The United States men's national team is in a must-win situation against Iran on Tuesday at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Americans have two points from two...
World Cup 2022 Groups Table: Predicting the Knockout Bracket
Nov 27, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 26: Kylian Mbappe of France looks on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match between France and Denmark at Stadium 974 on November 26, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Thirty of the 32 teams entered in the 2022 FIFA World Cup are still alive to advance to the knockout round.
The permutations are easier for some squads to advance to the round of 16, and only France has officially confirmed its spot in the knockout round.
Qatar and Canada are the two officially eliminated squads. That number could inflate after Monday's games in Groups G and H depending on the results in those four matches.
A handful of squads, including the United States men's national team, face win-and-in situations on their final group matchdays.
Other teams, like Germany, need wins and some help in potentially lopsided matchups to keep their World Cup hopes alive for at least a few more days.
Round of 16 Predictions
Netherlands (Group A winner) vs. United States (Group B runner-up)
Argentina (Group C winner) vs. Denmark (Group D runner-up)
Spain (Group E winner) vs. Morocco (Group F runner-up)
Brazil (Group G winner) vs. Portugal (Group H runner-up)
England (Group B winner) vs. Ecuador (Group A runner-up)
France (Group D winner) vs. Poland (Group C runner-up)
Croatia (Group F winner) vs. Germany (Group E runner-up)
Uruguay (Group H winner) vs. Switzerland (Group G runner-up)
Group A
1. Netherlands - 4 points (+2 goal differential)
2. Ecuador - 4 (+2)
3. Senegal - 3 (0)
4. Qatar - 0 (-4) - eliminated from tournament.
The Netherlands should confirm themselves as Group A winner on Tuesday with a win over Qatar.
The Dutch should outclass the host nation with ease. Qatar was eliminated from advancing to the knockout round after the second matchday. The Qataris have not had enough quality to deal with Ecuador and Senegal, and the same can be said about their matchup with the Dutch.
Most of the Group A attention Tuesday will be on Ecuador and Senegal inside the Khalifa International Stadium.
Ecuador has a one-point advantage over Senegal, and its defense could be massive in that match. La Tri conceded once in Qatar. The concession to the Dutch was the first goal allowed in eight matches for the South American side.
Senegal's back line has been more open lately, as it has one clean sheet in the last seven games.
Ecuador only needs a draw to advance, and even if it wins, it will likely not match the Netherlands' goal output against Qatar.
Group B
1. England - 4 (+4)
2. Iran - 3 (-2)
3. United States - 2 (0)
4. Wales - 1 (-2)
The United States needs a win over Iran to advance out of Group B. Any other result would not allow them to leap over Iran in the standings.
The Americans played three solid halves in the first two games, and they need to have more punch in the final third to beat an Iran side that has a negative goal differential from its 6-2 loss to England.
England should beat the Welsh in a match of regional rivals. Wales will be without goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who was sent off late in the second half against Iran.
Wales looked the worst of the four Group B sides through two matches, and it may be hard for the Welsh to compete with the England, especially a result needed for the Three Lions to advance in first place.
England has extra motivation to finish in first place because that would allow it to avoid a round-of-16 clash with the Netherlands.
Group C
1. Poland - 4 (+2)
2. Argentina - 3 (+1)
3. Saudi Arabia - 3 (-1)
4. Mexico - 1 (-2)
The Argentina-Poland match will determine the fate of Group C.
Argentina looked relieved after beating Mexico on Saturday, and that help the Albiceleste play with more energy and less stress against Poland.
The South American side should be favored against Poland and a win gets it into the knockout round, and more importantly, it will avoid France in the round of 16.
Poland can still get through to the knockout round with a loss. A Mexico-Saudi Arabia draw allows that to happen.
Mexico will be playing for pride and an outside chance to land a spot in the round of 16. Saudi Arabia struggled to create offense against Poland after beating Argentina in its opener.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will be Poland's best friend on Wednesday. If he keeps Saudi Arabia out, Mexico scores one or two goals and Poland loses by just one goal, Poland will go through on goal differential.
Group D
1. France - 6 (+4)
2. Australia - 3 (-2)
3. Denmark - 1 (-1)
4. Tunisia - 1 (-1)
France is assumed to be the Group D winner.
The reigning World Cup champion has two wins from two games, and it should beat Tunisia, even if it rotates some of its squad to stay fresh for the knockout round.
