The 2022 FIFA World Cup is quickly approaching and will feature a bunch of compelling group matchups. The group stages are sure to produce plenty of drama before the knockout stages and below we take a look at one game from each group that you should not miss. You can find the best spread betting football odds to add more excitement to the list of 11 fixtures that stand out as must watch during November in Qatar.
Group B: England vs USA, November 25
A fascinating fixture as both teams come into this tournament in fine form: England on the back of a finals appearance in Euro 2020 and unbeaten in World Cup qualification, The USMNT on the back of a CONCACAF Gold Cup victory. The US boast a very promising core of young players including Christian Pulisic, Sergino Dest, Weston Mckennie, Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna but will this come too soon for Berhalter’s men? This England team has experience, depth and quality. The Americans will also have to contend with 2018 Golden Boot winner Harry Kane and in-form attackers Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling. This game will give an indication on how prepared the English are against an organized US team.
Group C: Argentina vs Mexico, November 26
This matchup will be one of the gems of the group stages, with Argentina eliminating Mexico in the round of 16 in ‘06 and ‘10. For the 34-year old Messi this could well be his last World Cup tournament. During his lifetime Argentina have been remarkably underwhelming in major tournaments, yet for the first time Lionel Messi is playing better for country than club. With a strong supporting cast that includes the likes of Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Christian Romero and Rodrigo De Paul, Argentina looked primed to make it to the latter stages. This game takes on added significance for Mexico manager Tata Martino, an Argentine who previously coached La Albiceleste and endured a difficult relationship with Messi during an unsuccessful season at Barcelona.
Group D: France vs Denmark, November 26
Perhaps the best matchup of the group stages, defending champions France have arguably the most talented squad at this World Cup. A front three including Kylian Mbappe, Griezmann and the returning Karim Benzema will be formidable. Could we see the first repeat winners since Brazil did it in 1962? Denmark is on an upward trajectory. Kasper Hjulmand’s team have impressed as they made it to the semifinals of Euro 2020 and won nine of their 10 qualification fixtures for the World Cup. adding Christian Eriksen back into the fold and Denmark will be no pushovers for Les Blues who will be looking to avenge their recent loss to the Danes in the Nations League.
Group E: Spain vs Germany, November 27
This fixture looks like the trickiest group matchup between the 2010 champions and 2014 champions. Two European powers looking to recapture past glory whilst transitioning to a younger generation. For Germany, an attack featuring Thomas Muller, Kai Havertz, Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry looks scintillating on paper. In Brarcelona’s Pedri, Spain potentially have one of the standout young players to watch in Qatar. This will be a must watch fixture between two top contenders for the title.
Group F: Croatia vs Belgium, December 1
In the final clash of Group F, two golden generations meet. Croatia will be looking to go one step further than four years ago after their loss to France in the 2018 World Cup final. For Belgium this could well be this squad’s last chance to etch their name into footballing history. This fixture could have a lot riding on it depending on the outcome of the group’s previous results and looks sure to provide fireworks.
Group G: Brazil vs Serbia, November 24
Brazil qualified for this tournament in unbeaten fashion and welcomed the emergence of several exciting attacking players such as Vinicius Jr, Raphina, Rodrygo, Bruno Guimarães and Gabriel Martinelli. They’ve all helped make the team less Neymar-dependent. Brazil will enter this World Cup as one of the favorites with the hope of ending Europe’s 20-year World Cup reign. Their first group game is going to be tricky against Serbia’s golden generation of talent. Vlahovic, Tadic, Jovic, Mitrovic and Milinkovic-Savic will offer plenty of firepower as Portugal found out when Serbia impressively pipped them to automatic qualification.
Group H: Portugal vs Uruguay, November 28
Portugal will be looking to put their recent poor international tournament performances behind them and shouldn’t be overlooked for the trophy. Christiano Ronaldo – looking to become the first men’s player to score in five World Cups – is joined by a talented supporting cast that includes teammate Bruno Fernandez, Diogo Jota, Bernando Silva, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias and Joao Felix. Uruguay knocked Portugal out of the last World Cup and have looked strong under new boss Diego Alonso. They possess a talented mix of youth and experience with Luis Suarez, Edison Cavani and Diego Godin joined by the likes of Darwin Nunez, Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur.
