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World Cup matches today: The full list of Qatar 2022 fixtures and predictions for November 29

World Cup matches today: The full list of Qatar 2022 fixtures and predictions for November 29 - GETTY IMAGES
World Cup matches today: The full list of Qatar 2022 fixtures and predictions for November 29 - GETTY IMAGES

The final round of group-stage matches at the Qatar World Cup begin today as teams continue battling it out in the first ever winter instalment of the competition.

The 22nd edition of the quadrennial tournament, which began way back in 1930, is also the first to be held in an Arab country. The State of Qatar is the smallest country in size (11,600 km2) and population (2.7 million) ever to host.

The World Cup features eight groups of four teams before the top two from each go through to a knockout round of 16, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. This format will be changed for the World Cup 2026 when the tournament will be expanded to 48 teams as the USA, Mexico and Canada co-host.

All World Cup matches today

Netherlands vs Qatar (Group A)

Ecuador vs Senegal (Group A)

Wales vs England (Group B)

Iran vs USA (Group B)

Today's match predictions

From Jason Burt in Doha

Ecuador 1 Senegal 1

Likelihood is England will face the team that triumphs. Ecuador need a draw and but will miss the suspended Jhegson Mendez. Senegal have to win but have been a disappointment so far and are not the same without Sadio Mane.

Netherlands 3 Qatar 0

This should be a one-sided procession and a chance for the Dutch, unconvincing so far, to kickstart their tournament against arguably the worst host team to feature in a World Cup.

Iran 2 USA 3

A draw will probably be enough for Iran. The USA need to win and after their performance against England should get the job done. But this will be a fiery match – with all the political dimensions – and that could change everything.

Wales 0 England 2

England are all but through but are not going to lack motivation. They need a win and that will be hammered home by Gareth Southgate while Wales have looked too old and lacking in quality.

When are the knockout stages?

The knockout stages of this year's World Cup begin with the round of 16 before moving through to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. The first round of 16 match is on Saturday, December 3 at 3pm.

What date is the World Cup 2022 final?

The last match of the World Cup will take place on Qatar National Day – Sunday, December 18. It will kick-off at 3pm UK time (6pm in Qatar, 10am ET, 9am CT and 7am PT) at the 80,000-seater Lusail Stadium.

Where is the next World Cup taking place?

The World Cup 2026 will be held across three host countries - America, Canada and Mexico - in a tournament first after the trio's bid fended off a strong proposal from Morocco. The competition matches will be played across 16 different cities - 11 from America, two in Canada and three in Mexico.

This article is kept updated with the latest information.