World Cup 2022

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      When is World Cup 2022 play-off draw? Date, UK start time, stream, TV channel for Scotland, Portugal, Italy & all teams

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      AFTER a streamlined qualifying campaign this year, a number of countries have already booked their place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Gareth Southgate’s England can already look forward to being at the first ever winter edition of the tournament, which gets underway on November 21 next year.

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      Ronaldo and Portugal head into the play-offs after Serbia stunned them in LisbonCredit: AFP
      For teams who finished second in European qualifying groups though, they now face the tough task of going through the play-offs to guarantee their place in the Finals.
      When is World Cup play-off draw?

      The draw for the play-off stage will be held at Fifa HQ in Zurich, Switzerland.
      It will take place on Friday, November 26.
      Things get underway at 4pm GMT.
      To follow all the ties as they are drawn, join us here on SunSport where we will be running a live blog.

      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      As yet, a TV channel for the draw has not been confirmed in the UK.
      But you will be able to live stream it on Fifa’s official website.
      Coverage will begin at 4pm.

      Which teams are involved?
      The draw will include ten nations who finished as runners up in qualifying, as well as two Nations League group winners who missed out on a spot in their respective group.
      Just three sides will make it through the play-offs and play at the 2022 World Cup from the twelve who enter the play-off stage.
      The teams in the hat are:
      Seeded:

      Portugal
      Italy
      Scotland
      Russia
      Sweden
      Wales

      Unseeded

      Austria
      North Macedonia
      Turkey
      Poland
      Ukraine
      Czech Republic

      Who can Scotland and Wales play?
      Scotland and Wales can be drawn at home to any of the six unseeded teams in the semi-final, who they will play at home.
      In the final, they can be drawn home or away to the winner of any of the other five ties.
      The only teams who cannot meet each other in either the semi-final or final are Russia and Ukraine, who asked to be kept apart due to the conflict in Ukraine’s Donbass region. More

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      Harry Maguire’s sister Daisy appears to like tweet mocking Roy Keane as spat with Man Utd legend continues

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      HARRY MAGUIRE’s sister appears to like a tweet mocking Manchester United legend Roy Keane after his criticism of her brother. Keane blasted Maguire’s start to the season for Man Utd as a ‘disgrace’ and labelled his goal celebration against Albania as ’embarrassing’.
      Maguire scored four for England in World Cup qualifyingCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      Sister Daisy mocked United legend Keane on TwitterCredit: SPLASH NEWS
      Daisy liked a tweet comparing the former United captain’s international career against her brothersCredit: TWITTER: DAISSMAGUIRE_

      Although Maguire hasn’t directly responded to Keane’s comments, his celebration could be seen as a rebuttal to the criticism.
      And sister Daisy didn’t hold back in digging back at Keane in her own way.
      The 21-year-old liked a Tweet comparing Keane’s contribution towards Ireland on the international stage against Maguire’s.
      The tweet read: “Roy Keane for his country vs Harry Maguire for his country.”
      A photo of Keane after he was infamously sent home from the Republic of Ireland squad at the 2002 World Cup accompanied the tweet.
      Whereas a photo of Maguire holding a Man of the Match award during England’s Euro 2020 campaign was put up next to it.
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      The Maguire’s aren’t the only people fed up with Keane’s harsh words, former Aston Villa captain Gabby Agbonlahor accused the Irishman of ‘bullying’.
      He said: “I’ve seen the quotes and the video of it from Roy Keane and I think Roy Keane is being a big bully, there. 
      “I think he’s bullying him because Harry Maguire has been under a lot of pressure after some not very good performances for Manchester United. 
      “This was the next game available to prove that he’s a good centre-half.
      “Yes, it’s Albania but, still, we had a job to do. He scores, the excitement of scoring – you’re going to celebrate. 
      “If I was going for a run of bad form when I scored the goal, I’d want to do the exact same celebration – hands on your ears to the critics to say, ‘I’m going to try and put in a good performance’, and he did that. 
      “I thought his defending was very good and he scored a goal. Every time he does something now it feels like everyone is against him.”
      England manager Gareth Southgate accused Keane of trying to ‘stay relevant’.
      Maguire is now England’s highest scoring defender ever
      And England legend John Terry also came to Maguire’s defence, with the United captain now the Three Lions’ highest scoring defender ever.
      Maguire played a key role in helping England sail through World Cup qualification to book their place at next year’s winter tournament.
      The defender scored four, including two in his last two appearances against Albania and San Marino.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Roy Keane accused of ‘bullying’ Harry Maguire after Man Utd legend called England star ‘a disgrace’ More

