Qatar qualified automatically for the event by virtue of being handed the right to host the tournament, having fallen in the final round of World Cup qualifying in 2018. 

The 2019 Asian Cup champions have been in mixed form this year, but like Russia in 2018 they could surprise a few playing on home soil.

Qatar find themselves in Group A for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a tricky group, but one they stand a chance of escaping from. 

MORE: Complete World Cup schedule | World Cup prize money breakdown

Qatar 2022 World Cup schedule

As the host country, Qatar will kick off the entire tournament when they play their first match on November 20 against Ecuador. 

A good result against the South American side will be vital with games against Senegal and Netherlands to round out their group-stage schedule.

Should Qatar qualify for the knockout stages, a Round of 16 match against a side from Group B would await, with England or the USA likely opponents.

Group A match schedule

Potential knockout round schedule — if Qatar finishes 1st in Group A

*Only in event of defeat in semifinals

Potential knockout schedule — if Qatar finishes 2nd in Group A

*Only in event of defeat in semifinals

Qatar World Cup group: Group A

Qatar were automatically placed in Group A for the draw as the host country. They were eventually joined by Ecuador, Netherlands and Senegal. 

Like Qatar, Senegal are current continental champions, having won AFCON 2021. 

Netherlands will be expected to top the group, however, having been in fine form so far this year. 

World Cup Group A betting odds

The pre-tournament betting odds for Qatar and other Group A sides in the major global territories are below (odds via Caesars for U.S., Sky Bet for U.K., Sports Interaction for Canada and Ladbrokes for Australia).

 

 

World Cup Group A standings

When is Qatar vs. Ecuador at World Cup 2022?

Date: Sunday, November 20 (Al Bayt Stadium) Time: 7:00 p. m. (local) / 11:00 a. m. (ET) / 4:00 p. m. (GMT) / 3:00 a. m. (Monday, Nov.  21 AEDT)

Qatar will kick off the 2022 World Cup a day earlier than originally planned against Ecuador.

A win for either side is vital if they hope to escape a competitive Group A where they are both underdogs.

When is Qatar vs. Senegal at World Cup 2022?

Date: Friday, November 25 (Al Thumama Stadium) Time: 4:00 p. m. (local) / 8:00 a. m. (ET) / 1:00 p. m. (GMT) / 12:00 a. m. (Saturday, Nov.  26 AEDT)

The current Asian and African champions will go head-to-head in an intriguing Group A match. 

Both sides have been in mixed form coming into the World Cup but are capable of delivering when it counts. 

When is Qatar vs. Netherlands at World Cup 2022?

Date: Tuesday, November 29 (Al Bayt Stadium) Time: 6:00 p. m. (local) / 10:00 a. m. (ET) / 3:00 p. m. (GMT) / 2:00 a. m. (Wednesday, Nov.  30 AEDT)

Qatar will round out the group stage against the Netherlands. 

Depending on prior results, this fixture could be pivotal for the host nation and they’ll be hoping the Dutch will be in a position to rest players having already qualified for the knockout stage. 

How to watch the World Cup

Here’s how to watch the World Cup action in the major global territories:

Qatar World Cup game times

Qatar resides in the Arabian Standard Time Zone, which is GMT +3.World Cup 2022 kickoff times in the major global territories are:

Group stage:

1:00 p. m. (local) / 5:00 a. m. (ET) / 10:00 a. m. (GMT) / 9:00 p. m. (AEDT) / 3:30 p. m. (IST) 4:00 p. m. (local) / 8:00 a. m. (ET) / 1:00 p. m. (GMT) / 12:00 a. m. (AEDT) / 6:30 p. m. (IST) 7:00 p. m. (local) / 11:00 a. m. (ET) / 4:00 p. m. (GMT) / 3:00 a. m. (AEDT) / 9:30 p. m. (IST) 10:00 p. m. (local) / 2:00 p. m. (ET) / 7:00 p. m. (GMT) / 6:00 a. m. (AEDT) / 12:30 a. m. (IST)

Knockout stage (ET):

6:00 p. m. (local) / 10:00 a. m. (ET) / 3:00 p. m. (GMT) / 2:00 a. m. (AEDT) / 8:30 p. m. (IST) (Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Third Place Match, Final) 10:00 p. m. (local) / 2:00 p. m. (ET) / 7:00 p. m. (GMT) / 6:00 a. m. (AEDT) / 12:30 a. m. (IST)  (Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals)