Even though Belgium won to start Group F play, there is still much to be determined about the two knockout-round spots that are up for grabs.
The majority of their group opener against Canada, competing in their first FIFA World Cup since 1986, was played with the Belgian Red Devils behind. A Michy Batshuayi goal settled the game, but the Canadians showed that they would have greater influence in this group.
Additionally, the fact that Croatia’s second match against Morocco ended in a 0-0 tie leaves everything up in the air. Next, Canada will play Morocco and Croatia.
With a win against Morocco on their second matchday, Belgium can guarantee a berth in the Round of 16. However, the Atlas Lions’ conservative defensive strategy and a big travelling group of Moroccan fans should make things more difficult.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Group F Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Wed, Nov. 23 | Morocco vs Croatia | 05:00 A.M. | Al Bayt Stadium |
| Wed, Nov. 23 | Belgium vs Canada | 02:00 P.M. | Ahmed bin Ali Stadium |
| Sun, Nov. 27 | Belgium vs Morocco | 08:00 A.M. | Al Thumama |
| Sun, Nov. 27 | Croatia vs Canada | 11:00 A.M. | Khalifa Int’l |
| Thurs, Dec. 1 | Croatia vs Belgium | 10:00 A.M. | Ahmad Bin Ali |
| Thurs, Dec. 1 | Canada vs Morocco | 10:00 A.M. | Al Thumama |
The group’s four teams compete against one another in a round-robin style. Three points are awarded for a victory, one point is awarded for a tie, and zero points are awarded for a defeat in determining the final rankings of each group.
The two best teams in each group, determined by point totals, go on to the elimination rounds. Suppose two teams have the same no. Of points, the difference in goals scored between them is used to break the tie. Another set of tiebreakers is used if the teams are deadlocked in those areas.
Brief Team Review: Morocco
As one of Africa’s best-performing football teams, Morocco will bring many A-list players to the Qatar 2022 championships.
Pars Saint fullback Germain’s Achraf Hakimi will have a heavy load to carry, but he’ll have help from players like Sofaine Boufal, who has Premier League experience thanks to his time with Southampton and is the club’s top scorer.
When the Africa Cup of Nations was played earlier this year, Morocco made it to the semifinals before being eliminated by Egypt, who went on to win the tournament.
- Current FIFA World Ranking: No. 22 (November 2022)
- Regional Ranking: 2nd (CAF)
- FIFA World Cup Titles: None
- World Cup Appearances (Last): 5 Times (Russia 2018)
- How Qualified They Are: (CAF Third Round Winner: (Agg 5-2 vs DR Congo)
- Morocco Team Coach Name: Vahid Halilhodzic (Bosnia) Since August 2019
- Key Players of Morocco to Watch: Sofaine Boufal (Angers / France), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain / France), Romain Saiss (Besiktas / Turkey)
Brief Team Review: Croatia
At the 2018 World Cup, Croatia stunned many by making it to the championship game, where France ultimately defeated them. However, they didn’t do well at Euro 2020, being ousted in the quarterfinals.
The Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is getting on in years, but he is still a fantastic player and the team’s star. The 37-year-old will be playing his last World Cup and looking to leave a lasting impression.
Although Zlatko Dalic’s squad will be confident of advancing beyond the group stage, it’s hard to see them making another deep run in the tournament after losing just once in qualifying, in their first match in Slovenia.
- Current FIFA World Ranking: No. 12 (November 2022)
- Regional Ranking: 10th (UEFA)
- FIFA World Cup Titles: None
- FIFA World Cup Appearances (Last): 5 Times (Russia 2018)
- How Qualified They Are: UEFA Group H winners: 7W-1L-2D
- Croatia Team Coach Name: Zlatko Dalic (Croatia) since October 2017
- Key Players of Croatia to Watch: Luka Modric (Real Madrid / Spain), Ivan Perisic (Tottenham / England), Domagoj Vida (AEK Athens / Greece)
Brief Team Review: Canada
After a successful qualifying campaign that saw them finish atop the CONCACAF rankings, Canada will return to the FIFA World Cup after an absence of 36 years.
Fans and players alike showed their emotions as the squad sealed its position in Qatar with a 4-0 win against Jamaica in Toronto at the end of March. Star player Alphonso Davies even broke down in tears while watching the game on Twitch.
Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) caused by COVID-19 kept Davies out of action for that game, and Canada needs the Bayern Munich winger to be at full strength if they are to advance. John Herdman, the only coach to ever lead a side in the women’s and men’s World Cups, will be looking to create history for himself this year.
- Current FIFA World Ranking: No. 41 (November 2022)
- Regional Ranking: 4th (CONCACAF)
- FIFA World Cup Titles: None
- World Cup Appearances (Last): 1 Time (Mexico, 1986)
- How Qualified They Are: (CONCACAF Winners: 8W-2L-4D)
- Canada Team Coach Name: John Herdman (England) Since January 2018
- Key Players of Canada to Watch: Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC / Canada), Junior Hoilett (Reading / England), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich / Germany)
Brief Team Review: Belgium
Although Belgium’s golden generation has passed its prime and the team is no longer rated first in the world by FIFA, they still have access to several influential players and are favourites to do well in Qatar.
To be sure, Red Devils coach Roberto Martinez hopes this tournament will be where his team fulfils the hype around them and takes home the hardware. Their roster includes talented players like Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Romelu Lukaku of Inter.
Both in Euro 2020 and the 2018 World Cup, Belgium was eliminated in the quarterfinals. They have a decent shot of doing well again, but they’ll need to keep their cool under pressure this time.
- Current FIFA World Ranking: No. 2 (November 2022)
- Regional Ranking: 1st (UEFA)
- World Cup Titles: None
- World Cup Appearances (Last): 13 Times (Russia 2018)
- How Qualified They Are: UEFA Group E winners: 6W-0L-2D
- Belgium Coach Name: Roberto Martinez (Spain) since August 2016
- Key Players of Belgium to Watch: Kevin De Bryune (Manchester City / England), Romelu Lukaku (Inter / Italy), Eden Hazard (Real Madrid / Spain)
