WCQ: A few standout qualifiers

The FIFA World Cup in Qatar is this year. 

It might not feel like it but it is coming and its getting closer. That means the qualification campaigns across the world are really heating up.

Asia, North America and South America have a couple of hugely important rounds of qualifying with most, if not all, of the qualification period due to be completed in March.

This is a look at some of the matches that will decide who will join hosts Qatar, Germany, Denmark, Brazil, France, Belgium, Croatia, Spain, Serbia, England, Switzerland, Netherlands and Argentina at the global event.

All kick-off times are GMT.

ASIA (AFC)

Iran vs Iraq in Tehran at 14:30 on Thursday 27th January

In the second round of AFC’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification period, these two had a couple of competitive encounters. In fact, Iraq led the group that they shared until the last couple of matches before Iran won a game between them and finished at the top.

That competitive action was not repeated in the third round of qualification, though. Iran sit at the top-of-the-group and they are one win away from booking their slot at Qatar 2022. Iraq, though, are winless so far.

NORTH AMERICA (CONCACAF)

Canada vs United States in Hamilton at 20:05 on Sunday 30th January

©FPF

John Herdman has enjoyed a very impressive tenure as manager of the Canadian national team. The Maple Leafs managed to get through the preliminary stage of CONCACAF qualification and now sit at the top-of-the-table so far.

The United States have improved on their failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup but, under the management of Gregg Berhalter, the USMNT are still underperforming the talent and young talent that they have at their disposal. They are in the top three as it stands, though.

SOUTH AMERICA (CONMEBOL)

Ecuador vs Brazil in Quito at 21:00 on Thursday 27th January

Ecuador have failed to qualify for all but one of the last four FIFA World Cups. Gustavo Alfaro’s La Tri have improved, though, and they look set to qualify automatically for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. With 12 points to play for, they sit six points clear of fifth and seven clear of sixth.

©Getty / Laurence Griffiths

Brazil are one of two teams to have qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup from South America, alongside Argentina. Tite’s Selecao are unbeaten in their 13 games so far in qualification. The Brazilians travel to Quito hoping to keep that intact against an Ecuador side pushing for qualification.