World Cup 2022 groups, fixture schedule, results, knockout stage & everything you need to know

The Netherlands were favourite to top Group A and did so albeit not as comfortably as everyone thought. However, they were overall solid only conceding one goal in 3 games, Cody Gakpo in particular has shined for the Dutch scoring in all matches.

Senegal overcame their 2-0 loss to the Netherlands to win against Qatar and Ecuador to come 2nd in the group. Ecuador will feel hard done by, having lead the group till their final game and losing to a late goal from Kalidou Koulibaly. Qatar made history for all the wrong reasons, becoming the first host nation to not win a single game in the World Cup.

Group A fixtures & results

Group A table standings

Barring the goalless draw to the USA, England justified their status as favourites by dispatching off Iran and Wales with strong, dominant, and comfortable performances, therefore topping the group.

While there was much optimism about the USA in this World Cup, there was still doubt if they could make it past the group stages. However, the Americans surprised many with their solidity, conceding only one goal in 3 games (none from open play), and remaining unbeaten.

Iran would be disappointed they didn't secure qualification. They were one Christian Pulisic goal away from finishing as runners-up in the group.

Wales didn't show up for either of their games against Iran and England, being outrun easily by both nations. They will now focus on regrouping with the younger generation and qualifying for 2026.

Group B fixtures & results

Group B table standings

Argentina bounced back from a surprise loss against Saudi Arabia to comfortably dispatch Mexico and Poland 2-0, in the process topping the group.

Poland barely made it through to the next round of games, with their excellent disciplinary record and solid defence giving them an edge over Mexico.

Mexico left it too late for any hope of getting through to the knockout stages and will particularly rue the chances they didn't take in their final game.

While Saudi Arabia couldn't build on their surprise opening day victory against favourites Argentina, they will leave the tournament with their heads held high, and memories which will be remembered for generations.

Group C fixtures & results

Group C table standings

Reigning champions France qualified for the Round of 16 sitting at the pinnacle of Group D. Didier Deschamp’s team showed their quality on the pitch and proved why they are ‘Hot Favourites’ to lift the trophy again. The French team were able to win their first two games but dropped points against Tunisia although they missed crucial players. 

Australia surprised everyone as they made it to the knockout stages over Denmark. The Socceroos showed patience after losing their opening encounter to group leaders France as they brushed aside Tunisia and secured qualifiaction after winning against Denmark. 

Denmark would be very disappointed that they failed to make it out of the group. The team showed resilience against France but failed to hold on, and the draw against Tunisia and a loss against Australia on the final day eventually hurt the Danish team as they finished last. 

Tunisia managed to secure themselves a draw in the encounter against Denmark but failed to win the game against Australia. Although they did beat a second string French team in their last World Cup encounter to secure themselves a famous victory at the grand stage.

Group D fixtures & results

Group D table standings

Japan turned out to be another surprise package finishing at the summit of what was a difficult group for the Asian team. They were the least favorites to win the group being plotted with former champions Spain and Germany in Group E.

But the Blue Samurais produced two massive upsets beating both Spain and Germany to secure the top spot. Although they lost to Costa Rica by a margin of 1-0, the two upsets they produced meant Japan finished above the 2010 and 2014 World Cup champions.

After thumping Costa Rica 7-0, it looked like Luis Enrique’s Spain would seal the top berth in Group E. But a draw against Germany and a shocking upset against Japan in their final fixture meant La Furia Roja slipped to the second position in the group with a better goal difference than Germany.

After a shocking exit from the group stage in 2018, Hansi Flick couldn’t change Germany’s fate as the team was once again knocked out in the same fashion. An opening defeat against a resilient Japanese side put them in a tough spot. They shared the spoils against Spain and despite winning 4-2 against Costa Rica, Spain’s better goal difference meant the Germans were sent home from the group stage for consecutive World Cups.

Costa Rica started their World Cup campaign with a deflating 7-0 loss against Spain but was able to diligently bounce back as they beat Japan 1-0 in the next game. They failed to hold on to their lead against Germany as they were humbled 4-2 at the end of the final whistle finishing last in the group.

Group E fixtures & results

Group E table standings

Morocco turned out to be the biggest surprise package in Group F as the Atlas Lions finished at the pinnacle of the group. After a goalless draw against Croatia in the opening fixture, the Moroccan side produced a major upset by beating favorites Belgium in their second fixture. They rounded off their fairytale group stage run with a routine 2-1 victory against Canada to qualify for the knockout stages.

2018 World Cup finalists, Croatia managed to qualify for the Round of 16 by a whisker. The Vatrenis were held by Morocco in their opening fixture but a 4-1 thumping of Canada meant they needed just a point against Belgium to qualify which they were able to get.

Belgium’s Golden Generation produced a shambolic performance in Qatar as they bowed out in the group stages itself. Predicted to finish as leaders of Group F, the Red Devils started their World Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 win against Canada. But an upsetting 2-1 loss against Morocco and a goalless draw against Croatia meant Belgium’s silverware drought continued as they finished in 3^rd spot.

Although Canada finished bottom of the group, the Reds would have plenty of positives to take home. Alphonso Davies bagged Canada’s maiden World Cup goal and with plenty of talent prospering in the country they could present a formidable challenge hosting the next edition of the World Cup in 2026.

Group F fixtures & results

Group F table standings

Brazil secured their place in the next round and first place with two narrow wins against Serbia and Switzerland but suffered a shock defeat to Cameroon on the last day.

Apart from their defeat to Brazil, Switzerland were otherwise solid and defeated Cameroon and Serbia to clinch 2nd place.

Cameroon will be heartbroken to be eliminated from the tournament despite their efforts but will be proud to go back as the first African team to beat Brazil at the World Cup.

Serbia showed a lot of heart and grit in their matches but had nothing to show for it apart from a point from their draw against Cameroon.

Group G fixtures & results

Group G table standings

Portugal secured qualification to the next stage with solid victories against Ghana and Uruguay but suffered a surprise shock defeat to South Korea.

South Korea showed hear in their performances and were rewarded for it with a late win against Portugal which helped them qualify for the Ro16.

Uruguay will feel hard done by to have been eliminated on goals scored despite having the same amount of points as South Korea.

Ghana showed great resilience in all their games, however other than their win against South Korea didn't have much to show for it with losses against Portugal and Uruguay.

Group H fixtures & results

Group H table standings

The World Cup 2022 round of 16 begins on December 3. With eight ties to be decided, two games a day are played on December 3, 4, 5 and 6.

The World Cup 2022 quarter-finals will take place on December 9 and 10, 2022.

The final four will face off in the World Cup 2022 semi-finals on December 13 and 14.

The losers from the two semi-finals will face off in the third-place play-off on December 17.

The World Cup 2022 final will take place on December 18 at Lusail Iconic Stadium.

In the United States, World Cup 2022 games are being broadcast live on FOX and Telemundo.

Check out the latest soccer on TV schedule here.

In the United Kingdom, World Cup 2022 matches are broadcast live on BBC and ITV.

You can see the latest football on UK TV here.