– The official Mexico squad has finally been released by Tata Martino
– Ghana, Tunisia and finally Ecuador confirm their WC 2022 squads on Monday
– Singer Dua Lipa issues statement denying involvement with opening stage ceremony next Sunday
– Leo Messi and Argentina arrive in the Emirates ahead of midweek friendly vs. UAE
– USMNT squad numbers announced
Browse our latest World Cup 2022 articles:
2022 WORLD CUP
Qatar 2022 World Cup: Calendar, full match schedule, groups, teams and kick-off times in the US
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Qatar 2022 World Cup: These are the nicknames of all 32 participating teams
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These are all the official jerseys of the 32 national teams in the Qatar 2022 World Cup
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Gay icon David Beckham given World Cup 2022 ultimatum
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USMNT World Cup 2022 Qatar squad numbers announced
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Which soccer superstars will miss World Cup 2022? Haaland, Salah, Luis Díaz, Ibra…
One of the many great things with this World Cup, besides the fact that it’s illegal to be gay in Qatar, the thousands of dead migrant workers or the fact that FIFA are telling us all to ignore the problems, is the amount of injured players that happens during a professional football season.
Our Joe takes a look at the biggest names who we won’t be seeing at the tournament, be it through injury or a failure to qualify with their nation. And he reckons the starting eleven could have even won the tournament.
The USMNT squad numbers have been announced, with a few surprises. Check them out here.
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The USMNT arrive at Qatar with an Italian chef they met in El Salvador
The USMNT are in Qatar. Most of the players and coaching staff arrived over the weekend and they brought along with a host of staff who will be at hand for all of their off-field needs, including their own personal chef, whothey bumped into during the qualifying round.
Lloris focusing on football not politics with France in Qatar
Hugo Lloris think players must focus on football at the World Cup amid concerns over human rights in Qatar but admits they "cannot remain insensitive" over the issues. Qatar has come under the spotlight long before the first game of the tournament on Sunday due to controversy over human rights in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.
France goalkeeper Lloris is one of nine captains who will wear a distinctive rainbow heart-adorned armband at the tournament, raising awareness for the OneLove campaign against discrimination.
However, the France skipper shares FIFA's view that players should respect the beliefs of their host country, telling reporters: "I have my personal opinion and that is in line with that of the president [French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet]. When we welcome foreigners to France, we want them to follow our rules and respect our culture. I will do the same when I go to Qatar. We may not agree with that, but I will show respect. We cannot remain insensitive to these subjects. We are asking more and more of the players. But I believe that we must keep the focus on the game. Outside, everyone is free to express themselves and defend their opinions. There’s too much pressure on the players. We are at the bottom of the chain. If you have to apply pressure, first of all it had to be 10 years ago. Now it’s too late. You have to understand that for players this opportunity happens every four years and you want every chance to succeed. The focus has to be on the field – the rest is for politicians. We are sportsmen."
Morocco face anxious wait on injured forward Harit
Morocco forward Amine Harit has sustained a knee injury, the Ligue 1 club said on Monday, just over a week before the country's World Cup opener with Croatia. "Harit, injured during the match against AS Monaco on Sunday, has suffered a sprain of the cruciate ligaments of the left knee," Olympique Marseille said in a statement. The club did not give a timeline for the 25-year-old's recovery after he was carried off on a stretcher before the hour mark during Marseille's 3-2 win at Monaco.
French media said he was likely to miss the World Cup. Morocco's team delegation, including seven players, landed in Doha, Qatar on Sunday. The rest of the squad are due to join them once they are discharged by their respective clubs. Morocco kick off their World Cup campaign on 23 November against Croatia; they also face Belgium and Canada in Group F.
Ghana can have big impact at World Cup, says coach Addo
Interim Ghana manager Otto Addo believes his team can make a significant impact at the World Cup in Qatar as the Black Stars prepare for their fourth finals.
Addo, with no previous senior coaching experience, took charge ofGhana in February after the sacking of Milovan Rajevac following their early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.
"We can beat anyone. It's up to the players, not me. It’s their performances that have brought them this far. They have the quality, with or without me," Addo told FIFA's website. "I’m responsible for putting them in the right positions so that they can produce their best performances, with and without the ball. They have to be able to play together."
Addo, who is combining his role as talent manager at Borussia Dortmund with the national team job, will lead Ghana into their Group H opener against Portugal on 24 November before they face South Korea four days later and Uruguay on 2 December.