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      Wales 1 Belgium 1 LIVE REACTION: Dragons secure home play-off tie with nervous draw in Cardiff – latest updates

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      WALES will avoid big guns Italy and Portugal in the semi-finals of their World Cup qualifying play-offs after securing second place in their group with a 1-1 draw against Belgium.
      RESULT: Wales 1-1 Belgium
      Wales XI: 12 Ward; 14 C. Roberts, 5 Mepham, 6 Rodon, 4 Davies; 3 Williams, 16 Morrell, 7 Allen, 10 Ramsey, 20 James; 13 Moore
      Belgium XI: 13 Casteels; 21 Castagne, 4 Boyata, 2 Theate, 15 Meunier; 6 Witsel, 7 De Bruyne, 10 T. Hazard; 8 Vanaken, 18 De Ketelaere, 17 Origi

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      THAT’S ALL FROM CARDIFF!
      Wales drew 1-1 with Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium and sealed a seeded position ahead of the World Cup play-offs, which means that the second semi-final will take place in thew nation’s capital!
      The game didn’t start well for Rob Page’s men as the visitors opened the scoring after just 12 minutes with Kevin De Bruyne’s marvellous curling shot from the edge of the box.
      But the Dragons responded 20 minutes later when Daniel James’ cross from the left was met by shocking defending from Axel Witsel and Arthur Theate, who failed to clear the ball.
      It also set up Kieefer Moore in the area where he beat Koen Casteels with a fine finish that proved to be crucial.
      Roberto Martinez’s men came close to a second five minutes before half-time when De Bruyne’s free-kick from the right set Thorgan Hazard on the edge of the box and his shot rattled Danny Ward’s crossbar.
      Wales almost scored a winner in the 83rd minute when Neco Williams’ powerful shot forced a difficult save from Casteels, who lunged to his top left corner to deny the Liverpool ace
      GETTY IMAGES
      FINAL TABLE
      Belgium had already punched their ticket to the 2022 World Cup as they sealed first place in Group E.
      Wales’ draw with Roberto Martinez’s men has helped them secure second place, one point ahead of the Czech Republic.
      The Dragons knew they would be in the play-offs thanks to their Nations League finish.
      However, tonight’s result made sure they are seeded ahead of the draw!

