The race to qualify for the 2022 World Cup is heating up, with teams from all over the globe battling it out on the field. From Europe to Africa, Asia to the Americas, the road to Qatar is paved with blood, sweat, and tears. In this article, we will take a closer look at how the qualifying process works in different regions and highlight some of the key teams that have already secured their spot in the tournament.
Europe (UEFA; 13 Places)
Qualifying in Europe is always a fiercely contested affair, with 55 nations vying for just 13 spots. The process began in March 2021 and concluded in November 2021. The top ten group winners automatically qualified for the tournament, while three more places were allocated via playoffs.
The playoffs involved the 10 runners-up and the two best-ranked group winners from the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League who did not finish in the top two of their qualifying group. The playoffs were divided into three paths, each featuring four teams competing for a place in the World Cup.
Notable teams that have already secured their place include Germany, France, England, and the Netherlands. These football powerhouses will undoubtedly be ones to watch in the tournament.
South America (CONMEBOL; 4.5 Places)
South American qualifying is known for its fierce and passionate matches. All ten nations in CONMEBOL play each other home and away, with the top four teams earning automatic qualification. The fifth-placed team will face the winners of the AFC playoff, Australia, in an intercontinental playoff.
Traditional powerhouses Brazil and Argentina have already secured their place in the tournament, along with Ecuador and Uruguay. The battle for the fifth spot and the intercontinental playoff will undoubtedly be intense and closely watched by football fans worldwide.
North America, Central America, Caribbean (CONCACAF; 3.5 Places)
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CONCACAF has 35 FIFA-affiliated nations competing for just 3.5 places in the World Cup. The qualification process underwent revisions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial plan, which was due to begin in September 2020 and end in September 2021, was abandoned.
The revised format saw 6 groups of five teams each, with the group winners advancing to the final round. The final round includes the top-ranked teams in FIFA’s World Ranking, such as Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The top three teams will qualify directly, while the fourth-placed team will face New Zealand in an intercontinental playoff.
Africa (CAF; 5 Places)
Africa’s qualification process began with a two-legged tie involving the 28 lowest-ranked nations. The winners joined the other 26 African nations, forming ten groups of four teams each. The group winners then advanced to the final round, where they played in head-to-head, two-legged ties to earn one of the five World Cup spots.
Teams like Cameroon, Morocco, and Senegal have already secured their place in the tournament through impressive performances in the qualifiers.
Asia (AFC; 4.5 Places)
Asia’s road to the World Cup started with two rounds of qualifying. The first round involved the lowest-ranked nations, with the winners advancing to the second round. The second round featured remaining Asian nations, divided into eight groups of five teams each.
The top teams from each group, along with the best runners-up, advanced to the third round. The third round consists of two groups of six teams each, with the group winners and runners-up securing World Cup qualification.
Powerhouses like Iran, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Japan have already booked their tickets to Qatar. Australia will compete in an intercontinental playoff for a chance to secure their place in the tournament.
Oceania (OFC; 0.5 Places)
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Oceania’s qualifying process involves nine of the 11 FIFA-affiliated national teams. The teams are divided into two groups, with the top two nations in each group progressing to the next round. The final round consists of two semifinals and a final, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental playoff.
New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and Cook Islands have reached the final round, with New Zealand ultimately securing their place in the intercontinental playoff against Costa Rica.
Intercontinental Playoffs (2 Places)
The intercontinental playoffs will determine the final two teams to qualify for the World Cup. Australia from the AFC will face Peru from CONMEBOL, while Costa Rica from CONCACAF will take on New Zealand from the OFC.
These matches will be highly anticipated, as the fate of two nations hangs in the balance. The winners will earn their spot in the tournament and complete the lineup for the 2022 World Cup.
FAQs
Q: How many teams in total will qualify for the 2022 World Cup?
A: A total of 32 teams will qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Q: When and where will the World Cup take place?
A: The 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar from November 21 to December 18, 2022.
Q: How often does the World Cup take place?
A: The World Cup takes place every four years, bringing together the best national teams from around the world.
Conclusion
As the qualification process for the 2022 World Cup reaches its final stages, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. Football fans worldwide eagerly await the tournament, where the best teams will battle it out for ultimate glory.
From Europe to South America, Africa to Asia, and beyond, the journey to Qatar has been challenging and exhilarating. The teams that have already qualified have showcased their skill and determination, while those still fighting for a spot continue to give their all on the field.
Stay tuned as the World Cup draws nearer, and join us in celebrating the beautiful game and the incredible players who make it all possible.
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