World Cup 2022 – Group A Preview

Which teams are in Group A at the 2022 World Cup?

Group A features the host nation, Qatar, as well as the return of the Netherlands after their disappointing failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Senegal’s dynamic attack – led by the brilliant Sadio Mane – could see them spring a few surprises, while Ecuador finished way ahead of some traditional South American heavy-hitters on the way to reaching this winter’s tournament.

Learn more about the 2022 World Cup groups

How did each team in Group A qualify for the 2022 World Cup?

Qatar are the host nation and qualified automatically for the 2022 World Cup, while the other teams reached the tournament at the end of qualification campaigns. The Netherlands won their group – eliminating Erling Haaland’s Norway in the process.

Ecuador grabbed the final automatic qualification spot in their CONMEBOL group, finishing ahead of a clutch of strong nations, including Peru, Colombia, Chile and Paraguay.

Few teams at this summer’s World Cup had as dramatic a route to the finals as the final nation in this group, Senegal. The ‘Lions of Teranga’ went unbeaten in their group stage but then had to contend with Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in a two-legged knockout. With the two teams deadlocked after extra-time, Mane clinched victory in a penalty shootout – after his then-Liverpool team-mate Salah had missed.

What is the World Cup pedigree of each team in Group A?

The Netherlands are undoubtedly the team in Group A that boasts the best World Cup pedigree – although the Dutch have never actually lifted the famous trophy themselves. However, they are three-times runners-up, most recently in 2010 when they lost the final to Spain after extra-time. They also reached the semi-finals in 2014, but then failed to qualify for the most recent World Cup.

For the host nation Qatar, this is their first ever appearance at the World Cup. They have, however, shot up the FIFA rankings in recent years, with an experienced squad that won a first-ever Asian Cup title in 2019 and reached the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup last summer.

Senegal reached the quarter-finals in their tournament debut in 2002, famously shocking the defending champions France in their opening game. This winter’s tournament is only their second appearance since then. Ecuador also made their debut in 2002 and have never made it past the second round – the only time they reached that stage, in 2006, they were eliminated by England via a David Beckham free-kick.

The Netherlands are favourites to win Group A, while Senegal are odds-on to join them in the knockout stages. Ecuador are EVS to qualify. Qatar are 7/2.

Who are the best players to watch out for in Group A at the 2022 World Cup?

Sadio Mane – Senegal

A name familiar to any fan of the Premier League or Bundesliga, Sadio Mane is the leader of the Lions – an experienced head in a relatively youthful team. Regarded as one of the greatest African players, Mane is Senegal’s all-time top goalscorer and the reigning African Player of the Year. Mane is 66/1 to win the Golden Boot.

Memphis Depay – Netherlands

It didn’t really work out for Memphis Depay at Manchester United, but the Dutch forward has developed rapidly since his moves to Lyon and Barcelona. He scored a remarkable 17 goals in 16 caps for the Netherlands in 2021, putting him second in the list of the Dutch’s all-time top scorers. If the ‘Oranje’ are to redeem themselves after missing out in 2018, much will depend on Depay’s performances up front.

Saad al-Sheeb – Qatar

An experienced international shot stopper, Al-Sheeb was named Best Goalkeeper when Qatar won the 2019 Asian Cup – conceding just a single goal in the tournament. Like the majority of Qatar’s side, Doha-born Al-Sheeb has played all his football in his home nation and could achieve hero status if his gloves can guide his team out of the group stages.

Moises Caicedo – Ecuador

Ecuador look like being one of the youngest squads at the World Cup, and are packed with emerging talent – several of whom are becoming well-known names in European football. Moises Caicedo is an energetic midfielder who plays in the Premier League for Brighton and is already being linked to some of the elite clubs in the continent.

When do the 2022 World Cup Group A matches take place?