2022 FIFA World Cup draw: Group guide

Following Friday's draw in Doha for the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup, here is a deep dive into each group:

Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands

Qatar, ranked 51st in the world, are appearing at their first World Cup but were among the top seeds thanks to their privileged status as hosts. With a squad of home-based players under Spanish coach Felix Sanchez, they are a little-known quantity to most. The Netherlands, whose coach Louis van Gaal recently criticised the decision to make Qatar hosts, will hope to make a big impact as they return after missing 2018. Sadio Mane's Senegal will also be keen to impress off the back of winning their first Africa Cup of Nations, while Ecuador are back for their fourth finals appearance.

Group B: England, Iran, USA, European play-off winner

England will be delighted with this draw in a group dominated by the clash between geopolitical rivals Iran and the USA. Iran topped their qualifying group under Croatian coach Dragan Skocic and have been regulars at recent tournaments. They may benefit from playing so close to home too, but the returning USA will be eager to impress with Chelsea's Christian Pulisic their star.

England could also have a local derby to look forward to should Wales or Scotland come through the final European play-off in June, but Ukraine remain in contention.

Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland

Attention is immediately drawn to the clash between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Robert Lewandowski's Poland. Off the back of their Copa America victory last year, Argentina will be among the contenders and this is surely Messi's last chance to win the World Cup, or even score a goal in the knockout phase.

Poland last appeared in the World Cup knockouts in 1986 and