The groups for the World Cup in Qatar have been drawn. This also marks the end of the hosts’ opening game. But the first game of the tournament is different.
The 2022 World Cup breaks with a tradition that has continued since the 2006 World Cup. In previous tournaments, the host always played the first game and thus also the opening game. For example, Germany met Costa Rica in 2006 (4-2), Russia at the last tournament against Saudi Arabia (5-0). In Qatar, however, the Netherlands and Senegal will play the first game of the World Cup. At 1 p.m. local time (11 a.m. CET), the two nations will meet at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
World Cup 2022: These are the eight groups of the World Cup in Qatar.
Hosts Qatar are only on the pitch against Ecuador six hours later. It is the third game of the World Cup, but it should also be the official opening.
Once again the Senegal
From 1974 to 2002 the opening game involved the defending champion. In 1974, Brazil made their debut against Yugoslavia in Frankfurt. 2002 was France in Japan and South Korea’s degree.
France’s opponent at the time: Senegal, who is now also in the first game in Qatar. The West Africans were able to win against France. The reigning Africa Cup winner wants to cause the next surprise against the Dutch.