World Cup 2022 qualifiers: All you need to know ahead of the fixtures

The World Cup qualifiers are just around the corner, with teams gearing up to seal their spot in the first-ever winter edition of the tournament. In this article, we will take a look at everything you need to know about the upcoming qualifiers. 

World Cup 2022 European Qualifiers – All the details revealed 

Eleven teams are competing for three remaining European spots at the Qatar World Cup. Russia have been kicked out of the qualifiers following their invasion of Ukraine. Scotland’s game against Ukraine has been postponed to June as a consequence of the armed attack as well. 

Either of Euro 2020 winners Italy or Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal side are set to miss out on the World Cup, with both teams being drawn into Path C. 

Take a look at how the different teams have been lined up in the three paths below: 

Path A

Semi-final 1: Scotland vs Ukraine

Semi-final 2: Wales vs Austria

Final: Wales or Austria vs Scotland or Ukraine

Path B 

Semi-final 1: Russia vs Poland (cancelled, Poland given a bye)

Semi-final 2: Sweden vs Czech Republic

Final: Poland vs Sweden or Czech Republic 

Path C

Semi-final 1: Italy vs North Macedonia

Semi-final 2: Portugal vs Turkey

Final: Portugal or Turkey vs Italy or North Macedonia 

The semi-final ties will only have one leg, and will be played on March 24. The finals of the World Cup qualifiers will take place five days later, on 29 March. 

The final of Path A will be determined in the summer, since Ukraine vs Scotland has been postponed. Wales and Austria will still play their semifinal game on 24 March, with the winner set up for a delayed meeting in the final. 

By the end of the month, we will be aware of 12 of the 13 teams which will play at the World Cup. The tournament will have 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, and will proceed into knockout stages thereafter.