2022 World Cup: Top 8 Biggest Matches During Group Stages That You Can't Miss
Contents |
The World Cup 2022 final round to be held in Qatar will take place from November 20 to December 18. This is the first time in history a World Cup is held in the winter, instead of taking place in the summer as usual.
According to the official schedule, the 2022 World Cup group stage will take place from November 21 to December 2. There will be four matches a day played throughout the group stages, being at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm UK time, before the knockout stages get underway on December 3.
Teams will compete in a round-robin round, with the top 2 teams of the groups going to the knockout round.
The opening match of the 2022 World Cup will be the confrontation between the home team Qatar and Ecuador in Group A (November 20). The group stage of the World Cup 2022 ends with a match between Brazil and Cameroon in Group G (December 3).
Editor Note: In the group stage, Knowinsiders.com selected the 8 most important matches that you must watch. Due to different time zones in countries and regions around the world, football fans should also read this article for a full Calendar of all time zones: World Cup 2022 Full Fixtures of 64 Matches with Every TimeZone of Local/GMT/ET/AEDT/IST.
Here are the 8 encounters that are said to be the most intense in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup:
1.Senegal vs Netherlands - November 21
![]() |
Senegal vs Netherlands |
After finishing third under coach Louis van Gaal in 2014, the Netherlands missed out on the recent World Cup, when coaches Danny Blind, Frans Hoek and Dick Advocaat were unable to bring the team to Russia.
However, Ajax Amsterdam club legend Louis van Gaal has returned to lead the national team for the third time and the Netherlands will begin their campaign to conquer the top of the world against Senegal - The team won its first African Championship title last year. In addition to star Sadio Mane, they also have a number of players playing in England to call up, including Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly.
2. Belgium vs Canada - November 24
![]() |
Belgium vs Canada |
After many defeats in qualifying, Canada is finally back on the biggest stage of international football. England manager John Herdman has had a stellar record since taking over in 2018 and will continue to rely on the likes of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David at this year's tournament.
An experienced Belgian team will be a tough test for Canada, with Roberto Martinez still at the helm and Kevin de Bruyne the standout player. The World Cup in Qatar looks like Belgium's last chance to unleash their potential as the nation's "Golden Generation" appears to be entering the twilight of their careers.
3.Brazil vs Serbia - November 25
![]() |
Brazil vs Serbia |
It's been 20 years since Brazil last won the World Cup and fans believe the wait for a sixth title has been too long. As the most successful team in the history of this tournament, Brazil is currently at the top of the FIFA World Cup rankings and possesses an incredible number of attacking options, most notably leading. is Neymar.
However, their aging defense will face a challenge when facing Serbia's high-performance trio of Dusan Tadic, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic as they aim for a spot in the second round.
4.Argentina vs Mexico - November 27
![]() |
Argentina vs Mexico |
There are some intriguing side-scrolls surrounding Mexico coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino ahead of this crucial Group C clash. Born and raised in Rosario (Argentina), he twice led the Argentina team to the Copa America final before resigning in 2016. Before that, he had an unsuccessful year as manager.
Barcelona, where he had to go through a difficult relationship with Lionel Messi. This time they meet as rivals, each aiming for a spot in the knockout round.
5.Spain vs Germany - November 28
![]() |
Spain vs Germany |
A heavyweight clash between the two strongest nations in European football, despite both having poor records in recent years. Despite that, they will still be looking forward to progressing from Group E against Costa Rica and Japan, with a lot to look forward to in this second leg.
For Spain, a lot of responsibility will be placed on the shoulders of young Barcelona players Gavi and Pedri, while Germany's Jamal Musiala is equally promising.
6.Portugal vs Uruguay - November 29
![]() |
Portugal vs Uruguay |
Diego Alonso has had an impressive start in life as a coach of the Uruguay national team after replacing veteran coach Oscar Tabarez in December 2021, winning his first four matches to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. His career was bolstered by the seasoning of Diego Godin, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
Even so, the international achievements of these players are still nothing compared to Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal captain has plenty of talented midfielders to continue to create opportunities for him.
7.England vs Wales - November 30
![]() |
England vs Wales |
Along with Iran and the United States, this is part of a dramatic, competitive set of matches that will determine the fate of Group E. Ahead of their first World Cup in 64 years, Michael Sheen gave a post. passionate speech to inspire Robert Page and the Wales team.
Meanwhile, manager Gareth Southgate will face many difficulties after England need to maintain and promote impressive performances in their last two major tournaments.
8.Croatia vs Belgium - December 1
![]() |
Croatia vs Belgium: The Croatian team played in the 2018 World Cup final |
Belgium's "Golden Generation" with Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard - players who have aged together. In fact, this could be their last chance to win a major tournament before the decline is almost certain to come to the second strongest team in the world.
On the other side of the line, along with Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic, Croatia - the team that reached the 2018 World Cup final - is a collective of fading stars. However, the young talent Josko Gvardiol, who is currently joining the RB Leipzig club, is lighting up a ray of hope for a successful new generation.
Group A Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal and Netherlands Group B England, IR Iran, USA and Wales Group C Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland Group D France, Australia, Denmark and Tunisia Group E Spain, Costa Rica, Germany and Japan Group F Belgium, Canada, Morocco and Croatia Group G Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon Group H Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay and Korea Republic |
Video - Top Goals in the World Cup by Messi: