The group stage of the 2022 World Cup has been played to a conclusion now, and we know the 16 teams that will be participating in the knockout rounds.
It was an immensely surprising three matchdays, with the underdogs emerging victorious in multiple games. Moreover, renowned countries like Germany, Belgium, Uruguay and Mexico have failed to make it out of their groups amidst all the crazy action.
World Cup 2022 Round of 16 Preview
Here are all the 16 teams that will be playing in the knockout stages of the Qatar World Cup:
- Brazil
- Portugal
- France
- Argentina
- Switzerland
- Spain
- Japan
- South Korea
- Poland
- Australia
- Netherlands
- England
- USA
- Senegal
- Morocco
- Croatia
And here is how the fixtures look like:
December 3 – Netherlands vs USA – Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan (8:30 PM IST)
December 4 – Argentina vs Australia – Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan (12:30 AM IST)
December 4 – France vs Poland – Al Thumama Stadium, Doha (8:30 PM IST)
December 5 – England vs Senegal – Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor (12:30 AM IST)
December 5 – Japan vs Croatia – Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah (8:30 PM IST)
December 6 – Brazil vs South Korea – Stadium 974, Doha (12:30 AM IST)
December 6 – Morocco vs Spain – Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan (8:30 PM IST)
December 7 – Portugal vs Switzerland – Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail (12:30 AM IST)
Morocco, Australia, Japan and South Korea have stunned the world with their remarkable performances in the group stage. But, it only gets more difficult from here for all the teams.
A final between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Lionel Messi’s Argentina is possible, provided the two can defeat all the teams en route to the last match.
A semi-final tie between Brazil and Argentina alongside France vs Portugal is also possible, if these strong teams can make it through. But given the way the tournament has been going, it is anybody’s guess as to what happens next.
