The World Cup 2022 in Qatar is upon us and all 32 groups are within the strategy of naming their squads, with every nation allowed to pick out a 26-man group for the primary time.
It means there can be 832 gamers heading to the primary winter World Cup, with a deadline of Monday 14 November to submit the squads – simply seven days earlier than the match begins with hosts Qatar taking over Ecuador.
Gareth Southgate will title his England group on Thursday afternoon, with debate at the moment ongoing over various the spots, whereas different international locations’ bulletins will filter by way of throughout the week.
The race to succeed France as world champions is about to warmth up
Here’s a full record of the gamers heading to Qatar and all the information you want about every workforce:
Coach: Félix Sánchez
Star to observe: Almoez Ali
World Cup greatest: Tournament debut
How they received right here: Qatar certified routinely for his or her first World Cup look as hosts. During this four-year cycle, they did surprisingly win the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and had been additionally partnered with the five-team Group A from European qualifying (Serbia, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg) to play centralised friendlies in opposition to these sides on their spare match-dates.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Saad Al Sheeb (Al-Sadd), Meshaal Barsham (Al-Sadd), Yousef Hassan (Al-Gharafa)
Defenders: Homam Ahmed (Al-Gharafa), Bassam Al-Rawi (Al-Duhail), Mohammed Emad (Al-Wakrah), Jassem Gaber (Al-Arabi), Abdelkarim Hassan (Al-Saad), Musab Kheder (Al-Sadd), Boualem Khoukhi (Al-Sadd), Ro-Ro (Al-Saad), Tarek Salman (Al-Sadd), Mohammed Waad (Al-Sadd)
Midfielders: Akram Afif (Al-Sadd), Ali Assadalla (Al-Sadd), Karim Boudiaf (Al-Duhail), Abdulaziz Hatem (Al-Rayyan), Abdelrahman Moustafa (Al-Duhail), Mostafa Tarek (Al-Sadd)
Forwards: Yusuf Abdurisag (Al-Saad), Ahmed Alaaeldin (Al-Ghafara), Almoez Ali (Al-Duhail), Mohammed Muntari (Al-Duhail), Hassan Al-Haydos (Al-Sadd), Ismaeel Mohammad (Al-Duhail), Khalid Muneer (Al-Wakrah)
In focus: Qatar flying below the radar on the pitch amid off-field controversy
Coach: Louis van Gaal
Star to observe: Virgil van Djik
World Cup greatest: Runners-up 1974, 1978, 2010
How they received right here: Having missed out on the 2018 World Cup, Netherlands ensured they might be again on soccer’s largest stage by coming by way of Group G of European qualifying. They had been pushed shut by Turkey however ultimately completed two factors away from them atop the pile.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (NEC), Mark Flekken (SC Freiberg), Remko Pasveer (Ajax)
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Ajax), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Stefan de Vrij (Inter), Denzel Dumfries (Inter), Hans Hateboer (Atalanta), Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United), Bruno Martins Indi (AZ), Jurrien Timber (Ajax), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Midfielders: Steven Berghuis (Ajax), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Ryan Gravenberch (Bayern Munich), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Kenneth Taylor (Ajax)
Forwards: Steven Bergwijn (Ajax), Memphis Depay (Barcelona), Donyell Malan (Borussia Dortmund) Cody Gakpo (PSV), Vincent Janseen (Antwerp), Wout Weghorst (Besiktas)
In focus: Familiar face leads overdue Dutch return to World Cup
Coach: Aliou Cissé
Star to observe: Sadio Mane
World Cup greatest: Quarter-final 2002
How they received right here: Senegal simply topped Group H within the second spherical of African qualifying – ending forward of Togo, Namibia and Congo – earlier than a nervy two-legged play-off in opposition to Egypt in a repeat of the Africa Cup of Nations last from earlier within the 12 months. It proved to be precisely the identical dramatic end result because the Lions of Teranga overcame Mohamed Salah and co. on penalties – successful the shootout 3-1 after a 1-1 combination draw.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Seny Dieng (QPR), Alfred Gomis (Rennes), Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)
Defenders: Pape Abou Cisse (Olympiacos), Fode Ballo-Toure (Milan), Abdou Diallo (RB Leipzig), Ismail Jakobs (Monaco), Kalidou Koulibaly (Chelsea), Formose Mendy (Amiens), Moussa Niakhate (Nottingham Forest), Bouna Sarr (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Krepin Diatta (Monaco), Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Pape Gueye (Marseille), Cheikhou Kouyate (Nottingham Forest), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Nampalys Mendy (Leicester), Moustapha Name (Patos), Boubakary Soumare (Leicester)
Forwards: Boulaye Dia (Salernitana), Famara Diédhiou (Alanyaspor), Bamba Dieng (Marseille), Sadio Mane (Bayern Munich), Iliman Ndiaye (Sheffield United), Ismaila Sarr (Watford)
In focus: Reigning African champions present continent’s nice hope for fulfillment in Qatar
Coach: Gustavo Alfaro
Star to observe: Moises Caicedo
World Cup greatest: Last-16 2006