Denmark should be the favored side against Australia. The Danes resided in the same situation at UEFA Euro 2020 and won. They went on to reach the semifinals of that tournament.
Denmark needs a win to leap over Australia, while the Aussies just need a draw from that match to advance.
Tunisia is still alive, but a win over France seems very unlikely with the form that Kylian Mbappé is in. Mbappé is tied for the Golden Boot lead with three goals.
Group E
1. Spain - 4 (+7)
2. Japan - 3 (0)
3. Costa Rica - 3 (-6)
4. Germany - 1 (-1)
All four teams are still alive in Group E.
Germany needs a win over Costa Rica and a bit of help to avoid a second straight group-stage exit.
Costa Rica gained an edge on Germany with a win over Japan on Sunday, but the Ticos could still be outclassed by a roster full of Bayern Munich stars.
Spain's formula to win the group is simple. La Roja needs to beat Japan to finish in first place. A draw combined with a Germany win allows the Spanish to get into the round of 16 in first as well.
Japan beat Germany and then went into a conservative strategy against Costa Rica that cost it that result. Japan could now be on the brink of elimination given how strong Spain is playing.
Group F
1. Croatia - 4 (+3)
2. Morocco - 4 (+2)
3. Belgium - 3 (-1)
4. Canada - 0 (-4) - eliminated from tournament
Croatia and Morocco have the clear advantages going into the final day of play in Group F.
Croatia's attack woke up against Canada to put it on top of the group ahead of Morocco on goal differential.
Belgium has been one of the most disappointing teams in the tournament, and it faces an uphill climb to get out of third place since it plays Croatia.
Croatia outperformed Belgium over 180 minutes of play, and it is expected to at least get a point out of the meeting of 2018 World Cup semifinalists.
Canada's defense allowed numerous wide-open chances to Croatia, and that could once again be its downfall against Morocco. The second-place team in Group F could be the only African side in the knockout round.
Group G
1. Brazil - 3 (+2)
2. Switzerland - 3 (+1)
3. Cameroon - 0 (-1)
4. Serbia - 0 (-2)
Group G is one of two groups with two matches left to play.
Brazil should be fine without Neymar because Richarlison is in some of the best form of any player on the international level. Richarlison scored twice in the opener against Serbia.
The Selecao take on Switzerland on Monday for first place in the group. That could allow Serbia or Cameroon to sneak into second place with a victory in their contest Monday.
Serbia sits at the biggest disadvantage because it conceded twice against Brazil. The European side could make up that gap with a win over Cameroon before it faces Switzerland in the group finale.
Brazil looked like the strongest squad in the first set of matches, and it is the favorite to win Group G until proved otherwise.
Group H
1. Portugal - 3 (+1)
2. Uruguay - 1 (0)
3. South Korea - 1 (0)
4. Ghana - 0 (-1)
Portugal and Uruguay find themselves in the same situation in Group H as Brazil and Switzerland in Group G.
They are perceived as the top two teams in Group H and either side can gain separation on top of the group Monday.
Portugal scored three goals, but it also conceded on two occasions to Ghana. Uruguay had the stronger defensive performance with a clean sheet in a scoreless draw versus South Korea.
Uruguay's defense could hold up against Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. and its attack, led by Darwin Núñez and Luis Suárez, could take advantage of a Portuguese defense that was opened up in the second half by Ghana.
Report: Manchester United Open to Christian Pulisic Loan After Cristiano Ronaldo Exit
Nov 27, 2022
AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 25: USA forward Christian Pulisic takes a corner kick during the Group B Match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar between USA and England on November 25, 2022, at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Richard Gordon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Manchester United are open to a loan move for Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic during the January transfer window, according to Mark Ogden of ESPN.
The club could look to strengthen its attack after parting ways with Cristiano Ronaldo last week.
Newcastle United and Arsenal have also reportedly been made aware of Pulisic's availability when the window opens. Per Ogden, the United States international is hoping to find a new club after seeing limited playing time with Chelsea this season.
Pulisic has appeared in 13 of Chelsea's 14 Premier League matches this season, but he's made only three starts and ranks 16th on the team in minutes. He has one goal and one assist in league play this year, adding one assist in four Champions League appearances.
The 24-year-old had been seeking a move away from the club during the summer window, but Chelsea were "reluctant to sanction a move" for the forward after losing several other attacking options, per James Olley of ESPN.
