A, possibly Senegal.
After that, there are many variations that could come into play, but it could be France in the quarter-final.
If the Three Lions get past Les Blues, Argentina and Brazil could be lying in wait.

Top Seed in his group
Former Holland and AC Milan ace Clarence Seedorf looked dapper in his black suit and bow tie, with wife Sophia Makramati, at the Qatar World Cup draw.
And there were plenty of other big names of the sport turning up, including Brazil’s Kaka and Italian icon Andrea Pirlo.
England boss Gareth Southgate was of course in attendance, as he found out who his Three Lions will have to get past to reach the knockout stages.
Credit: AP
The “Group of Death?”
At the moment, Group E and Group H look like the toughest groups to escape.
Spain vs Germany in Group E is certainly one to look forward to, Japan are not a side to underestimate, and New Zealand or Costa Rica could prove to be strong contenders.
Meanwhile, Portugal and Uruguay will likely battle it out for the top spots in Group H.
Korea Republic and Ghana will not be easy to beat.

Fan reaction
One USA fan took to Twitter to say: “As a US fan, if England don’t get all three wins it’d be very disappointing. Easiest group stage in a very long time. US will get second.”
Someone else added: “Doesn’t get much kinder, yet again.”
An optimistic England supporter said: “It’s coming home!”
“Hopefully we can go one step further”
When speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, England defender Kyle Walker said: “Over the last two years we’ve come to adapt to playing every three days.
“Going into the World Cup a week after the last Premier League game works in our favour.
“We’ll take each game as it goes, one step at a time and hopefully we can go one step further and win the World Cup.
“We know how to win and manage games now.”
Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Raheem Sterling reacts

Third time lucky?
England and USA have been drawn together for third time at the World Cup, with England remaining winless in the previous two, losing in 1950 and drawing in 2010.

“I’m pleased with the group”
When speaking to BBC Sport, USA manager Gregg Berhalter said:
“We think it’s a good group. Every opponent in the World Cup is difficult.
“With England it’s an exciting match-up, Iran are a diverse opponent who did well in qualifying and then we’ll have to wait to see our third opponent.
“Overall I’m pleased with the group and excited to get started.
“We played Wales recently in a friendly, we know Scotland and then you’re pulling for Ukraine naturally because of what’s happening in the country.
“We [Gareth Southgate and I] go way back. He’s a guy I look up to. He’s always been there for me and given me advice.
“When I first took the job I looked to him as a mentor. I’m looking forward to competing against him.
“I just reached out to him when I got the job and asked would he tell me more about international football. And being the guy he was, he did.”
Credit: EPA
“We’ve got to get out of the group… then we build from there”
When speaking to BBC Sport, England boss Gareth Southgate said: “USA and Iran are teams we’ve not played for a while and the third is an unknown but throws up a possible British derby.
“We’ve got to get out of the group. Out first objective is to get out of the group and then we build from there.
“In this situation all of our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, so when that tie is played out is irrelevant really.
“When you’re seeded you get the advantage of missing out on those big six or seven teams.
“Most of the first seeds would be pleased with the group they get. There are some highly ranked teams in pot two.
“The USA are an interesting one. They’ve got some very good players and we know what they could be capable of, so that one in particular is an intriguing one.”
Credit: Getty
“Playing on the opening day will be incredible”
England captain Harry Kane has reacted to the draw.
He took to Twitter to say: “Always exciting to see who we get in the group!
“Playing on the opening day will be incredible as well.”

James McFadden reacts
When speaking for BBC Sport, the former Scotland forward said: “We’ve got play-offs we have to worry about first.
“It’s a big enough incentive to get to the World Cup but to be in a group with England is great and that will motivate the players.
“It won’t be easy against Ukraine in the play-offs. If we manage to get through that and play Wales in the final then that is a huge game in the final.
“Scotland have a not bad record against Wales and Scotland are in a good place at the moment.
“Our performance at Wembley in the Euros showed the potential of this Scotland team.
“They’ve responded well to going out in the group stage at the Euros and there’s competition for places all over the pitch.”
A trip down Memory Lane
Many England fans will never forget Rob Green’s goalkeeping howler against The USA at the 2010 World Cup…
And by the look of things, he hasn’t either!