"We’re going up against three strong opponents and we could lose all three games or win all three. It’s up to us and how we adapt to their playing style, how we stop them, how we work together as a team," Addo continued. "Every single game is different and the first match will be decisive. The subsequent games depend on the first one. If we lose, we need to be more attacking in the second match, but if not we can set ourselves up differently".
Sergio Ramos disappointed by World Cup omission
Sergio Ramos said he was disappointed to be excluded from Spain's World Cup squad after returning to full fitness following a calf injury that limited his playing time with Paris Saint-Germain last season. Spain manager Luis Enrique announced his 26-man squad for the tournament in Qatar, opting tp leave out experienced players like Ramos, midfielder Thiago Alcantara, defender Marcos Alonso and goalkeeper David de Gea.
Ramos, 36, who joined PSG last year after 16 trophy-laden years at Real Madrid, wrote an emotional letter to fans after missing out on the chance to feature in his fifth World Cup. "I devoted myself, body and soul, to recovering and getting back to feeling the way I always have… Fortunately, I can say that this season I feel like myself again and am back enjoying football," Ramos wrote on Instagram. "The World Cup? Of course, it was one of those big dreams I wanted to realise. It would have been my fifth but unfortunately I'll have to watch it at home".
Ramos, who won the 2010 World Cup with Spain, added, 'It's tough, but the sun will still rise in the morning. I wouldn't change anything about myself. Not my mentality. Not my passion. Not my commitment, effort, and dedication."
Spain play Jordan in a friendly on Thursday ahead of their World Cup opener against Costa Rica. They also face Germany and Japan in Group E in Qatar.
Neymar arrives late for Brazil training due to flight delay
Neymar and Marquinhos arrived late for the first day of World Cup training on Monday due to problems with their flight from Paris to Turin where Brazil are holding a five-day camp before flying to Doha.
All 26 players in the squad were due to report on Monday morning to the Juventus training facility but Neymar and Marquinhos, who play for Paris Saint-Germain, were delayed because the aircraft had to be changed due to mechanical problems. The pair arrived in the afternoon as coach Tite was running the first session with light drills involving the 14 players in the squad who did not play for their clubs over the weekend.
Neymar and Marquinhos joined the other players in the gym at the end of the session. According to Brazil's technical staff, the plan is to use the first two days in Turin to evaluate the physical condition of the players, managing the activity load. They intend to hold the first full practice on the field on Wednesday. Brazil open their World Cup Group G campaign against Serbia on 24 November before facing Switzerland and Cameroon.
Rainbow-themed badge adorns USMNT training camp in Qatar
The USMNT World Cup squad are showing their support for the LGBTQ community by way of a rainbow-themed team logo inside their training facility and media workroom.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar which is hosting the tournament starting on Sunday. The design features seven rainbow-colored vertical stripes below 'USA' in dark blue letters and is part of the 'Be The Change' initiative the team adopted in 2020 with the goal of inspiring action on social justice issues.
"When we are on the world stage and when we are in a venue like Qatar, it is important to bring awareness to these issues and that is what 'Be the Change' is about," USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter told a news conference on Monday. "It is not just stateside that we want to bring attention to social issues, it is also abroad. We recognise that Qatar has made strides and there has been a ton of progress but there's some work still to do."
Organisers of the World Cup, which is the first to be held in a Middle Eastern nation, say that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or background, is welcome, while also warning against public displays of affection.
Soccer players have raised concerns over the rights of fans travelling to the event, especially LGBTQ individuals and women, whom rights groups say Qatari laws discriminate against. "We are a group who believes in inclusivity and we will continue to project that message going forward," said US goalkeeper Sean Johnson. "We have chatted and continue to have discussions as we lead into the games. We have leaned on the message of 'Be the Change'. That is something that we have been proud of and continue to work towards, be impactful with ourselves, our presence and our platform, and we will continue to be so here in Qatar."
The rainbow badge, which will not be worn by the team during World Cup games, has been routinely displayed by US Soccer no matter the occasion as a way to promote a spirit of inclusivity. "Our rainbow badge has an important and consistent role in the identity of U.S. Soccer," spokesman Neil Buethe said in an email to Reuters. "As part of our approach for any match or event, we include rainbow branding to support and embrace the LGBTQ community, as well as to promote a spirit of inclusiveness and welcoming to all fans across the globe. As a result, locations that we will manage and operate at the World Cup, such as the team hotel, media areas and parties, will feature both traditional and rainbow US Soccer branding".
Varane eyeing game one for Les Bleus
Didier Deschamps says France are “not going to cut corners” with Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, who has been deemed fit enough to play at the World Cup.
