The draw for the 2022 World Cup takes place today at 19:00 local time in Doha, Qatar, as the group stage for the 32 nations is announced. Of the 32 teams involved, only 29 have been confirmed, as two intercontinental play-off matches will take place in June, while in Europe one of Wales, Scotland or Ukraine will book their place at the tournament, too. Stay with us for all the build-up to the World Cup draw ceremony, followed by the draw itself.
World Cup 2022 draw
This is the start of our live blog for the World Cup 2022 draw, so you can follow all the updates below, with the ones closest to the top being the most recent.
04:30 PT/07:30 ET: The USA will be present
The United States men’s national team failed to qualify for the last World Cup, but they have booked their place in the 2022 edition and will be part of the draw today. As narrated by former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard, they have recovered from the disappointment of four years ago and can now begin to think about what is to come in November of this year.
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04:00 PT/07:00 ET: England’s Declan Rice is confident
England go into today’s World Cup draw as one of the favourites to go on and lift the trophy for the first time since 1966, and star midfielder Declan Rice has made clear that the Three Lions are backing themselves going into the draw.
03:30 PT/06:30 ET: The FIFA world rankings
The latest FIFA world rankings have been announced, with Brazil returning to the No.1 spot for the first time in five years. Mexico have also risen three places and now find themselves in the top 10.
03:00 PT/06:00 ET: The four pots
The 32 spots at the World Cup have been split into four pots based on FIFA’s most recent world rankings, as well as rewarding those who secured a place as one of the seeded teams. Qatar, as the hosts of this World Cup, have been placed in Pot One with some of the tournament’s favourites, including England, France, Brazil and Argentina.
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