Ashley Williams reacts
When speaking for BBC Sport, former Wales captain Ashley Williams said: “No disrespect to anyone, all the teams are good but it could have been a little bit more daunting in another potential group.
“I’m quite happy but there’s a lot of work to do before then.
“They [Wales] just want to get there anyway for their own reasons [not just to face England].
“Of course one of Wales or Scotland usually draw England.”
Alan Shearer reacts
When speaking for BBC Sport, Shearer said: “This is the one thing in not having that ‘group of death’.It is pretty much open.
“I have to say that I am pleased Scotland, Wales or Ukraine got put in England’s group. It adds that little bit more excitement.
“If it is Wales or Scotland it makes it a bit tougher.”
“Gareth will look at that and think it could have been a lot more difficult.
“I am sure he and his players will be happy with that.”
The World Cup groups in full
England will face Iran, The USA and either Scotland, Wales or Ukraine in the group stages of the tournament.

More from Martin Lipton
We all remember how “E(ngland), A(lgeria), S(lovenia), Y(anks) wasn’t so easy in 2010.
But Southgate and his men could hardly have got a more favourable draw.
They would expect to cruise through to the last eight.
Wales and Scotland, though, will doubtless have other ideas.
Credit: AP
More from Martin Lipton
No surprise that England have never previously played a British side at the World Cup Finals.
Nor have they played Ukraine, although they beat them in the 2012 and 2020 (well, 2021 actually) Euros.
Harry Kane scored twice in Rome in that 4-0 win, Wayne Rooney the only goal in Donetsk in 2012.
Latest from Martin Lipton
So…England v Iran November 21
England v USA Nov 25
England v Wales, Scotland or Ukraine Nov 29
Group H

Portugal
Ghana
Uruguay
Korea Republic

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THE WORLD Cup 2022 draw is finally here – and football fans across the globe are patiently waiting to see who their country will put in a group with.England qualified with flying colours and are one of the top seeds heading into the group stages.
But European champions Italy will NOT be in Qatar, having surprisingly lost 1-0 in their qualifier against North Macedonia.

Start time: 5pm GMT
TV Channel: BBC One
Live stream: BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website
Pot 1: Qatar, Brazil, Belgium, France, Portugal, England, Argentina, Spain.
Pot 2: Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Mexico, USA, Uruguay, Croatia.
Pot 3: Japan, Serbia, Iran, Morocco, South Korea, Senegal, Poland, Canada.
Pot 4: Ecuador, Cameroon, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Peru, Wales/Scotland/Ukraine, Costa Rica/New Zealand, UAE/Australia/Peru

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No Ser
Sergio Aguero was forced to retire from professional football last year due to a heart problem, so he will not be playing at this year’s World Cup.
He recently revealed that he had been offered a staff role with Argentina, however he turned it down as he wants to go to Qatar as a fan.
When speaking to ESPN, he said: “The invitation to be part of Argentina’s staff was on the table.
“I spoke with Chiqui [Tapia, Argentina Football Association president] and I was clear with him about my goal to enjoy my time.
“I’m going to Qatar, but as a fan.
“I have a great relationship with everyone from the national team but I don’t see myself in the coaching staff and with the players on a day-to-day basis. They are asking for a role that isn’t for me right now.
“I had a talk with [Messi], he and Scaloni gave me an idea of what they wanted from me.
“I asked them for some time to think about it and then told Chiqui that I wasn’t ready for that.
“I will be available for any event related to the Argentina national team, as an ambassador but I don’t want a day-to-day responsibility with the team.”
Sergio Aguero arrives in DohaCredit: Getty
Which countries have won the most World Cups?
Brazil have won five World Cups – more than any other nation.
Germany and Italy have both won the title four times.
62% – Brazil, Germany and Italy have won 62% of @FIFAWorldCup tournaments (13/21). Brazil currently lead with five trophies, followed by Germany and Italy (4 apiece). History. #FinalDraw— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 1, 2022

Southgate arrives
England manager Gareth Southgate has arrived in Doha ahead of the draw.
The Three Lions are in Pot 1.