The 29-year-old was in tears when he had to be substituted on the hour mark during his United’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in October.
He has since not been involved any match at club level, where it was later confirmed he sustained a hamstring injury which has kept him out of action since.
Amy Lawrence and Omar Garrick report.
Mexico squad "official"
The man known for his transfer insider knowledge appears to have a line to Tata too.
Lots of reactions to this news and we will bring you official, official confirmation from the camp as soon as it comes…
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What hotel is the USMNT staying at during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?
For the duration of the World Cup the United States men’s national team will stay and train in a luxury resort ‘The Pearl’. Located in Doha, where a suite can cost up to $16,500 per night, the rooms will include a stunning sea view.
Gregg Berhalter’s squad will be able to enjoy the five-star luxury resort on a man-made island and, unlike previous at World Cups, the USMNT will be at the same hotel for the entire tournament due to the proximity of all eight stadiums to Doha.
Ramos: 'It's hard not being selected, but I'll watch it from home'
PSG defender Sergio Ramos took to Instagram to convey his disappointment at not being picked to play with Spain at the forthcoming World Cup.
The tournament would have been Ramos' fifth with the former Real Madrid man admitted that he is resigned to watching the action from home.
Bruno Fernandes voices World Cup concerns
Manchester United midfielder and Portugal international Bruno Fernandes was delighted with his side's 2-1 win over Fulham on Sunday but less so with the timing of the World Cup, which begins next weekend in Qatar, necessitating a six-week Premier League break.
The 28-year-old told Sky Sports that the timing of the tournament, which usually takes place in June and July but has been shifted to the cooler temperatures of December in Qatar, was off-putting for players and fans alike.
"Of course it's strange, It's not exactly the time we want to be playing in the World Cup. I think for everyone, players and fans, it's not the best time. Kids will be at school, people will be working and the timings will not be the best for people to watch the games," he said.
The decision to award the tournament to Qatar has provoked widespread criticism, with concerns expressed over labour laws and human rights in the country.
"We know the surroundings of the World Cup, what has been in the past few weeks, past few months, about the people that have died on the construction of the stadiums. We are not happy about that at all," Fernandes said, flanked by team mate and Denmark international Christian Eriksen.
"We want football to be for everyone, everyone has to be included and involved in a World Cup because a World Cup is for the world. It's for everyone, it doesn't matter who."
Tata / David Borrat / EFE
Mexico Group C ko times (ET/PT)
22 November: Lusail Stadium: Argentina-Saudi Arabia 08:00 am ET /05:00 am PT
22 November: Stadium 974: Mexico-Poland 02:00 pm ET /11:00 am PT
26 November: Education City Stadium: Poland-Saudi Arabia 05:00 am ET /02:00 am PT
26 November: Lusail Stadium: Argentina-Mexico 2:00 pm ET /11:00 am PT
30 November: Stadium 974: Poland-Argentina 2:00 pm ET /11:00 am PT
30 November: Lusail: Saudi Arabia-Mexico 2:00 pm ET /11:00 am PT
Selección: Estados Unidos. / Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Images
USA / Group kick-off times (ET/PT)
21 November: Khalifa International Stadium: England-Iran 08:00 am ET / 05:00 am PT
21 November: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium: USA-Wales 02:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT
25 November: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium: Wales-Iran 05:00 am ET / 02:00 am PT
25 November: Al Bayt Stadium: England-USA 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT
29 November: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium: Wales-England 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT
29 November: Al Thumama Stadium: Iran-USA 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT
Brazil, Argentina and France tipped for WC22
The betting aggregator 'oddschecker' singles out South American giants Brazil and Argentina as the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy at the Lusail Stadium on 18 December with current holders France tipped as they third favourites to retain their crown.
Tunisia squad confirmed
The 2022 World Cup Tunisian squad features 10 players from the squad that competed at the last tournament, where Tunisia were beaten by both Belgium and England but did win their last group game against Panama.
Veteran goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi, captain in Russia, returns to the squad after a three-year absence in a list of four goalkeepers for the tournament.
Tunisia play a warm-up friendly against Iran in Doha on Wednesday, before taking on Denmark, Australia and France in Group D as they look to advance past the first round for the first time in six World Cup finals appearances.