How they received right here: Ecuador are again on the World Cup for the primary time since 2014 though they needed to ‘qualify’ twice. They performed nicely in South American qualifying to complete fourth within the desk and earn a spot in Qatar however a authorized problem from Chile – who claimed Byron Castillo was ineligible to play for the nation – led to a court docket case. The Court of Arbitration for Sport ultimately deemed that Castillo was an Ecuadorean nationwide, though the date and native land data initially submitted to get him a passport had been false, so Ecuador had been cleared to play.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Alexander Dominguez (LDU Quito), Hernan Galindez (Aucas), Moises Ramirez (Independiente)
Defenders: Robert Arboleda (Sao Paulo) Xavier Arreaga (Seattle Sounders), Bryon Castillo (Leon), Pervis Estunpinan (Brighton), Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen), Angelo Preciado (Genk), Jackson Porozo (Troyes), Felix Torres (Santos Laguna)
Midfielders: Nilsen Angulo (Anderlecht), Moises Caicedo (Brighton), Jose Cifuentes (Los Angeles FC), Alan Franco (Talleres), Carlos Gruezo (Augsburg), Romario Ibarra (Pachuca), Angel Mena (Leon), Jhegson Mendez (Los Angeles FC) Gonzalo Plata (Valladolid), Jeremy Sarmiento (Brighton)
Forwards: Michael Estrada (Cruz Azul), Ayrton Preciado (Santos Laguna), Djorkaeff Reasco (Newell’s Old Boys), Enner Valencia (Fenerbahce)
In focus: Ecuador able to let soccer do the speaking after courtroom drama
Coach: Gareth Southgate
Star to observe: Harry Kane
World Cup greatest: Winners 1966
How they received right here: England will look to construct on a semi-final look in Russia 4 years in the past and eased by way of European qualifying in model. A complete of 26 factors from 30 had been received to prime Group I forward of Poland, Albania and Hungary amongst others.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Nick Pope (Newcastle)
Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (West Ham United), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Roma), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
In focus: Faith in Southgate is faltering however England expectations nonetheless excessive
Coach: Carlos Queiroz
Star to observe: Sardar Azmoun
World Cup greatest: First spherical 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018
How they received right here: Iran topped their group within the third spherical of Asian qualifying, ending two factors forward of South Korea, to achieve their third World Cup in a row. They will now attempt to transcend the group stage for the primary time.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand (Persepolis), Hossein Hosseini (Esteghlal), Amir Abedzadeh (Ponferradina)
Defenders: Sadegh Moharrami (Dinamo Zagreb), Shojae Khalilzadeh (Al-Ahli), Milad Mohammadi (AEK Athens), Morteza Pouraliganji (Persepolis), Hossein Kanaanizadegan (Al-Ahli), Saleh Hardani (Esteghlal), Majid Hosseini (Kayserispor), Omid Noorafkan (Sepahan), Ramin Rezaeian (Sepahan), Abolfazl Jalali (Esteghlal)
Midfielders: Ehsan Hajsafi (AEK Athens), Saeid Ezatolahi (Vejle), Omid Ebrahimi (Al-Wakrah), Ahmad Nourollahi (Shabab Al-Ahli), Milad Sarlak (Persepolis), Saman Ghoddos (Brentford)
Forwards: Vahid Amiri (Persepolis), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Feyenoord), Mehdi Taremi (Porto), Karim Ansarifard (Omonia), Mehdi Torabi (Persepolis), Ali Gholizadeh (Charleroi), Sardar Azmoun (Bayer Leverkusen)
In focus: High hopes of first World Cup knockout look for in-form Iran
Coach: Gregg Berhalter
Star to observe: Christian Pulisic
World Cup greatest: Quarter-finals 2002
How they received right here: After lacking out on their first World Cup since 1986 4 years in the past, the United States ensured a return to the most important stage by coming by way of Concacaf qualifying. They weren’t all the time essentially the most convincing however did simply sufficient to keep away from an intercontinental play-off by securing the final computerized qualification spot forward of Costa Rica on objective distinction.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Matt Turner (Arsenal), Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Ethan Horvath (Luton Town)
Defenders: Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas), Sergino Dest (AC Milan), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Mark McKenzie (KRC Genk), Erik Palmer-Brown (Troyes), Joseph Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), Sam Vines (Royal Antwerp), Deandre Yedlin (Inter Miami CF), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)
Midfielders: Kellyn Acosta (LAFC), Tyler Adams (Leeds United), Johnny Cardoso (Internacional), Luca de la Torre (Celta de Vigo), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Malik Tillman (Rangers)
Forwards: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Paul Arriola (FC Dallas), Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas), Jordan Morris (Swansea City), Ricardo Pepi (Groningen), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Josh Sargent (Norwich City)
In focus: World Cup return is becoming reward for gifted and bettering USA
Coach: Rob Page
Star to observe: Gareth Bale
World Cup greatest: Quarter-finals 1958
How they received right here: Wales ended their nearly interminable watch for a primary World Cup look since 1958 by efficiently coming by way of the play-offs in European qualification. Having endured so many close to misses over the previous 64 years, Rob Page’s males lastly received over the hump with a 2-1 victory over Austria and a 1-0 triumph in opposition to Ukraine, with talisman Gareth Bale scoring all three objectives. They reached the play-off after coming second in Group E behind Belgium, one level forward of Czech Republic in third.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester City)