“We’re not going to fear anyone”
When asked about the World Cup draw earlier this week, England midfielder Jack Grealish said:
“As a group we don’t really fear anyone. It’ll show in our performances.
“I think I saw something the other day saying that we haven’t been beat over 90 minutes since November 2020 or something like that so I think, yeah, at the moment we have such a confident group and looking ahead to the draw we’re all going to be excited and we’re not going to fear anyone”
Credit: Getty
Legends arrive
Some of football’s biggest names have arrived in Doha for the draw.
Andrea Pirlo and Kaka have been pictured on the red carpet.

Brazil make history
Seleção Brasileira is the only national team to have played in every single World Cup.
They will mark their 22nd appearance in the competition this year in Qatar.
22 – Brazil are taking part in their 22nd @FIFAWorldCup. They are the only team to have featured in every single edition of the tournament. Samba. #FinalDraw— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 1, 2022

What happened when SunSport simulated the World Cup draw?
In the simulation, England were put in a group alongside four-time World Cup winners Germany.
The last time the two sides met was at Euro2020 where England came out on top in a 2-0 win.
Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal were also pulled out of the hat, which would be another concern for Gareth Southgate.
Peru was the final nation revealed.
This would certainly be labelled the “Group of Death”.
2022 World Cup group stage draw simulated
What could be the best draw for England?
There are some strong sides in Pot 2 – The USA have a strong squad on paper, but they would arguably be the best side for the Three Lions to face in the group stages.
Tunisia and Saudi Arabia appear to be the least-daunting opponents from Pots 3 and 4 respectively.
Gareth Southgate at a FIFA team seminar in Doha, QatarCredit: Getty
What could be England’s toughest draw?
England can only be paired with one other European team so if they draw a Uefa nation in Pot 2, they cannot get Wales or Scotland, should they make it through their play-offs.
On that basis, it seems Germany could pose the biggest risk from Pot 2.
In Pot 3, Senegal – the Africa Cup of Nations champions – appear to be the toughest test, with the likes of Sadio Mane and Edouard Mendy in their ranks.
In the final pot, Canada are enjoying a meteoric rise in the global game and could prove a tricky group-stage opponent.
Brazil back on top
Brazil have returned to the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time in five years.
They last won the World Cup in 2002.

Debutants
Qatar automatically qualified for this year’s competition due to being tournament hosts.
They will appear in the finals for the first time in history.
32 – 32 teams are taking part at the 2022 @FIFAWorldCup, with hosts Qatar the only nation to make their debut in the competition this year. Inauguration. #FinalDraw— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 1, 2022

Rice looks to cup glory
When speaking to Sky Sports earlier this week, Declan Rice said:
“Nations League semi-final, World Cup semi-final, obviously Euro’s the final, so we want to go one more now.
“Have that cutting edge, that mentality to go and finish off a top tournament.
“As players we’re all playing at a top level, we know what it takes to come up against top opposition.
“We feel like we’re an established side now, we’ve been building something special for a couple of years and I think come the World Cup the lads, the focus, the mentality, everything will be right.”
Credit: Getty
Cup Soundtrack
The first of many songs on the 2022 Qatar World Cup album has been announced.
Hayya Hayya (Better Together) is the first single of the multi-song Official Soundtrack.
It features Trinidad Cardona, Davido & Aisha.

All to play for
Some nations have not officially qualified for the competition just yet.
Wales earned their place in the play-off final after defeating Austria – they will take on either Scotland or Ukraine where only one nation will make it to Qatar.
Australia and UAE still have to compete for their place in the play-off final where one will face Peru.
Either New Zealand or Costa Rica will make it to the World Cup – the two sides will face each other in June.
Fifa president’s Italy heartbreak
Fifa president Gianni Infantino “really wants to cry” after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup again.
He told Rai Sport: “I really want to cry.
“For all the Italians it is sad, it is the second World Cup in a row in which the Azzurri do not participate.
“And if they qualify for the next World Cup it will be 12 years of absence.”
Pot 4
The final pot includes some nations that have not officially qualified yet, including Scotland and Wales.

Ecuador
Saudi Arabia
Ghana
Canada
Cameroon
Wales/Scotland/Ukraine
Australia/UAE/Peru
New Zealand/Costa Rica

Pot 3
Pot three includes the likes of Robert Lewandowski’s Poland and Sadio Mane’s Senegal.

