The Road to Qatar begins!🔥

The group-stage draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has just concluded and it did not disappoint. The glamorous event, filled with dance, music, and monologue also featured the unveiling of the official mascot.

Also read: Players to watch out for at World Cup 2022

He's come from the mascot-verse full of energy and is ready to bring the joy of football to everyone!

Introducing: La'eeb – the #FIFAWorldCup Qatar 2022 Official Mascot pic.twitter.com/RrEA6iS6t4

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

Onto the draw and it was a highly anticipated affair. As the teams came out of the various pots, it was clear that there are several blockbuster clashes in store. However, three teams are yet to be known.

Also read: 10 players for whom this World Cup could be their last

The showpiece event gets under on November 21 with the group stage going on for 12 days.  FootTheBall has you covered with which teams were drawn in which group and how the long-term returnees fared. For example, could this year mark the resurgence of Canada and their “Golden Generation”?

Group A – Teams Qualified

1. Qatar: The hosts and debutants, are automatically assigned to Group A.
2. Netherlands: The finalists in 2010, the Oranje will be hoping to finally end their World Cup curse this year.
3. Senegal: The champions of Africa who beat Egypt in the play-offs. Sadio Mane will be hoping to lead the Lions of Teranga to produce more shocks.
4. Ecuador: The South Americans will kick off the World Cup in the opening match against Qatar.

Group B – Teams Qualified

1. England: The winners in 1966 and semi-finalists in 2018, could football be coming home finally?
2. USA: The Americans are back after missing out in 2018. A new generation of players, dominated by European-based superstars.
3. Iran: The Asian powerhouses will be making their third consecutive appearance at the World Cup.
4. Wales/Scotland/Ukraine: The winner of the European play-off will fancy their chances, no matter who qualifies.

Group C – Teams Qualified

1. Argentina: The two-time winners who are on the longest undefeated streak in international football currently.
2. Mexico: El Tri have not missed a World Cup in a long time and were one of the sides to watch in 2014.
3. Poland: The Poles defeated Sweden in the play-off final to make another World Cup for Robert Lewandowski and co.
4. Saudi Arabia: The Middle East nation will be hoping to make their mark in a very competitive group.

Group D – Teams Qualified

1. France: The defending champions who have one of the most exciting squads and are one of the early favorites.
2. Denmark: The Scandinavian nation were one of the most exciting teams at Euro 2020 and will be looking for major results.
3. Tunisia: They defeated Mali in the play-off to book a second consecutive ticket to the World Cup.
4. UAE/Australia/Peru: The first Inter-continental play-off winner will certainly start as underdogs in the group.

Group E – Teams Qualified

1. Spain: The 2010 winners have a young squad and reached the final of the UEFA Nations League last year.
2. Germany: The 2014 winners, Germany have changed their outlook and style under Hansi Flick and will be looking to impress.
3. Japan: The Blue Samurai will be hoping to continue impressing at the international forum and cause a few upsets.
4. Costa Rica/New Zealand: The winner of the second Inter-continental play-off will be aiming for a spirited performance in a tough group.

Group F – Teams Qualified

1. Belgium: The Bronze medalists in 2018, the golden generation of the Red Devils would finally be hoping to lift the coveted trophy.
2. Croatia: The runners-up in 2018 who shocked the world with a miracle run. Can Luka Modric and co. do it again and even go all the way?
3. Morocco: The Atlas Lions were the first African nation to ever make the knockouts in 1986. Surely, that legacy can be carried forward this time.
4. Canada: The winners of the CONCACAF region, Canada are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

Group G – Teams Qualified

1. Brazil: The number one ranked nation in the world and record five-time winner. Brazil will be gunning for their first title since 2002.
2. Switzerland: The Swiss produced one of the shocks of the tournament at Euro 2020 by defeating France. Can they continue to impress this time around?
3. Serbia: The Serbs topped their group in qualifying to secure automatic qualification for their second consecutive World Cup appearance.
4. Cameroon: The African nation with the most appearances at the World Cup. With Samuel Eto’o back as President of the football federation, expect some fireworks.

Group H – Teams Qualified

1. Portugal: Having made the journey through the play-offs, it presents most certainly the final chance for Cristiano Ronaldo to win the biggest footballing prize.
2. Uruguay: The two-time winners are back at the world stage and hoping to give a perfect send-off to Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
3. Korea Republic: The Asian country with the most appearances at the World Cup. Heung-Min Son and co. will be looking to continue their heroics from 2014 when they eliminated Germany.
4. Ghana: The Black Stars made a memorable journey to the quarter-finals in 2010 and will be aiming to be just as competitive.