The World Cup’s first match between the host country and Ecuador will kick off Qatar 2022 in less than a day.

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The footballers are putting the last finish on their preparations for a tournament that has generated controversy since it was given to the Gulf nation in 2010.

The on-field action is expected to be unexpected and exciting even as off-field topics like the deaths of migrant workers and the conditions many of them faced in Qatar, LGBTQ and social equality, and the fact that alcohol will not be sold in stadiums continue to make headlines.

Competition loves

Only eight countries—many of which are favorites this time around—have previously won the men’s World Cup.

Brazil now holds the record for most championships, having won the trophy five times. The new generation has a good chance of adding another title, which would be the first for the nation in 20 years.

There is a skill all over the field, not least in defense, where the seasoned Thiago Silva of Chelsea and the talented Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain will probably act as a barrier for Allison, the goalkeeper for Liverpool.

With 28 of its last 29 games ending in victories or draws and only one loss, against Argentina in the Copa America final in 2021, Brazil too boasts an exceptional record and will be optimistic of progressing to the knockout stages.

Its group-stage opponents are Switzerland, Cameroon, and Serbia, all of whom it should easily defeat. France is a necessary component alongside Brazil.

The defending champion cruised through qualification without dropping a match, and Kylian Mbappe is developing into a world-renowned athlete.

However, several injuries in crucial positions could jeopardize its prospects. On the eve of the competition, star striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out, while midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, who were so important to its success in 2018, are also out. Raphael Varane, a center back, has rejoined the team though, having recovered from an injury.

Players to watching

The world’s top athletes will be on display in Qatar, and for many, it may be their final opportunity to win the coveted trophy. Despite being two of the greatest players to ever play the game, neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved victory on the largest international platform.

Because Ronaldo will be older by the time the next World Cup rolls around—over 40 years old—he has already declared that this will be his final appearance.

Both players have a good possibility of doing well in the tournament as they are currently the leading goal scorers in their respective countries.

With the majority of its players spending their entire careers in the country’s top division, Qatar is a relatively obscure entity in addition to competing in its first World Cup. The attacker, Akram Afif, is the exception.

Afif has eight assists in just seven appearances in Qatar’s premier league, having made 11 assists during the team’s 2019 Asian Cup victory. In the first game, he’ll be someone to watch.

Japanese player Takefusa Kubo is another emerging star.

The playmaker, 21, received his education at some of soccer’s most esteemed institutions. Prior to joining Real Madrid in 2019, he spent time in Barcelona’s development system.

When is that?

On November 20, Qatar and Ecuador square off in the tournament opener at the Al Bayt Stadium. The elimination rounds begin the following day, December 3, and the final is on December 18.

How do I watch it?

Fox Sports

Either BBC or ITV

SBS Australia

Sport TV in Brazil

ARD, ZDF, and Deutsche Telekom are in Germany.

Bell Media in Canada

SABC, South Africa

Significant games

Here are several crucial dates, including the opening matches of Messi and Ronaldo in the competition and all USMNT group matches.

Nov. 20: Ecuador vs. Qatar, 4 p.m., Fox Sports

Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., Fox, USMNT vs. Wales

Nov. 22: Ten o’clock, Fox Sports 1, Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia

Nov. 24: Ghana vs. Portugal, 4 pm, Fox

Nov. 25: USMNT vs. England, 7 p.m., Fox

Iran vs. USMNT on November 29 at 7 p.m.

Dec. 18: 3 pm, Fox, World Cup Final