Iran
Japan
Morocco
Serbia
Poland
South Korea
Senegal
Tunisia

Pot 2
There are some big names in Pot two, including Germany, Croatia and Netherlands.

Netherlands
Denmark
Switzerland
Uruguay
Croatia
Mexico
USA

Pot 1
Pot one includes competition hosts Qatar along with the seven best teams in the world, including England.

Qatar
Brazil
Belgium
France
Argentina
England
Spain
Portugal

Idris Elba to host draw
Actor Idris Elba will present the World Cup draw with sports anchor Reshmin Chowdhury.
Elba said ahead of the draw: “I’ve been on many stages before, but this will be a very special one.
“I’m delighted to present this beautiful show to the world, together with Reshmin. It will be a classic show and somewhat daring.
And Chowdhury added: “I’m beyond excited. It’s been a thrill to find out the qualified teams and see the anticipation everywhere here in Doha, and it’s a privilege to have such a prominent role in the show.
“As a Muslim woman, it’ll be an extra-special honour to be on stage for this milestone event ahead of the very first FIFA World Cup in the Arab world.”

‘Rainbow flag ban would be unacceptable’
The banning of rainbow flags at the Qatar World Cup would be unacceptable.
That’s the view of anti-discrimination group Football Against Racism in Europe hit back at the proposed flag confiscation.
Fare said: “The LGBTIQ+ community should be allowed freedom of expression and be protected in exercising those rights.
“This is the international norm.
“The rainbow flag will be worn by thousands of people in Qatar, by LGBTIQ+ visitors and regular supporters.
“And the idea that the flag, which is now a recognised and universal symbol of diversity and equality, will be removed from people to protect them, will not be considered acceptable, and will be seen as a pretext.
“We do not expect the local Qatari population or visiting fans to be attacked for wearing the rainbow flag. The bigger danger comes from state actions.”
Qatar plan rainbow flag ban
Rainbow flags could be taken from fans at the World Cup in Qatar to “protect them from being attacked for promoting gay rights”, a tournament security leader has said.
Major General Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Ansari insists that LGBTQ couples would be welcomed and accepted in Qatar for the competition despite same-sex relations criminalised in the conservative Gulf nation.
But Al Ansari is against the overt promotion of LGBTQ freedoms as symbolised by the rainbow flag that Fifa and World Cup organisers had previously said would be welcome across Qatar’s eight stadiums.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Al Ansari said: “If he [a fan] raised the rainbow flag and I took it from him, its not because I really want to, to really insult him, but to protect him.
“Because if its not me, somebody else around him might attack [him] … I cannot guarantee the behavior of the whole people.
“And I will tell him ‘please, no need to really raise that flag at this point’.”
Ukraine want friendy with Prem club
Ukraine manager Oleksandr Petrakov wants to play a Premier League side to prepare for his nation’s play-off tie with Scotland.
Petrakov’s got his eyes set on a game at Wembley, preferably with a London club.
He told the Guardian: “We could play at Wembley, for example, against a London club.
“It could be a good exhibition game, a response for the Ukrainian army, as well as preparatory work for the Scotland game.”
Fifa urged to oust Iran from World Cup
Fifa have been urged to kick Iran out of the World Cup by human rights activists for refusing to allow women to watch games in stadiums.
The United for Navid group of exiled Iranian athletes and activists said Iran should be suspended from international football until it changes its stance, the Daily Mail reported.
A statement from the group to Fifa read: “We formally request that FIFA immediately suspend Iran and prohibit its participation in the World Cup 2022 as long as the Football Federation of Iran continues to violate the Olympic Charter and FIFA regulations
I”n the letter, a copy of which was obtained by AFP Friday, it said that Iran had pledged to FIFA that it would end its policy of “gender apartheid” by allowing women to attend matches.
“But not only has Iran broken that promise by continuing to bar women from entering a stadium but women are beaten, abused and threatened.”
De Gea’s anger
David de Gea is reportedly furious at being axed from the Spain squad by Luis Enrique.
According to AS, the Man United stopper didn’t take Enriques decision well and was incensed by his omission.
They also added that De Gea didn’t think Enrique’s choice was justified.
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