World Cup 2022 – Group F Preview

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

Group F looks like being one of the most unpredictable at this World Cup. Croatia were the beaten finalists last time, while Belgium lost to eventual winners France and finished third. Canada make only their second World Cup appearance, coming out on top of a tough qualifying group, while Morocco make their second appearance this century.

Learn more about the 2022 World Cup groups

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

Croatia and Belgium met expectations by winning their groups, although Croatia were pushed hard by Russia and finished just a point clear. Canada also won their group to finish ahead of Mexico and the USA and picked up a famous 2-0 win over the ‘Stars and Stripes’ in January. Morocco made short work of DR Congo in their final qualifying play-off, beating them 5-2 on aggregate to reach Qatar.

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

Since gaining independence as a country in the 1990s, Croatia have qualified for every World Cup and have twice made it to at least the semi-final stage. Davor Suker inspired them to a third-place finish in 1998, while Luka Modric’s silky skills saw them go all the way to the final in 2018.

Belgium reached the quarter-finals in 2014 and the semi-finals four years later – can Roberto Martinez’s talented team take another step towards glory? The last World Cup was only the second time Belgium have made it past the quarter-finals.

Canada are back after 36 years away from the tournament and are 11/4 to qualify for the knockouts, while Morocco, who have only once made it past the group stage, are 2/1. Belgium are favourites to win Group F, with Croatia their most-likely challenger at 5/2.

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

Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium

One of the finest midfield creators in the world, Kevin De Bruyne is the fulcrum of Manchester City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola. Every bit as good at finishing chances as he is at creating them, De Bruyne is closing in on a century of caps for Belgium and will hope to guide his side to a first international trophy.

Luka Modric – Croatia 

Qatar will be the last hurrah for one of the great playmakers of this generation, as Luka Modric recently announced that he will retire from the international stage after this World Cup. Modric has over 150 caps to his name, has won it all with Real Madrid, and guided his side to the final at Russia 2018.

Hakim Ziyech – Morocco

Morocco’s strength comes from out wide, and Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech is a huge part of that. Ziyech forged a strong reputation as a goalscoring winger while at Ajax, prompting Chelsea to make the swoop and take him to the Premier League. He is a superb dribbler with an excellent long-range shot, particularly from free-kicks.

Alphonso Davies – Canada

A versatile full-back who can also play further forward, Alphonso Davies has been a mainstay at Bayern Munich over the last few years. He will be just 21 when the tournament kicks off but has already won the CONCACAF Men’s Player of the Year award. Davies is the leader of the Canada side and brings explosive pace and dribbling to the attack as well as solid defensive skills.

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