Defenders: Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Sheffield United), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Joe Rodon (Rennes on mortgage from Tottenham Hotspur), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest)
Midfielders: Joe Allen (Swansea City), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Aaron Ramsey (Nice), Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town)
Forwards: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Dan James (Leeds United), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Rabbi Matondo (Rangers), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth), Tyler Roberts (QPR on mortgage from Leeds United), Harry Wilson (Fulham)
In focus: History-making Wales making an attempt to duplicate the Class of ‘58 at first World Cup for 64 years
Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Star to watch: Lionel Messi
World Cup best: Winners 1978, 1986
How they got here: Argentina ended their recent trophy drought by winning the 2021 Copa America title and will now look to add a third World Cup to their cabinet. South American qualifying provided few hurdles as they were unbeaten in 17 games, coming second in the table behind Brazil.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Franco Armani (River Plate), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Villarreal)
Defenders: Marcos Acuna (Sevilla), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Nehuen Perez (Udinese), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon)
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Angel Di Maria (Juventus), Enzo Fernandez (Benfica), Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez (Sevilla), Giovani Lo Celso (Villarreal), Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Leandro Paredes (Juventus), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis)
Forwards: Julian Alvarez (Man City), Joaquin Correa (Inter Milan), Paulo Dybala (AS Roma), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Lionel Messi (PSG), Giovanni Simeone (Napoli)
In focus: Argentina hoping to ship Lionel Messi his fairytale send-off
Coach: Hervé Renard
Star to observe: Salem Al-Dawsari
World Cup greatest: Last 16 1994
How they received right here: Saudi Arabia ensured they might be making the brief journey to Qatar this winter by topping their group within the third spherical of Asian qualifying. They completed on 23 factors from 10 video games, one level forward of Japan in second.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Mohammed Al-Owais (Al-Hilal), Fawaz Al-Qarni (Al-Shabab), Mohammed Al Rubaie (Al-Ahli)
Defenders: Sultan Al-Ghanam (Al-Nassr), Abdullah Madu (Al-Nassr), Abdulelah Al-Amri (Al-Nassr), Ali Al-Bulaihi (Al-Hilal), Ahmed Bamsaud (Al-Ittihad), Saud Abdulhamid (Al-Ittihad), Yasser Al-Shahrani (Al-Hilal), Hassan Tambakti (Al-Shabab), Mohammed Al-Breik (Al-Hilal), Nawaf Al-Abed (Al-Shabab)
Midfielders: Salman Al-Faraj (Al-Hilal), Ali Al-Hassan (Al-Nassr), Mohamed Kanno (Al-Hilal), Sami Al-Najei (Al-Nassr), Abdulrahman Al-Aboud (Ittihad), Fahad Al-Muwallad (Al-Shabab), Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal), Hattan Bahebri (Al-Shabab), Abdulelah Al-Malki (Al-Hilal), Abdullah Otayf (Al-Hilal)
Forwards: Abdullah Al-Hamdan (Al-Hilal), Saleh Al-Shehri (Al-Hilal), Firas Al-Buraikan (Al-Fateh)
In focus: Saudi Arabia face uphill activity to achieve knockouts for a second time
Coach: Gerardo Martino
Star to observe: Hirving Lozano
World Cup greatest: Quarter-finals 1970, 1986
How they received right here: Mexico certified for an eighth straight World Cup by ending second in Conmebol qualifying, stage on factors with top-placed Canada. In Qatar, they’ll goal to enhance on seven consecutive last-16 exits.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa (Club America), Alfredo Talavera (FC Juarez), Rodolfo Cota (Leon)
Defenders: Jorge Sanchez (Ajax), Jesus Gallardo (Monterrey), Kevin Alvarez (Pachuca), Gerardo Arteaga (Genk), Hector Moreno (Monterrey), Nestor Araujo (Club America), Cesar Montes (Monterrey), Johan Vasquez (Cremonese), Jesus Alberto Angulo (Tigres)
Midfielders: Andres Guardado (Real Betis), Hector Herrera (Houston Dynamo), Edson Alvarez (Ajax), Luis Chavez (Pachuca), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Erick Gutierrez (PSV Eindhoven), Hirving Lozano (Napoli), Alexis Vega (Chivas), Uriel Antuna (Cruz Azul), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens), Diego Lainez (Braga)
Forwards: Raul Jimenez (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Henry Martin (Club America), Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord)
In focus: Goal-shy Mexico in search of spark to advance past elusive last-16 hurdle
Coach: Czesław Michniewicz
Star to observe: Robert Lewandowski
World Cup greatest: Third place 1974, 1982
