The FIFA World Cup 2022 kicks off on November 20 with Qatar taking on Ecuador. For the first time in its 92-year history, the tournament will take place in November and December rather than in the middle of the year.
The players we’ll be watching compete for their different nations in the World Cup 2022 are profiled below, along with some fascinating facts, as the largest show on earth gets underway.
Here is a list of interesting facts about the FIFA World Cup 2022:
Youssoufa Moukoko: Youngest player (17 years old)
The youngest player at the World Cup in Qatar is arguably the most promising young prospect from Germany since the rise of Jamal Musiala at Bayern. He has a strong record in the Bundesliga this year, helping Borussia Dortmund with three assists and six goals.
The goal he scored for Dortmund against Schalke in the Revierderby off the bench would catch everyone’s attention, including Germany’s manager. Timo Werner’s injury made room for Moukoko to be chosen for Hansi Flick’s final German team.
Alfredo Talavera: Oldest player (40 years old)
In addition to Luka Modric, 37, and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, the World Cup will feature a large number of older veterans, including Dani Alves, 39, and Thiago Silva, 38. Alfredo Talavera, a goalkeeper for FC Juarez and Mexico, holds the distinction of being the oldest player in Qatar.
Along with colleague Guillermo Ochoa, who is playing for his National team, he is a seasoned goalkeeper. He will be attempting to show that he can succeed the younger Carlos Acevedo. Acevedo wasn’t included in the Mexico-bound team by manager Tata Martino.
Ilias Chair: Shortest player (5ft 2in)
Morocco’s elusive and skilled No. 10 aspires to make a huge impact on his national team despite his diminutive size. Morocco is grouped with Belgium, Canada, and Croatia in Group F. In the same way that his club team QPR does in the English Championship, they’ll be hoping to provide him with a space where his inventiveness can grow. He has given his club team this year 3 goals and 6 assists.
Andries Noppert: Tallest player (6ft 6in)
The massive goalkeeper was chosen for Louis Van Gaal’s last Netherlands squad. With six shutouts in 14 Eredivisie games while playing for Heerenveen, he left an impression. Because of his height and reach, the Dutch will likely look to rely on him in the knockout rounds during a penalty shootout, a situation Louis Van Gaal and his Dutch teams have already experienced at a World Cup.
Lionel Messi: Most appearances (19)
Argentina’s much-celebrated legend and global superstar will play in his final tournament for his country, he said in an interview prior to the competition in Qatar. Messi has appeared and scored the most goals for his country with 165 caps. He will be looking to further his reputation in Doha by adding the coveted World Cup to his outstanding array of awards.
Thomas Muller: Most goals & assists (10 goals, 6 assists)
In the German squad, the individual is commonly referred to as Radio Muller. The former Bayern Munich and Germany player is not afraid to voice his beliefs, either on or off the field. His ability to speak his thoughts with teammates, opponents, and referees equally as well as his sense of humor contribute to his popularity, ergo the moniker.
Additionally, by capturing the silver ball in 2014, he left a lasting impression on the FIFA World Cup stage for his nation. When his country most needed it, he always came up with solutions.
And both his National team coach and his players have placed a lot of trust in him. He has referred to himself as a “Raumdeuter,” or space investigator, and he particularly excels in confined areas between the other team’s defense and midfield.
Read: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: 6 women referees will be creating history at the tournament