      STATS
      Belgium’s depleted side dominated a staggering 75.8 per cent of possession throughout the encounter.
      Roberto Martinez’s men registered a total of 16 shots but only four of them were on target.
      Wales, on the other hand, recorded eight shots, three of which were on target at Cardiff City Stadium.
      The two teams were quite evenly-matched and the aerial duels show it as they both had a 50 per cent success rate
      FT: WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      Wales have sealed a seeded position ahead of the World Cup play-offs, which means that the second semi-final will take place in Cardiff!
      Belgium opened the scoring after just 12 minutes with Kevin De Bruyne’s marvellous curling shot from the edge of the box.
      But the Dragons responded 20 minutes later when Daniel James’ cross from the left was met by shocking defending from Axel Witsel and Arthur Theate, who failed to clear the ball.
      It also set up Kieefer Moore in the area where he beat Koen Casteels with a fine finish that proved to be crucial.
      Roberto Martinez’s men came close to a second five minutes before half-time when De Bruyne’s free-kick from the right set Thorgan Hazard on the edge of the area and his shot rattled Danny Ward’s crossbar.
      Wales almost scored a winner in the 83rd minute when Neco Williams’ powerful shot forced a difficult save from Casteels, who lunged to his top left corner
      GETTY IMAGES
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      THAT FULL-TIME IN CARDIFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      90+4 CHANCE!
      Woah, that was scary there!
      Belgium get a late corner with De Bruyne and Boyata gets the header.
      The ball goes towards Ward’s bottom left corner but the keeper lunges and saves!
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      90+2 SUBSTITUTION
      Wales manager Page makes his first change as Johnson replaces Ramsey.
      Allen will be wearing the armband for the last few minutes
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      90 Six more minutes of stoppage time to go on account of a couple of injuries during the second half.
      As it stands, Wales are seeded ahead of the World Cup play-off draw.
      They need to make sure they don’t concede from Belgium
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      88 CHANCE
      Belgium register another shot as Vanzeir fires a long-range effort that doesn’t trouble Ward
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      87 Belgium have made five changes so far whereas Wales haven’t changed at all.
      Expect Page to make some late substitutions to slow down tempo in the last few minutes of the game
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      85 SUBSTITUTION
      Belgium manager Martinez makes a double change as Vertonghen and Trossard replace Theate and Meunier
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      83 WHAT A CHANCE!
      Wales come extremely close to a second as Williams breaks in the area from the left flank and delivers a powerful, curling shot that forces a major save by Casteels.
      Williams has been stunning tonight!
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      82 YELLOW CARD
      Dendoncker gets booked for a rough challenge on James, who was on his way to a dangerous counter-attack
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      82 As it stands, Wales finish second in their group and are seeded ahead of the World Cup play-off draw.
      The Dragons need to make sure they DON’T concede another one from Belgium as that would change everything!
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      80 YELLOW CARD
      Wales star Moore is booked for a rough aerial challenge with Witsel
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      79 CHANCE
      Belgium ace Witsel delivers a weak shot from the left flank but Ward saves it comfortably
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      78 Wales are putting so much into it in the second half, Belgium have struggled.
      James has been especially dangerous down the left flank and the same goes for Williams and Ramsey in midfield
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      75 YELLOW CARD
      Another booking for Belgium as Saelemaekers gets cautioned for a challenge on Williams
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      75 So far, so very good for Wales!
      As it stands, the Dragons are seeded ahead of the World Cup play-off round
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      73 Both teams have been evenly-matched so far in Cardiff.
      Wales are balancing the game in midfield but Belgium are still comfortable
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      71 YELLOW CARD
      Hazard is booked for a late challenge that sees him stepping on Allen’s foot
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      70 Bale is not on the pitch today but he’s still in Cardiff rooting for his team-mates from the stands.
      The Dragons haven’t needed him so far, but will call on him in the World Cup play-offs
      GETTY IMAGES
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      68 Moore and Boyata thankfully get back to their feet.
      The Belgian will continue with a patch over his eye
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      65 CHANCE
      Belgium ace De Bruyne delivers a corner-kick from the left side and it’s met by Boyata’s header, which misses the target.
      The defender is receiving treatment as he appears to have suffered a cut over his eye.
      Moore is also receiving treatment
      WALES 1-1 BELGIUM
      64 CHANCE
      Hazard tries another long-range shot from the edge of the box but is deflected by Davies’ head
      Load more entries… More

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      When is World Cup 2022 play-off draw? Date, TV channel, live stream and teams including Scotland, Portugal and Italy

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      AFTER a streamlined qualifying campaign this year, a number of nations have already booked their place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Gareth Southgate’s England can already look forward to being at the first ever winter edition of the tournament, which gets underway on November 21 next year.

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      Ronaldo and Portugal head into the play-offs after Serbia stunned them in LisbonCredit: AFP
      For teams who finished second in European qualifying groups though, they now face the tough task of going through the play-offs to guarantee their place in the Finals.
      When is World Cup play-off draw?

      The draw for the play-off stage will be held at Fifa HQ in Zurich, Switzerland.
      It will take place on Friday, November 26.
      Things get underway at 4pm GMT.
      To follow all the ties as they are drawn, join us here on SunSport where we will be running a live blog.

      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      As yet, a TV channel for the draw has not been confirmed in the UK.
      But you will be able to live stream it on Fifa’s official website.
      Coverage will begin at 4pm.

      Which teams are involved?
      The draw will include ten nations who finished as runners up in qualifying, as well as two Nations League group winners who missed out on a spot in their respective group.
      Just three sides will make it through the play-offs and play at the 2022 World Cup from the twelve who enter the play-off stage.
      So far, the teams in the hat are:

      Scotland
      Portugal
      Italy
      Russia
      Sweden
      Poland
      Wales
      North Macedonia

      The remaining two sides from the World Cup qualifying groups will be decided on Tuesday, November 16. More

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      World Cup 2022 qualifying play-offs fixtures and dates: Who will Italy, Portugal, Scotland and Wales play?

