The World Cup in Qatar is fast approaching, with only eight months until the tournament kicks off in Doha.
Thirty-two teams will play a total of 64 games across 27 days in the battle to be named World Champions, with France the early favourites but plenty of strong sides willing to challenge the current holders.
But who are those sides? Below is a list of every team that has qualified for the tournament so far ahead of the draw, to be made on April 1st.
Who has qualified?
Qatar (hosts)
Qualified automatically thanks to being the hosts of this year’s tournament.
Argentina
This could be Lionel Messi’s final major tournament, and he and his side will be hoping to make it one to remember.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – JULY 10: Lionel Messi of Argentina kisses the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the final of Copa America Brazil 2021 between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on July 10, 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)
Brazil
Yet to lose any of their 16 qualifying games, Brazil will be confident of improving on their quarter-final finish in 2018.
England
Semi-finalists four years ago and Euro 2020 finalists, England will be among the favourites for the tournament when it commences.
Germany
Hansi Flick’s side came through a relatively straightforward group with ease, but conceded just four goals across qualifying and will be there or thereabouts.
France
The current World and Nations League champions, Les Blues are the team to beat as they look to retain their trophy.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 15: Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates with the World Cup trophy following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
Korea Republic
Korea, famous for their efforts in World Cup 2002 where they made the semifinals, made it through their group without losing a game.
Japan
Having not missed a World Cup since 1994, Japan will be looking to go further than their round of 16 loss to Paraguay in 2018.
Netherlands
After shockingly missing out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the Netherlands will be looking to bounce back with a strong performance in Qatar this November.
Switzerland
The Swiss knocked France out of Euro2020, and Granit Xhaka and co. will be looking to provide more shocks at this year’s tournament.
Iran
Iran topped their qualifying group but will need to continue their strong form if they want to make it out of the group stages at the seventh time of asking in the tournament proper.
Serbia
Having failed to qualify in either of the last two World Cups since they have become an independent nation, Serbia’s footballing talent continues to grow and they could make it third-time lucky in Qatar.
Spain
Perhaps coming into a new golden generation, with youthful stars aplenty, this tournament could come too soon for Spain but they will certainly be one to watch.
Belgium
A side coming to the end of their generation, Belgium will be hoping that their national team finally live up to the hype that they have promised for the last decade.
SEVILLE, SPAIN – JUNE 27: Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium competes for the ball with Renato Sanches of Portugal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between Belgium and Portugal at Estadio La Cartuja on June 27, 2021 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Denmark
Finishing 4th at Euro2020 amid adversity with Christian Eriksen, the Danes are dark horses for this competition once more, having finished above Scotland and Austria in their group to make it through.
Croatia
Finalists last time out in 2018, Croatia’s ship to win a major tournament may well have sailed, failing to make it past the round of 16 at Euro 2020.
Saudi Arabia
Heading to the World Cup for the second time in a row after missing out in 2010 and 2014, Saudi Arabia will be looking to improve on their record of not having made it out of the group stages since their first tournament appearance in 1994.
Uruguay
Two time World Cup champions, Uruguay have not hit the highs of their 4th place finish in 2010 since. In Luis Suarez’s twilight years, it may be the end of a generation in South America.
Ecuador
Did not appear in Russia in 2018, but will be back for Qatar. Will need to seriously over-achieve to make it out of the group stages, though.
Canada
Going to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, their qualification was met by jubilation across the country by players and fans alike. In Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies, they have mercurial talents, and will be hoping for a favourable draw.
Ghana
A goal from Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was enough to see Ghana through to the World Cup finals, to make it four appearances in six tournaments since the turn of the century.
Senegal
Knocked out Egypt and Mo Salah on penalties to secure qualification. The Lions of Teranga will be heading to the World Cup for the third time in their history, having failed to make it out of the group stage in 2018. Will be hoping to do better in Qatar.
Portugal
Survived the play-offs to take their place in Qatar thanks to a 2-0 win over North Macedonia. Will be hoping that their current crop is enough to take them to their first World Cup final in the nation’s history.
Poland
Another side that didn’t make it out of the group stage in Russia, a Robert Lewandoski spearheaded Poland side will be expected to offer a better account of themselves come the 2022 tournament.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – SEPTEMBER 01: A dejected Robert Lewandowski of Poland during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Denmark and Poland at Parken Stadion on September 1, 2017 in Copenhagen. (Photo by Andrew Halseid-Budd/Getty Images)
Tunisia
Returning for their second consecutive World Cup, the Eagles of Carthage have never made it out of the group stage in their history. They will be hoping that changes in Qatar.
Morocco
Stuggled at the recent Africa Cup of Nations but have made it to Qatar in November, having failed to make it out of the group stage in Russia.
Cameroon
Have not won a World Cup game since 2002 in 6 attempts, but a last minute winner against Algeria ensured that they will have a chance to change that record when the next tournament comes around.
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