How they received right here: Poland trailed England in Group I of European qualification however completed two factors away from Albania to take second spot and advance to the play-offs. They had been awarded a walkover in opposition to Russia within the semi-finals following the invasion of Ukraine earlier than Sweden had been dispatched 2-0 within the last.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Wojciech Szczęsny (Juventus), Łukasz Skorupski (Bologna), Bartłomiej Drągowski (Spezia)
Defenders: Jan Bednarek (Aston Villa), Kamil Glik (Benevento), Tomasz Kędziora (Dynamo Kyiv), Bartosz Bereszyński (Sampdoria), Robert Gumny (Augsburg), Matty Cash (Aston Villa), Jakub Kiwior (Spezia), Arkadiusz Reca (Spezia), Nicola Zalewski (Roma)
Midfielders: Przemysław Frankowski (RC Lens), Jacek Góralski (VfL Bochum), Kamil Grosicki (Pogoń Szczecin), Jakub Kamiński (VfL Wolfsburg), Mateusz Klich (Leeds United), Grzegorz Krychowiak (Al-Shabab Riyadh), Karol Linetty (Torino FC), Sebastian Szymański (Feyenoord), Piotr Zieliński (Napoli), Szymon Żurkowski (Fiorentina)
Forwards: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona), Arkadiusz Milik (Juventus), Krzysztof Piątek (US Salernitana 1919), Karol Świderski (Charlotte FC)
In focus: Robert Lewandowski holds Polish hopes in his fingers for last World Cup stand
Coach: Kasper Hjulmand
Star to observe: Christian Eriksen
World Cup greatest: Quarter-finals 1998
How they received right here: Denmark impressively breezed into Qatar 2022 with a file of 9 victories and only one defeat from ten video games in Group F of European qualifying. Those 27 factors – accrued whereas conceding simply three objectives and scoring 30 – noticed them end 4 factors away from second-placed Scotland.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel (Nice), Frederik Ronnow (Union Berlin), Oliver Christensen (Hertha Berlin)
Defenders: Simon Kjaer (AC Milan), Joachim Anderson (Crystal Palace), Joakim Maehle (Atalanta), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Victor Nelsson (Galatasaray), Alexander Bah (Benfica), Rasmus Kristensen (Leeds), Jens Stryger Larsen (Trabzonspor)
Midfielders: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham), Casper Nielsen (Brugge), Mathias Jensen (Brentford), Thomas Delaney (Sevilla), Christian Eriksen (Manchester United), Daniel Wass (Brondby), Philip Billing (Bournemouth)
Forwards: Jesper Lindstrom (Frankfurt), Rasmus Hojlund (Atalanta), Andreas Skov Olsen (Brugge), Robert Skov (Hoffenheim), Andreas Cornelius (Copenhagen), Martin Braithwaite (Espanyol), Kasper Dolberg (Sevilla), Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford)
In focus: Denmark convey quiet confidence to Qatar in quest to interrupt new floor
Coach: Jalel Kadri
Star to observe: Youssef Msakni
World Cup greatest: Group stage 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018
How they received right here: Tunisia reached the third spherical of African qualifying by ending forward of Equatorial Guinea, Zambia and Mauritania in Group B earlier than a 1-0 win over Mali in Bamako and a nervy, goalless second leg within the return leg in Tunis sealed their place.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Mohamed Debchi (Esperance de Tunis), Aymen Dahmen (CS Sfaxien), Bechir Said (US Monastir)
Defenders: Bilel Ifa (Kuwait SC), Montassar Talbi (Lorient), Omar Rekik (Sparta Rotterdam), Mortadha Ben Ouanes (Kasimpasa), Ali Maaloul (Al Ahly), Mohamed Drager (Luzern), Rami Kaib (Heerenveen), Hamza Mathlouthi (Zamalek), Ali Abdi (Caen), Dylan Bronn (Salernitana)
Midfielders: Saif-Eddine Khaoui (Clermont), Anis Ben Slimane (Brondby), Ghailene Chaalali (Esperance de Tunis), Hannibal Mejbri (Birmingham City), Ferjani Sassi (Al-Duhail), Aissa Laidouni (Ferencvaros), Chaim El Djebali (Lyon), Ellyes Skhiri (Koln)
Forwards: Sayfallah Ltaief (Basel), Seifeddine Jaziri (Zamalek), Youssef Msakni (Al-Arabi), Taha Yassine Khenissi (Kuwait SC), Wahbi Khazri (Montpellier)
In focus: Ultimate underdogs Tunisia unlikely to interrupt World Cup knockout drought
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Star to observe: Kylian Mbappe
World Cup greatest: Winners 1998, 2018
How they received right here: The reigning World Cup champions ensured they’ll be capable to defend their title in Qatar after coming by way of Group D of European qualifying unbeaten – ending six factors away from Ukraine in second spot.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Alphonse Areola (West Ham)
Defenders: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Raphael Varane (Manchester United), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Benoit Badiashile (Monaco), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Jordan Veretout (Marseille)
Forwards: Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Randal Kolo Muani (Frankfurt), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan)
In focus: Reigning champions France exhibiting weak streak forward of title defence
Coach: Graham Arnold
Star to observe: Ajdin Hrustic
World Cup greatest: Last-16 2006
How they received right here: ‘Asian’ qualifying proved tough for Australia as ending third in Group B of the third spherical meant they needed to overcome UAE 2-1 within the fourth spherical to achieve an intercontinental play-off in opposition to Peru. A 0-0 draw after 120 minutes led to a dramatic penalty shootout the place the Socceroos emerged 5-4 winners after some unorthodox heroics from goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne.