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      MORE and more teams who will participate at the Qatar World Cup are becoming known, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal are not yet one of them.The Euro 2016 champions were beaten by a last minute Aleksandar Mitrovic header as they went down 2-1 at home to Serbia.
      Cristiano Ronaldo will have to take the play-off route if he is to play in the Qatar World CupCredit: Getty
      Italy join Portugal in the World Cup play-offsCredit: Pacemaker
      That means they will now have to overcome both a play-off semi-final and final in order to make it to Qatar.
      And to make matters worse for Ronaldo and co, they have been joined by current European champions Italy.
      The Italians were unable to find a way past Northern Ireland, meaning Switzerland progressed to the World Cup as group winners.
      When are the World Cup qualifying play-offs?
      The World Cup qualifying play-offs will take place during the next international break, which will be held from March 24 to March 29, 2022.
      Twelve teams will enter the play-offs – the ten runners-up from World Cup qualifying plus the best placed Nations League group winners to have not yet qualified.
      However, just THREE will advance to the World Cup.
      The draw for the play-offs will be held on November 26 and will see the six best placed teams in World Cup qualifying handed home semi-final ties.
      That draw will also decide who will play who in the three finals.
      Gareth Bale and Wales will feature in the World Cup play-offsCredit: PA
      Could Italy play Portugal?
      Italy and Portugal will avoid each other in the play-off semi-finals as both finished among the six best group winners, meaning a home semi.
      However, there is nothing to stop them playing each other in the final.
      Which teams are in the World Cup qualifying play-offs and who is at home?
      Here’s how the teams line up so far.
      Home semi-finalists

      Portugal
      Russia
      Italy
      Scotland

      Away semi-finalists

      North Macedonia
      Austria

      TBC

      Wales
      Czech Republic
      Sweden

      The play-off entrants from two groups have yet to be decided.
      In Group D, Ukraine need to win in Bosnia and hope Finland fail to beat France at home if they are to make the play-offs. France have already qualified for the World Cup.
      In Group G, Netherlands, Turkey and Norway could all end up in first, second or third place.

      Are there any other World Cup qualifying play-offs?
      Yes. The inter-confederation play-offs will take place under the usual two-legged format.
      This will see the winner of Oceania qualifying, fourth place in North American qualifying, fifth place in South American qualifying and the best third place in the two Asian qualifying groups drawn into two two-legged ties.
      The two winners of their ties will qualify for the World Cup.
      In African qualifying the ten group winners will advance to to two-legged continental play-offs.
      The five winners of those African ties will then advance to Qatar. More

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      Wales vs Belgium FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news – Bale NOT IN SQUAD for World Cup qualifier

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      WALES face a huge clash with Belgium tonight as they look to secure a home World Cup qualifying play-off.The Dragons need a draw to secure second place in Group E, which would leave them with the best possible chance of making it to Qatar.
      Gareth Bale made his 100th Wales appearance on Saturday but is not in the squad for this oneCredit: PA
      Bale’s Real Madrid team-mate Eden Hazard will hope to keep his place in the Belgium teamCredit: Alamy
      Should they lose, Czech Republic would move into second place with a two-goal victory at home to Estonia.
      That would mean Wales would still enter the World Cup play-off as a result of topping their Nations League group, but they would face an away semi-final, potentially against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal or European Champions Italy.
      What time does Wales vs Belgium kick off?

      Wales take on Belgium on Tuesday, November 16.
      The match kicks off at 7.45pm UK time – 8.45pm in Belgium.
      It takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium.
      The teams last met back in March, when Belgium ran out 3-1 winners in Leuven.

      What TV channel is Wales vs Belgium on and can I live stream it?

      Wales vs Belgium is live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
      To stream the game live, head to your Sky Go account, the Sky Sports website or the Sky Sports app.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.
      If you want to watch in Welsh, you can catch all the action live on S4C.

      Can I watch Wales vs Belgium for free?

      Yes, but you’ll have to watch in Welsh. S4C is free for all UK viewers with a TV licence.

      Team news
      Gareth Bale celebrated his 100th Wales appearance as he played the first half against Belarus on Saturday.
      However, he is not in the squad for this crucial clash with the Belgians.
      Manager Robert Page had already confirmed that Bale would not have started if he was in the squad.
      He said: “He was never going to start. We knew that coming into camp.
      “The plan was always for him to get a half in the first game and then come on and maybe have an impact in the second game.
      “He has not played for a couple of months and to throw him in for that game was a big ask from a physical point of view.”
      Wales’ Ethan Ampadu is suspended for this one after picking up a booking against Belarus.
      Chris Mepham or Chris Gunter are the leading candidates to step into the defence as Ampadu’s replacement.
      In a major boost to Wales’ hopes, Belgium are without key man Romelu Lukaku, who is still recovering from injury and not in the Red Devils’ squad.
      Latest odds
      Wales 12/5
      Draw 9/4
      Belgium 5/4
      *Odds from Betfair correct as of Monday, November 15 More

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      Wales vs Belgium FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for World Cup qualifying

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      WALES face a huge clash with Belgium as they look to secure a home World Cup qualifying play-off.The Dragons need a draw to secure second place in Group E, which would leave them with the best possible chance of making it to Qatar.
      Gareth Bale made his 100th Wales appearance on SaturdayCredit: PA
      Bale’s Real Madrid team-mate Eden Hazard will hope to keep his place in the Belgium teamCredit: Alamy
      Should they lose, Czech Republic would move into second place with a two-goal victory at home to Estonia.
      That would mean Wales would still enter the World Cup play-off as a result of topping their Nations League group, but they would face an away semi-final, potentially against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
      What time does Wales vs Belgium kick off?