There would still be a fight for playing time at Manchester United alongside Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony, but Pulisic could get a fresh start with a new location after an up-and-down career with Chelsea.
Newcastle United also have quality wing options in Allan Saint-Maximin and the red-hot Miguel Almirón, although Pulisic could rotate in for a squad that is surprisingly in third place in the Premier League table.
First-place Arsenal could also use more help offensively as it tries to compete for a championship.
Despite Pulisic's slow start to the year, he's proved himself in the past with six league goals in 22 appearances (13 starts) last season. He scored nine EPL goals with four assists in 2019-20 before helping Chelsea win the Champions League title in 2021.
Brazil Expects Neymar to Return from Injury During World Cup amid '24-Hour' Rehab
Nov 27, 2022
Brazil's Neymar controls the ball during the World Cup group G soccer match between Brazil and Serbia, at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Brazil manager Tite said both Neymar and Danilo will return from injuries suffered in the opening World Cup match against Serbia.
"I believe that Neymar and Danilo will play the World Cup," Tite told reporters, per Tom Hamilton of ESPN. "I believe in that. Medically, clinically, they can talk more about the stages of the treatment. [But] I have no place to talk. I trust that we will be able to use both of them."
Neymar suffered an ankle injury in Thursday's 2-0 victory, coming off in the 80th minute. He has been ruled out for the upcoming match against Switzerland on Monday and will reportedly miss the final group-stage match against Cameroon, per Hamilton.
The forward is undergoing 24-hour physiotherapy to help heal the injury.
There is a chance Neymar can return in time for the knockout stages, but Brazil will have to make a run without arguably its most important player.
The 30-year-old carried the squad through qualifying, scoring eight goals with eight assists in 10 matches as Brazil finished on top of the CONMEBOL table. No one else was responsible for more than six goals during qualifying.
The Paris Saint-Germain star has showcased his form during the Ligue 1 season with 11 goals and nine assists for the first-place club.
Brazil has no shortage of attacking options, with Vinícius Júnior, Richarlison, Raphinha, Gabriel Jesus and more proven players on the roster. These forwards could provide enough goals to help advance through the group stage.
However, the team likely needs Neymar back on the pitch to reach its goal of a World Cup title.
Portugal can take a commanding lead on top of Group H at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a win over Uruguay on Monday. Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. earned the top...
World Cup 2022 Scores: Saturday's Group Results and Sunday's Schedule
Nov 26, 2022
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 26: Lionel Messi (10) of Argentina celebrates after his goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Mexico at Lusail Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Salih Zeki Fazlioglu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Three of the biggest names in men's soccer produced crucial goals for their respective teams at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Robert Lewandowski finally broke his World Cup scoring drought in Poland's 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, Kylian Mbappe bagged a brace in France's 2-1 victory over Denmark and Lionel Messi scored for Argentina to keep its tournament hopes alive in a 2-0 win over Mexico.
Messi's goal was the most important one for the three teams because Argentina was staring at elimination if it lost to Mexico. Argentina now controls its own fate to reach the round of 16.
In Group D, France became the first team to book its spot in the round of 16. Australia, Denmark and Tunisia are all still alive for the second advancement spot.
Australia took control of that group with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, but the Socceroos still have to play Denmark in the final group stage game.
Lionel Messi ensured Argentina would stay alive for advancement into the final group stage game.
The Argentinian great rolled a shot from outside the box past a diving Guillermo Ochoa and into the right side of the net in the 64th minute against Mexico.
Argentina's lead was padded by Enzo Fernandez in the 87th minute. That tally moved Argentina ahead of Saudi Arabia by two on goal differential.
Saudi Arabia fell down to third place in Group C after it lost to Poland in the second match of the day.
Robert Lewandowski finished off the victory, when he took advantage of a defensive mistake in the 82nd minute. That was the first World Cup goal in five matches for the Barcelona forward.
Poland topped Group C with its win and now it will go head-to-head with Argentina for first place in the four-team group.
Poland just needs a draw to get through, but Argentina will be playing for the win. Argentina not only wants to avoid any danger in Group C, but the second-place finisher in the group will likely be matched up with France.
Saudi Arabia needs to beat Mexico and make up its goal differential on Argentina, if the two sides both win, to get into the round of 16.
Mexico first needs to beat Saudi Arabia to eliminate the Asian side and then the math becomes a bit more complicated.
