World Cup - What are the key dates and the biggest matches to watch out for at Qatar 2022?

The World Cup just got real, with the draw for Qatar 2022 having taken place in Doha on Friday. We can now join up some of the dots, predict who will go all the way and those that will fall at the first hurdle. Ad/> It’s not easy to break down, with some tough groups and fancied sides paired together — and it will make for a month of footballing drama from November 21 to December 18.

World CupEngland could face Scotland, Wales or Ukraine in group with United States and IranAN HOUR AGO Qatar's big day finally arrives Football will break new ground, with the World Cup being held in the northern hemisphere winter for the first time in the competition’s history due to the high temperatures in Qatar during the summer months. It will also be a World Cup debut for Qatar who will be competing in the event for the first time, and they will kick off the tournament on November 21 at the Al Bayt Stadium. It will be a huge occasion for the host nation, and a test of their abilities on the field.

Coach Felix Sanchez’s side secured a win and a draw against Bulgaria and Slovenia respectively during the recent round of international friendlies and expectation will be high that they can advance from Group A. To do that, they will need to make a positive start against Ecuador. Host nations’ date with the Oranje Provided Qatar get off to a decent start, their passage to the knockout stage could pivot on their final game of the group.

And that will come against the power of the Netherlands. Virgil van Dijk and co. will be charged with the task of breaking the hosts' hearts on November 29.