Confirmed squad:
Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan (FC Copenhagen), Danny Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners), Andrew Redmayne (Sydney FC)
Defenders: Harry Souttar (Stoke City), Milos Degenek (Columbus Crew), Bailey Wright (Sunderland), Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata), Fran Karacic (Brescia), Nathaniel Atkinson (Heart of Midlothian), Aziz Behich (Dundee United), Kye Rowles (Heart of Midlothian), Joel King (Odense Boldklub)
Midfielders: Aaron Mooy (Celtic), Jackson Irvine (FC St. Pauli), Ajdin Hrustic (Hellas Verona), Cameron Devlin (Heart of Midlothian), Riley McGree (Middlesbrough), Keanu Baccus (St Mirren)
Forwards: Jamie Maclaren (Melbourne City), Mitchell Duke (Fagiano Okayama), Jason Cummings (Central Coast Mariners), Garang Kuol (Central Coast Mariners), Awer Mabil (Cadiz), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Craig Goodwin (Adelaide United), Martin Boyle (Hibernian)
In focus: Australia already used to life on the highway as they put together to face acquainted foes
Coach: Hansi Flick
Star to observe: Kai Havertz
World Cup greatest: Winners 2014 (West Germany had been champions in 1954, 1974 and 1990)
How they received right here: Germay will goal to make up for a disappointing 2018 World Cup in Qatar and the indicators from European qualifying had been good as they received 9 and drew considered one of their 10 video games to prime Group J forward of North Macedonia in model.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona), Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Defenders: Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Niklas Sule (Borussia Dortmund), Robin Gosens (Inter Milan), Thilo Kehrer (West Ham), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Armel Bella Kotchap (Southampton)
Midfielders: Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Kai Havertz (Chelsea), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund), Florian Neuhaus (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Forwards: Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich), Jonas Hofmann (Borussia Monchengladbach), Lukas Nmecha (Wolfsburg)
In focus: Germany trying to restore popularity after Russia blip
Coach: Luis Enrique
Star to observe: Pedri
World Cup greatest: Winners 2010
How they received right here: Spain suffered only a single defeat in eight video games of European qualifying as six wins proved greater than sufficient to prime Group B forward of second-placed Sweden.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Robert Sanchez (Brighton), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)
Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Diego Llorente (Leeds), Jose Gaya (Valencia)
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Thiago (Liverpool), Rodri (Manchester City), Gavi (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona), Carlos Soler (Paris Saint-Germain), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid)
Forwards: Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Ansu Fati (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal)
In focus: Spain have the standard to return to the summit after a decade away
Coach: Hajime Moriyasu
Star to observe: Takumi Minamino
World Cup greatest: Last-16 2002, 2010, 2018
How they received right here: Japan cruised by way of the second spherical of Asian qualifying by successful all eight video games and ending witha objective distinction of +44 earlier than working barely more durable within the third spherical however finally comfortably rising from Group B in second place – seven factors forward of Australia in third.
Confirmed squad:
Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Strasbourg), Daniel Schmidt (Sint Truiden), Shuichi Gonda (Shimizu S-Pulse)
Defenders: Hiroki Sakai (Urawa Red Diamonds), Miki Yamane (Kawasaki Frontale), Ko Itakura (Borussia Monchengladbach), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal), Maya Yoshida (Schalke 04), Shogo Taniguchi (Kawasaki Frontale), Hiroki Ito (VfB Stuttgart), Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo)
Midfielders: Junya Ito (Stade de Reims), Ritsu Doan (SC Freiburg), Wataru Endo (VfB Stuttgart), Hidemasa Morita (Sporting), Ao Tanaka (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Daichi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion), Gaku Shibasaki (Leganes), Yuki Soma (Nagoya Grampus)
Forwards: Takuma Asano (Vfl Bochum), Daizen Maeda (Celtic), Ayase Ueda (Cercle Brugge), Shuto Machino (Shonan Bellmare)
In focus: Japan face robust group as they give the impression of being to buck latest World Cup pattern
Coach: Luis Fernando Suárez
Star to observe: Keylor Navas
World Cup greatest: Quarter-final 2014
How they received right here: Having completed fourth in Concacaf qualifying, edged out of the ultimate computerized spot on objective distinction by the United States, Costa Rica got here by way of an intercontinental play-off with New Zealand as Joel Campbell’s third-minute strike was sufficient for a 1-0 win.