      Wales take on Belgium on Tuesday, November 16.
      The match kicks off at 7.45pm UK time – 8.45pm in Belgium.
      It takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium.
      The teams last met back in March, when Belgium ran out 3-1 winners in Leuven.

      What TV channel is Wales vs Belgium on and can I live stream it?

      Wales vs Belgium is live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
      To stream the game live, head to your Sky Go account, the Sky Sports website or the Sky Sports app.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.
      If you want to watch in Welsh, you can catch all the action live on S4C.

      Can I watch Wales vs Belgium for free?

      Yes, but you’ll have to watch in Welsh. S4C is free for all UK viewers with a TV licence.

      Team news
      Wales’ Ethan Ampadu is suspended for this one after picking up a booking against Belarus.
      Chris Mepham or Chris Gunter are the leading candidates to step into the defence as Ampadu’s replacement.
      Gareth Bale is short of fitness but still likely to keep his starting place following his 100th cap on Saturday.
      In a major boost to Wales’ hopes, Belgium are without key man Romelu Lukaku, who is still recovering from injury and not in the Red Devils’ squad.
      Latest odds
      Wales 12/5
      Draw 9/4
      Belgium 5/4
      *Odds from Betfair correct as of Monday, November 15 More

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      World Cup qualifying play-offs fixtures and dates: Who will Italy, Portugal, Scotland and Wales play?

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      MORE and more teams who will participate at the Qatar World Cup are becoming known, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal are not yet one of them.The Euro 2016 champions were beaten by a last minute Aleksandar Mitrovic header as they went down 2-1 at home to Serbia.
      Cristiano Ronaldo will have to take the play-off route if he is to play in the Qatar World CupCredit: Getty
      Italy join Portugal in the World Cup play-offsCredit: Pacemaker
      That means they will now have to overcome both a play-off semi-final and final in order to make it to Qatar.
      And to make matters worse for Ronaldo and co, they have been joined by current European champions Italy.
      The Italians were unable to find a way past Northern Ireland, meaning Switzerland progressed to the World Cup as group winners.
      When are the World Cup qualifying play-offs?
      The World Cup qualifying play-offs will take place during the next international break, which will be held from March 24 to March 29, 2022.
      Twelve teams will enter the play-offs – the ten runners-up from World Cup qualifying plus the best placed Nations League group winners to have not yet qualified.
      However, just THREE will advance to the World Cup.
      The draw for the play-offs will be held on November 26 and will see the six best placed teams in World Cup qualifying handed home semi-final ties.
      That draw will also decide who will play who in the three finals.
      Gareth Bale and Wales will feature in the World Cup play-offsCredit: PA
      Could Italy play Portugal?
      Italy and Portugal will avoid each other in the play-off semi-finals as both finished among the six best group winners, meaning a home semi.
      However, there is nothing to stop them playing each other in the final.
      Which teams are in the World Cup qualifying play-offs and who is at home?
      Here’s how the teams line up so far.
      Home semi-finalists

      Portugal
      Russia
      Italy
      Scotland

      Away semi-finalists

      North Macedonia
      Austria

      TBC

      Wales
      Czech Republic
      Sweden

      The play-off entrants from two groups have yet to be decided.
      In Group D, Ukraine need to win in Bosnia and hope Finland fail to beat France at home if they are to make the play-offs. France have already qualified for the World Cup.
      In Group G, Netherlands, Turkey and Norway could all end up in first, second or third place.

      Are there any other World Cup qualifying play-offs?
      Yes. The inter-confederation play-offs will take place under the usual two-legged format.
      This will see the winner of Oceania qualifying, fourth place in North American qualifying, fifth place in South American qualifying and the best third place in the two Asian qualifying groups drawn into two two-legged ties.
      The two winners of their ties will qualify for the World Cup.
      In African qualifying the ten group winners will advance to to two-legged continental play-offs.
      The five winners of those African ties will then advance to Qatar. More