A Mexico win and a Poland win would put El Tri through in second place. Mexico would have to make up a four-goal deficit in goal differential to leap over Poland, if the two sides finish on four points.
Group D
1. France - 6 (6 GF, 2 GA, +4 GD)
2. Australia - 3 (2 GF, 4 GA -2 GD)
3. Denmark - 1 (1 GF, 2 GA, -1 GD)
4. Tunisia - 1 (0 GF, 1 GA, - 1 GD)
France became the first team to advance to the round of 16 with its 2-1 win over Denmark.
Kylian Mbappé moved into a tie for the lead for the Golden Boot with a pair of second-half strikes against a Danish side that beat the reigning champion twice in the UEFA Nations League earlier this year.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 61st minute and then secured the victory in the 86th minute. Andreas Christiansen scored Denmark's goal in the 68th minute.
The victory put France three points ahead of Australia in Group D. The French beat the Socceroos by three goals in their opening match in Qatar.
France should clinch first place in Group D in its final group match against Tunisia, who has not scored in the World Cup yet.
Tunisia is still alive for second place in Group D because it sits two points back of Australia.
However, the African side needs to be more productive in attack than it was against the Aussies and Denmark in order to even have a shot against France.
If France wins as expected, Denmark and Australia will fight for the second advancement spot from Group D.
Australia put itself in a great position to move on to the round of 16 through Mitchell Duke's 23rd-minute game-winning goal against Tunisia in Saturday's first match.
Australia needs a win over Denmark to get into the round of 16. A draw would be sufficient as long as France gets one point out of its match against Tunisia.
Denmark gets through with a win over Australia, while Tunisia needs an unlikely win over France and a better goal differential over Denmark, if the two sides are tied, to stay alive in the tournament.
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World Cup Results 2022: Updated Group Standings after Opening Day
Nov 20, 2022
AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 20: Enner Valencia (R) of Ecuador celebrates with Jhegson Mendez (L) after scoring their team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Ecuador opened the 2022 FIFA World Cup with one of the most commanding 2-0 wins you will see in international competition.
The South American nation rolled host side Qatar to kick off play in Group A on Sunday.
Ecuador's win, in the only game played on Sunday, put them on top of the group, which also features Senegal and the Netherlands, for at least 24 hours.
Senegal and the Netherlands will face off in the second game on Monday's slate. England kicks off the Group B slate against Iran in the first game and the United States finishes off the schedule against Wales at 2 p.m. ET.
Updated Group A Standings
1. Ecuador - 3 points (+2 goal differential)
2. Netherlands - 0 (0 GD)
3. Senegal - 0 (0 GD)
4. Qatar - 0 (-2 GD)
Ecuador authored an impressive performance from start to finish in the World Cup opener.
La Tri thought it had a goal in the opening five minutes of the match, but Enner Valencia's header was ruled out due to a offside.
It did not take long for Valencia to find himself on the score sheet. He netted a penalty in the 16th minute and headed home a strike in the 31st minute.
A closer look at Enner Valencia's second goal in the first half for Ecuador 🔥🇪🇨
Ecuador commanded the rest of the game. The South American side held Qatar without a shot on goal and it looked dangerous in other attacking instances in the final 60 minutes.
The victory placed Ecuador on top of Group A and it sent a bit of a statement to Senegal and the Netherlands as to how difficult La Tri can be as an opponent.
Ecuador extended its run of clean sheets to seven games. It faces its biggest challenge of Group A on Friday against the Netherlands.
The Dutch start their return to World Cup action on Monday at 11 a.m. ET versus Senegal, who is out without Sadio Mane.
Senegal suffered a huge loss when Mane was ruled out of the World Cup, but it will still be a tough opponent for the Oranje. Senegal has a strong defense that helped it win the African Cup of Nations last year.
The Dutch are led by Barcelona's Memphis Depay, who tied with England's Harry Kane for the most goals in UEFA World Cup qualifying. Kane and the Three Lions will be first up on Monday.
England takes on Iran at 8 a.m. ET inside the Khalifa International Stadium. Iran is viewed as the weakest team in Group B, but it is ranked 20th in the FIFA men's world rankings.
Group B's first matchday will be completed by the United States and Wales at 2 p.m. ET. That will mark the USMNT's first World Cup game in eight years and Wales' first World Cup match since 1958.
