FIFA World Cup: The FIFA World Cup 2022 in all-likelihood will be the last-time the football world witnesses magic from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. And much to the fan’s delight the Portuguese and the Argentine talismans will be in action in Week 1. Besides that, defending champions France, OPTA-predicted winners Brazil and four-time champions will also feature in their respective group stage fixtures. Watch FIFA WC LIVE Streaming on Jio Cinema & LIVE Updates with InsideSport.IN
The Week 1 action at the FIFA World Cup 2022 will begin with hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador in the Group A match on the inaugural day while there will be double-headers will be in action on Monday. But the FIFA World Cup action will grow as the week progresses with four fixtures scheduled for everyday from Tuesday to Saturday in the Week 1.
Let us, however, have a look at the top five fixtures in Week 1 of the marquee event.
Next up for 🇵🇹 Portugal: #Qatar2022 #FIFAWorldCup | @selecaoportugal pic.twitter.com/hIzbsD9pWl
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FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo, Messi begin LAST chance at WC glory, World Champions France, Germany, Brazil headline BIG MATCHES in Week 1 – Check OUT
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia
- Date: November 22
- Kick-Off: 03:30 pm (IST)
Two-time champions Argentina will begin their campaign at the FIFA World Cup 2022 against Saudi Arabia in their Group C fixture on Tuesday. The match is, naturally, expected to gather a huge crowd and viewership with Messi and Saudi Arabia in action. It will also be important from the Argentina point of view as they will look to set their record straight in the Group C. The Copa America champions will opt for 4-3-3 formation with Giovani Lo Celso, the traditional No.10, missing out from the 26-man squad. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni would have otherwise opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation.
France vs Denmark
- Date: November 26
- Kick-Off: 09:30 pm (IST)
Defending champions France and Denmark will be in action for one of the most mouth-watering contests in Group D. The Les Bleus will be without the services of their 2018 World Cup hero N’Golo Kante and attacking midfielder Paul Pogba at the marquee event. The likes of RB Leipzig striker Yussuf Poulsen and Brentford’s Christian Norgaard could play a key role in the Denmark squad along with Christian Eriksen. However, the strong French XI, which will include the likes of Benjamin Pavard and Theo Hernandez with the likes of Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann in the frontline will be the favourites to win the contest.
Brazil vs Serbia
- Date: November 25
- Kick-Off: 12:30 am (IST)
Five-time champions Brazil are one of the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2022. The Tite-coached side will begin their campaign against Serbia in the Group G clash. Tite will have a problem of plenty at the World Cup with Alisson Becker (Liverpool) and Ederson (Manchester City) amongst the goalkeepers named in the squad. With Raphina, Richarlison, Vinicius Jr and Gabriel Jesus in the forward, Brazil can annihilate any opposition. Serbia, under the coaching of Dragan Stojković, will bank on their strengths. The forward trio of Aleksandar Mitrović, Dušan Tadić and Dušan Vlahović will play be the key for Serbian side in the World Cup.
Germany vs Japan
- Date: November 23
- Kick-Off: 06:30 pm (IST)
Four-time champions Germany will look to put back their last World Cup appearance and look for redemption at the FIFA WC 2022. The Germans were knocked out in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup but will look to begin their campaign on a high against Japan in the Group E fixture on November 23. The Hansi Flick coached side will bank on 17-year-old Youssoufa Moukoko, 19-year-old Jamal Musiala along with Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry. As for Japan, a lot of weight will be on the shoulders of veteran full-back Yuto Nagatomo and winger Junya Ito.
Portugal vs Ghana
- Date: November 24
- Kick-Off: 09:30 pm (IST)
Cristiano Ronaldo-starred Portugal will begin their campaign at the FIFA WC 2022 against Ghana in the Group H fixture. Ronaldo missed out on the FIFA WC warm-up match due to stomach bug but will be available for the opening fixture against Ghana. The fixture is touted to be a lopsided affair with the Fernando Santos overwhelming favourites.
