World Cup 2022: Who has already qualified, play-off matches, who can still reach Qatar

[Deeq A.]

 

The 2022 World Cup draw takes place on Friday, with 29 of the 32 places for Qatar sealed and three more still up for grabs.

The USA and Mexico became the latest teams to wrap up their respective spots on Wednesday night, with the Americans clinching qualification despite a loss in Costa Rica, who now face an inter-continental play-off.

While many of the usual suspects will be playing on the biggest stage at the end of the year, there will be some notable absences. Italy saw their bid to reach the World Cup sensationally ended by North Macedonia, while Mohamed Salah and Egypt will not be there after losing on penalties to Senegal.

Here are all the teams that have qualified so far, and who could be joining them in the near future.

Hosts
Qatar

As ever, the World Cup hosts do not have to worry about qualifying and automatically earn a spot at the tournament. Qatar won the Asia Cup for the first time in 2019, and this will be their maiden appearance at a World Cup.

UEFA
Germany, Denmark, France, Belgium, Croatia, Spain, Serbia, England, Switzerland, Netherlands, Portugal, Poland

Of the 13 places at the World Cup available to European sides, 12 have now been decided.

10 went to the group winners in qualifying. Germany and Denmark were the first sides to book their places in Qatar, with 27 points out of a possible 30 in qualifying, while Serbia, Switzerland, France, Belgium and England were all unbeaten in their campaigns.

The remaining three places are decided by the play-offs. Portugal beat North Macedonia to book their place in Qatar, while Poland got the better of Sweden in another play-off final. Scotland and Ukraine’s semi-final has been postponed and scheduled for June, due to the Russian invasion. Wales await the winner in the final after seeing off Austria.

Italy were beaten by North Macedonia in their play-off semi final, and so the current European Championship holders will not be at the World Cup again.

 

 

  Reuterr

Qaran News