Germany and Japan kick off proceedings in World Cup Group E and Die Mannschaft are usually among the favourites for outright glory, having last won the tournament in 2014. Hansi Flick’s side are certainly expected to win their opening game and progress alongside Spain.
Croatia and Morocco had very different experiences in Russia four years ago but their match at the 2022 World Cup could be a close one to call. The Blazers and the Atlas Lions have been drawn in an interesting section with much-heralded Belgium and shock troops Canada.
Costa Rica and Spain are two defensively solid sides and this clash may well prove that, especially if both teams take a more tentative approach to this World Cup opener. However, with Japan and Germany in the same group, La Roja will want to make sure of picking up three points.
Mexico and Poland could face their most decisive group game at the World Cup in the opening round of Qatar 2022 fixtures. These two teams will likely battle it out for second spot behind favourites Argentina in Group C, which also features outsiders Saudi Arabia.
England are fancied to put their Nations League problems behind them and begin their World Cup campaign by seeing off Iran. Wales and USA make up an interesting Group B and a winning start could be key to making the knockout stage.
Senegal have been rocked by Sadio Mane’s injury ahead of facing Netherlands and could now adopt a safety-first approach to their World Cup opener. With Ecuador and hosts Qatar being the other two sides in Group A, this pair will expect to progress if doing nothing silly.
These teams will be keen to make up for lost time when they arrive in Qatar, although Wales have more to make up for than USA when they clash at the World Cup. The Welsh are making only their second appearance on the biggest stage in football, and first since 1958.
Qatar have been building towards this since being named 2022 World Cup hosts 12 years ago and the good news is that football’s biggest stage is no place for party-poopers. A flick through the history books shows no host has ever lost their opening match at the World Cup!
France begin the defence of their World Cup crown against Australia, bidding to become only the third nation to retain the trophy. Didier Deschamps remains at the helm after leading Les Bleus to glory in Russia and they are third favourites to taste glory again in Qatar.
Potential dark horses Denmark begin their World Cup challenge against Tunisia and the Red and Whites are rated a cut above. As Euro 2020 semi-finalists, they will be strongly tipped to get their campaign off to a winning start against well-organised but limited opponents.
Man Utd have shown their good and bad sides over the past week but should have too much firepower for Fulham if on their best behaviour. The Cottagers will be content with a mid-table position but have generally come up just short against the bigger clubs.
Brighton took a while to come to terms with a change of manager but now look firmly back on track ahead of hosting Aston Villa. The visitors have had mixed fortunes since their own leadership switch and may need the World Cup break before fully embracing fresh tactics.
The hype around Newcastle has been growing recently, whereas Chelsea have been criticised during a poor run of results. However, we feel bookmakers may have overreacted in making the Blues 2/1 underdogs, having won seven of the last eight renewals of this fixture.
Wolves fared better than Arsenal in the EFL Cup this week but it is hard not to go for an away win on Premier League form. The Gunners will be determined to stay on top of the table heading into the World Cup break, while struggling Wanderers are in the relegation zone.