Qatar appears in their first World Cup stage, and all it took was winning the bid to host it. We have no idea what the Qatar national squad will do for their country, but it’s unlikely they will win the group with no experience or history at the World Cup level. They either join the 95% that advanced to the Round of 16 as a host country or become the second team to fail the group stage (South Africa in 2010). Either way, expect the Netherlands to win the group.

QATAR (50) – Host

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (1ST APPEARANCE)

In the entire history of the World Cup, the host squad usually advances to the Round of 16 95% of the time. The only host team to not advance was South Africa back in 2010, but they didn’t go without a fight. That squad tied with Mexico and upset France, but they unfortunately lost out against Uruguay in the middle of the Group Stage. There’s plenty of unknowns for what Qatar will look like when they take the pitch, but with a home crowd behind them, anything’s possible just like the last 20 host teams that advanced.

ECUADOR (44)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (4TH APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2014)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (DIDN’T ADVANCE IN 2014)

La Tri of Ecuador made their first appearance in 2002 and made the Round of 16 once in 2006. They were close to advancing in 2014 but unfortunately tied against France and lost out. They were positioned at 17, one spot short of advancing. Eight years later, the South American squad returns after an 8-year hiatus and looks to surprise their way to the Round of 16 in a soft Group Stage.

SENEGAL (18)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (3RD APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2018)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (DIDN’T ADVANCE IN 2018)

Senegal makes their second straight appearance and should be favored to make it out of the group. In 2018, they were one win away from making it out of the Group Stage that featured Colombia, Japan, and Poland. Unfortunately, Colombia showed them the door in the final game of the group. The group is simple enough to give The Lions of Teranga a shot to advance. The only concern would be Sadio Mane’s health ahead of their first match. In the past, key injuries have affected team’s opportunities to advance.

NETHERLANDS (8)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (11TH APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2014)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (THIRD PLACE IN 2014)

The Orange are back after an 8-year hiatus and are primed for a serious run in the Qatar World Cup. They have never missed a Round of 16 in their existence and plan not to for this one either. This is a very talented group despite going through some new blood after the 2014 World Cup, but they’re very much capable for a deep run. In their last two appearances, they were runners-up in South Africa (2010) and third place in Brazil (2014). This is potentially a final four team once again.

MATCHUPS:

GROUP MATCH 1: QATAR VS. ECUADOR (NOVEMBER 20TH)

GROUP MATCH 2: SENEGAL VS. NETHERLANDS (NOVEMBER 21ST)

GROUP MATCH 18: QATAR VS. SENEGAL (NOVEMBER 25TH)

GROUP MATCH 19: NETHERLANDS VS. ECUADOR (NOVEMBER 25TH)

GROUP MATCH 35: ECUADOR VS. SENEGAL (NOVEMBER 29TH)

GROUP MATCH 36: NETHERLANDS VS. QATAR (NOVEMBER 29TH)

WHO SURVIVES THE GROUP:

NETHERLANDS

Should be an easy 6-to-9 point runaway in the Group A. Senegal or Ecuador could challenge them, but it should be no issue for the Orange to advance to the Round of 16.

ECUADOR

At first, it could’ve been at least a draw between Senegal and Ecuador, but Senegal advances. But with injury concerns to Senegal’s best player, Sadio Mane, Ecuador could win the tiebreaker and advance. They have a slight competitive edge and should attempt a draw against the Netherlands.

RESULTS

NETHERLANDS 7 POINTS

ECUADOR 4 POINTS

SENEGAL 4 POINTS

QATAR 1 POINT