Confirmed squad:
Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas (Paris Saint-Germain), Esteban Alvarado (Herediano), Patrick Sequeira (CD Lugo)
Defenders: Francisco Calvo (Konyaspor), Juan Pablo Vargas (Millonarios), Kendall Waston (Saprissa), Oscar Duarte (Al-Wehda), Daniel Chacon (Colorado Rapids), Keysher Fuller (Herediano), Carlos Martinez (San Carlos), Bryan Oviedo (Real Salt Lake), Ronald Matarrita (FC Cincinnati)
Midfielders: Yeltsin Tejeda (Herediano), Celso Borges (Alajuelense), Youstin Salas (Saprissa), Roan Wilson (Municipal Grecia), Gerson Torres (Herediano), Douglas Lopez (Herediano), Jewison Bennette (Sunderland), Alvaro Zamora (Saprissa), Anthony Hernandez (FC Puntarenas), Brandon Aguilera (Nottingham Forrest), Bryan Ruiz (Alajuelense)
Forwards: Joel Campbell (Club Leon), Anthony Contreras (Herediano), Johan Venegas (Alajuelense)
In focus: Tough check awaits Costa Rica as they attempt to recapture the spirit of 2014
Coach: Roberto Martínez
Star to observe: Kevin De Bruyne
World Cup greatest: Third place 2018
How they received right here: Fresh off ending third in Russia 4 years in the past, Belgium confronted dew points as they received Group E of European qualifying. The likes of Wales and Czech Republic had been dispatched as Roberto Martinez’s facet had been unbeaten after their eight video games.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge), Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg)
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Antwerp), Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht), Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund), Timothy Castagne (Leicester City), Wout Faes (Leicester City), Dedryck Boyata (Club Brugge), Jason Denayer (Shabab Al-Ahli), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge)
Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Eden Hazard (Real Madrid), Axel Witsel (Atletico Madrid), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund), Youri Tielemans (Leicester City), Leandro Trossard (Brighton), Leander Dendocker (Aston Villa), Amadou Onana (Everton), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Charles De Ketelaere (AC Milan)
Forwards: Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan), Dries Mertens (Galatasaray), Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahce), Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid), Divock Origi (AC Milan)
In focus: Belgium’s golden technology establishing for last shot at glory
Coach: Zlatko Dalić
Star to observe: Luka Modric
World Cup greatest: Runners-up 2018
How they received right here: Croatia emerged from a UEFA qualifying group that had an actual jap European really feel as seven wins and two attracts from 10 video games ensured they got here one level above Russia, whereas Slovakia and Slovenia took third and fourth.
Confirmed squad:
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivo Grbic (Atletico Madrid), Ivica Ivusic (Osijek)
Defenders: Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Borna Sosa (Stuttgart), Josko Gvardiol (Leipzig), Dejan Lovren (Zenit), Borna Barisic (Rangers), Domagoj Vida (AEK Athens), Josip Juranovic (Celtic), Martin Erlic (Sassuolo), Josip Sutalo (Dinamo Zagreb)
Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea), Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Milan), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Kristijan Jakic (Eintracht Frankfurt), Lovro Majer (Rennes), Luka Sucic (Red Bull Salzburg)
Forwards: Ivan Perisic (Tottenham), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Marko Livaja (Hajduk Split), Bruno Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Mislav Orsic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ante Budimir (Osasuna)
In focus: 2018 runners-up Croatia a weaker proposition as they search for well-known repeat
Coach: Walid Regragui
Star to observe: Achraf Hakimi
World Cup greatest: Last-16 1986
How they received right here: Morocco secured a spot at their second World Cup on the spin with a dominant efficiency within the second spherical of African qualifying to prime Group I with an ideal file earlier than comfortably overcoming DR COngo 5-2 on combination within the third spherical.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Sevilla), Munir Mohamedi (Al Wehda), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (Wydad AC)
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich), Roman Saiss (Besiktas), Nayef Aguerd (West Ham), Adam Masina (Udinese), Jawad El Yamiq (Real Valladolid), Achraf Dari (Brest), Samy Mmaee (Ferencvaros)
Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina), Younes Belhanda (Adana Demirspor), Amine Harit (Marseille), Azzedine Ounahi (Angers), Ilias Chair (QPR), Selim Amallah (Standard Liege), Imran Louza (Watford), Faycal Fajr (Al Wehda)
Forwards: Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea), Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla), Ayoub El Kaabi (Hatayspor), Abde Ezzalzouli (Osasuna), Sofiane Boufal (Angers), Munir El Haddadi (Getafe), Zakaria Aboukhlal (Toulouse)
In focus: Morocco assured of ending 24-year World Cup win drought
Coach: John Herdman
Star to observe: Jonathan David
World Cup greatest: Group stage 1986
How they received right here: The Maple Leafs earned a primary World Cup look since 1986 by topping the Concacaf qualifying group forward of Mexico and USA, whereas additionally reaching the Gold Cup semi-finals final 12 months.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Milan Borjan (Red Star Belgrade), Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United), Jayson Leutwiler (Oldham Athletic)
Defenders: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Kamal Miller (CF Montreal), Alistair Johnston (CF Montreal), Sam Adekugbe (Hatayspor), Steven Vitoria (Chaves), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Derek Cornelius (Panetolikos), Doneil Henry (Toronto FC)
Midfielders: Samuel Piette (CF Montreal), Stephen Eustaquio (Porto), Mark-Anthony Kaye (Toronto FC), Ismael Kone (CF Montreal), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas), Raheem Edwards (LA Galaxy)
Forwards: Jonathan David (Lille), Cyle Larin (Club Brugge), Liam Millar (Basel), Junior Hoilett (Reading), Lucas Cavallini (Vancouver Whitecaps), Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge), Theo Corbeanu (Blackpool), Ike Ugbo (Troyes)
In focus: New firsts and nationwide data beckon for Canada in uncommon World Cup look
Coach: Murat Yakin
Star to observe: Granit Xhaka
World Cup greatest: Quarter-finals 1934, 1938, 1954
How they received right here: Switzerland completed forward of reigning European champions Italy in Group C of UEFA qualifying as 5 wins and three attracts was sufficient to prime the pile by two factors earlier than the Azzurri suffered a shocking loss within the play-offs to overlook out on Qatar.