Tunisia Squad:
Goalkeepers: Aymen Dahmen (CS Sfaxien), Bechir Ben Said (US Monastir), Mouez Hassen (Club Africain), Aymen Mathlouthi (Etoile Sahel)
Defenders: Ali Abdi (Caen), Dylan Bronn (Salernitana), Mohamed Drager (FC Luzern), Nader Ghandri (Club Africain), Bilel Ifa (Kuwait SC), Wajdi Kechrida (Atromitos), Ali Maaloul (Al Ahly), Yassine Meriah (Esperance), Montassar Talbi (Lorient)
Midfielders: Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Ghaylane Chaalali (both Esperance), Aissa Laidouni (Ferencvaros), Hannibal Mejbri (Birmingham City), Ferjani Sassi (Al Duhail), Elyas Skhiri (FC Cologne)
Forwards: Anis Ben Slimane (Brondby), Seifeddine Jaziri (Zamalek), Issam Jebali (Odense), Wahbi Khazri (Montpellier), Taha Yassine Khenissi (Kuwait SC), Youssef Msakni (Al Arabi), Naim Sliti (Al Ittifaq).
Ghana squad announced
Otto Addo has named his 26-man squad for the tournament, where the Black Stars face Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay in Group H.
The squad will be captained by Dede Ayew, who was part of the team that reached the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010 – only the third time an African nation has reached the last eight of a World Cup.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), Danlad Ibrahim (Asante Kotoko), Manaf Nurudeen (Eupen)
Defenders: Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo), Daniel Amartey (Leicester City), Abdul-Rahman Baba (Reading), Alexander Djiku (Racing Strasbourg), Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion), Gideon Mensah (AJ Auxerre), Denis Odoi (Club Brugge), Mohammed Salisu (Southampton), Alidu Seidu (Clermont Foot)
Midfielders: Andre Ayew (Al Sadd), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax Amsterdam), Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (SC Freiburg), Elisha Owusu (Gent), Thomas Partey (Arsenal), Salis Abdul Samed (Racing Lens)
Forwards: Daniel Afriyie (Hearts of Oak), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Osman Bukari (Red Star Belgrade), Issahaku Abdul Fatawu (Sporting Lisbon), Antoine Semenyo (Bristol City), Kamal Sowah (Club Brugge), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Stade Rennes), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
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Gay icon David Beckham given World Cup 2022 ultimatum
Berhalter's US side train in Doha
The United States side were one of the first to touch down in Doha and have settled into their luxury resort ‘The Pearl’. Located in Doha, where a suite can cost up to $16,500 per night, the rooms will include a stunning sea view.
The squad met up with Doha based members of the US military over the weekend and are training at the Thani bin Jassim Stadium which is normally to Qatar Stars League side Al Gharafa.
Tata Martino (Mexico) / EDDY KELELE / DIARIO AS
Gimenez and Lainez set to miss out
Speculation is rife in many circles that Mexico head coach is set to overlook Feyenoord striker Santi Gimenez and Sporting Braga winger Diego Lainez ahead of his squad announcement on Monday evening.
The Argentine coach has been holding out hopes on Wolves striker Raul Jimenez being fit to travel with suggestions that the No. 9 just about to be ready for the test ahead in Qatar,
Irving rocking Viduka shirt
Australia player turned a few heads upon his arrival in Doha as he sported a retro Glasgow Celtic shirt with 'Viduka 36' on the back as the St. Pauli player paid tribute to the former Aussie soccer hero.
Australia latest team to arrive
The Socceroos were the latest team to touch down in the Gulf with their players flying in from all corners of the world with Graham Arnold's men in Group D along with France, Tunisia and Denmark.
Ecuador, Mexico, Ghana and Tunisia to confirm squads today
Today marks the official deadline that FIFA have stipulated to all national teams in submitting their squads ahead of the competition. Teams can bring a maximum of 26 players (an increase of 3 from the 2018 tournament) with Mexico, Ghana, Tunisia and Ecuador set to confirm their squads later today.
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Dua Lipa: ‘I will not be performing in Qatar’
One of the big stories this morning related to the tournament concerned off-field matters as popular singer Dua Lipa issued a statement anxious to distance herself from rumours that suggested that she was one of the artists scheduled to perform at the opening ceremony at the Al Bayt Stadium next Sunday.
In the days leading up to the start of the competition, we'll bring you the latest news as teams arrive in the Gulf, we'll update you on the definitive squads that will be heading to the Middle East, how the natonal team coaches are preparing and information on the many friendly games that will be staged this week as teams fine tune their preparation ahead of the tournament.
The opening ceremony at the spectacular Al Bayt Stadium will precede the first game of the competition as host nation Qatar will face Ecuador.
Hello and a warm welcome to our live build-up ahead of the 2022 World Cup with the action getting underway next Sunday.
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