Confirmed squad:
Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Kohn (RB Salzburg), Jonas Omlin (Montpellier), Yann Sommer (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Defenders: Manuel Akanji (Manchester City), Eray Comert (Valencia), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Rodriguez (Torino), Fabian Schar (Newcastle United), Silvan Widmer (Mainz)
Midfielders: Granit Xhaka (Arsenal), Edimilson Fernandes (Mainz), Fabian Frei (Basel), Remo Freuler (Nottingham Forest), Ardon Jashari (Luzern), Fabian Rieder (Young Boys), Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire), Djibril Sow (Eintracht Frankfurt), Renato Steffen (Lugano), Denis Zakaria (Chelsea), Michel Aebischer (Bologna)
Forwards: Breel Embolo (Monaco), Christian Fassnacht (Young Boys), Noah Okafor (RB Salzburg), Haris Seferovic (Galatasaray), Ruben Vargas (Augsburg)
In focus: Consistent Switzerland can go even additional in Qatar
Coach: Rigobert Song
Star to observe: Karl Toko Ekambi
World Cup greatest: Quarter-finals 1990
How they received right here: Having missed out on the 2018 World Cup, Cameroon returned to the large time by dramatically coming by way of African qualifying. They topped Group D within the second spherical, ending two factors forward of Ivory Coast earlier than going through Algeria over two legs for a spot in Qatar. When Ahmed Touba netted a 118th-minute objective in a second leg that had gone to further time, the Algerians seemed to be advancing however Karl Toko Ekambi netted within the fourth minute of stoppage time in further time to ship the Cameroonians by way of on away objectives.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Andre Onana (Inter Milan), Devis Epassy (Abha), Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Marseille)
Defenders: Nicholas Nkoulou (Aris), Collins Fai (Al-Tai), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders), Olivier Mbaizo (Philadelphia Union), Jean-Charles Castelletto (Nantes), Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui (Gent), Jerome Onguene (Eintracht Frankfurt), Christopher Wooh (Rennes)
Midfielders: Georges Mandjeck (Nea Salamis), Pierre Kunde (Olympiacos), Samuel Gouet (Mechelen), Martin Hongla (Hellas Verona), Olivierr Ntcham (Swansea City), Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli), Arnaud Djoum (Dundee United), Jeando Fuchs (Peterborough United)
Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar (Al-Nassr), Karl Toko Ekambi (Lyon), Moumi Ngamaleu (Dynamo Moscow), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (Bayern Munich), Christian Bassogog (Shanghai Shenhua), Clinton N’Jie (Sivasspor)
In focus: Cameroon may shock many after last-gasp qualification
Coach: Tite
Star to observe: Neymar
World Cup greatest: Winners 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
How they received right here: Brazil had no points coming by way of South American qualifying as they received 14 and drew three of their 17 video games. The solely actual blip on this cycle for Tite’s males got here after they misplaced within the last of the 2021 Copa America to fierce rivals Argentina.
Confirmed squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)
Defenders: Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Marquinhos (PSG), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Danilo (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Bremer (Juventus), Dani Alves (UNAM)
Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham), Fred (Manchester United), Fabinho (Liverpool), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo)
Forwards: Neymar (PSG), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Antony (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Pedro (Flamengo), Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
In focus: Bookies’ favourites Brazil able to lastly expertise the enjoyment of six
Coach: Dragan Stojković
Star to observe: Aleksandar Mitrovic
World Cup greatest: Group stage 2010, 2018 (Yugoslavia completed fourth in 1930 and 1962, Serbia and Montenegro reached the group stage in 2006)
How they received right here: Serbia impressed in European qualifying as they had been unbeaten in eight video games to prime Group A forward of favourites Portugal, which means they prevented a play-off.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Marko Dmitrovic (Sevilla), Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (Torino), Predrag Rajkovic (Mallorca)
Defenders: Stefan Mitrovic (Getafe), Strahinja Pavlovic (RB Salzburg), Milos Veljkovic (Werder Bremen), Filip Mladenovic (Legia Warsaw), Aleksa Terzic (Fiorentina), Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina), Matija Nastasic (Mallorca), Mihailo Ristic (Benfica)
Midfielders: Dusan Tadic (Ajax), Filip Kostic (Juventus), Nemanja Maksimovic (Getafe), Nemanja Radonjic (Torino), Filip Duricic (Sampdoria), Sasa Lukic (Torino), Andrija Zivkovic (PAOK), Darko Lazovic (Hellas Verona), Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio), Marko Grujic (Porto), Nemanja Gudelj (Sevilla), Uros Racic (Braga)
Forwards: Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Luka Jovic (Fiorentina), Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
In focus: After chic qualification, Serbia able to make World Cup mark
Coach: Diego Alonso
Star to observe: Federico Valverde
World Cup greatest: Winners 1930, 1950
How they received right here: Uruguay had been in peril of lacking out on a spot in Qatar at one level throughout South American qualifying however received their last 4 video games – together with crunch victories over Peru and Chile within the final two matches – to take third spot within the desk, safely sealing their passage.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Sergio Rochet (Nacional), Sebastian Sosa (Independiente)
Defenders: Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Diego Godin (Velez Sarsfield), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Damian Suarez (Getafe), Matias Vina (Roma), Sebastian Coates (Sporting CP), Martin Caceres (LA Galaxy), Mathias Olivera (Napoli), Guillermo Varela (Flamengo)
Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte (Sporting CP), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Nicolas de la Cruz (River Plate), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Lucas Torreira (Galatasaray), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Matias Vecino (Lazio), Mauro Arambarri (Getafe)
Forwards: Luis Suarez (Nacional), Darwin Nunez (Liverpool), Facundo Torres (Orlando City), Edinson Cavani (Valencia), Facundo Pellistri (Manchester United), Agustin Canobbio (Athletico Paranaense)
In focus: World Cup set to be the top of an period for Uruguay
Coach: Paulo Bento
Star to observe: Son Heung-min
World Cup greatest: Fourth place 2002
How they received right here: South Korea certified for a tenth World Cup in a row by topping a bunch containing Lebanon, Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka to achieve the third spherical of Asian qualifying, the place they cruised into the match correct by ending second behind Iran with only one loss in 10 video games to come back 9 factors forward of UAE.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu (Al-Shabab), Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan Hyundai), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors)
Defenders: Kim Jin-su (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Hong Chul (Daegu FC), Kim Moon-hwan (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Kim Young-gwon (Ulsan Hyundai), Kwon Kyung-won (Gamba Osaka), Kim Tae-hwan (Ulsan Hyundai), Cho Yu-min (Daejon Hana Citizen), Kim Min-jae (Napoli), Yoon Jong-gyu (FC Seoul)
Midfielders: Jung Woo-young (Al-Sadd), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang In-beom (Olympiacos), Na Sang-ho (FC Seoul), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolves), Kwon Chang-hoon (Gimcheon Sangmu), Paik Seung-ho (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Son Jun-ho (Shandong Taishan), Jeong Woo-yeong (Freiburg), Lee Kang-in (Mallorca), Yanh Hyun-jun (Gangwon FC)
Forwards: Son Heung-min (Tottenham), Hwang Ui-jo (Olympiacos), Cho Gue-sung (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors)
In focus: Struggling South Korea counting on their favorite Son to make World Cup impression
Coach: Fernando Santos
Star to observe: Bernardo Silva
World Cup greatest: Third place 1966
How they received right here: Portugal needed to work onerous to seal their spot in Qatar as they completed second behind Serbia in Group A of European qualifying to advance to the play-offs. That meant needing to win two, one-off video games to achieve the World Cup which they did by overcoming Turkey 3-1 and North Macedonia 2-0 as Bruno Fernandes grabbed each objectives within the latter.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Patrício (Roma), Jose Sa (Wolves)
Defenders: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Pepe (Porto), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund), Danilo Pereira (PSG), Mario Rui (Napoli), Jose Fonte (Lille)
Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Matheus Nunes (Wolves), William Carvalho (Real Betis), Ruben Neves (Wolves), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Mario (Benfica), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Vitinha (PSG), Renato Sanches (PSG)
Forwards: Joao Felix (Atlético Madrid), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Ricardo Horta (Braga), Andre Silva (RB Leipzig)
In focus: Portugal in search of good steadiness in Ronaldo’s final stand
Coach: Otto Addo
Star to observe: Mohammed Salisu
World Cup greatest: Quarter-finals 2010
How they received right here: Ghana are again on the World Cup after lacking out in 2014. They narrowly topped their group forward of South Africa on objectives scored in the course of the second spherical of African qualification earlier than edging previous Nigeria on away objectives after a 1-1 attract Abuja within the third spherical to ebook their spot in Qatar.
Predicted squad:
Goalkeepers: Richard Ofori (Orlando Pirates), Joe Wollacott (Swindon), Abdul Manaf Nurudeen (Eupen)
Defenders: Denis Odoi (Club Brugge), Tariq Lamptey (Brighton), Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo), Gideon Mensah (Bordeaux), Daniel Amartey (Leicester), Alexander Djiku (Strasbourg), Abdul-Rahman Baba (Reading), Mohammed Salisu (Southampton), Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew)
Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Arsenal), Iddrisu Baba (Real Mallorca), Daniel Kofi-Kyereh (St Pauli), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax), Andre Ayew (Al Saad), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Rennes), Majeed Ashimeru (Anderlecht), Antoine Semenyo (Bristol City)
Forwards: Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Sporting CP), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Felix Afena-Gyan (Roma), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Joseph Paintsil (Genk), Osman Bukari (Red Star Belgrade)
In focus: Memories of 2010 fuelling a Ghana facet on revenge mission
Source: www.impartial.co.uk