Qatar vs Ecuador: times, how to watch on TV, stream online, 2022 World Cup

The 2022 World Cup gets underway on Sunday, 20 November as hosts Qatar take on Ecuador in Group A at Al-Bayt Stadium. The two teams will battle it out with Senegal and the Netherlands for a place in the knockout stages. The tournament’s opening ceremony will take place before the match and is due to begin at 9.40am ET / 6.40am PT.

When does Qatar vs Ecuador kick off?

The game between Qatar and Ecuador starts on Sunday, 20 November 2022 at:

· 11am ET

· 8am PT

How to watch Qatar vs Ecuador

Qatar vs Ecuador preview

Qatar managed by Félix Sánchez, close to Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández

Hosts Qatar head into their first ever World Cup on an upward trajectory having been crowed Asian champions for the first time ever in 2019, beating the likes of South Korea and Japan on the way to lifting the trophy. Qatar will be an unknown quantity for most, with all 26 players on their roster playing for domestic clubs, 13 of them for Al-Saad. Spanish coach Félix Sánchez has been based in Qatar since 2006 and has progressed through the Qatari soccer system, having managed Qatar U19s and U23s before taking the top job in 2017. Sánchez has been able to count on Xavi Hernández for guidance, with the two striking up a friendship during the Barcelona boss’ time playing and managing in Qatar.

Defensively-sound Ecuador participating in their fourth World Cup

This is the fourth World Cup Ecuador have qualified for, all since 2002. They have made it through to the knockout stages once, in 2006, when they lost to England in the round of 16. La Tricolor were the fourth of the South America teams to qualify for the competition and head into the opening game with a remarkable defensive record, albeit in friendly matches. Since the end of World Cup qualifying, they have played six games without conceding a goal, although they have only scored twice themselves in that run, one goal against Nigeria and another to beat Cape Verde. Manager Gustavo Alfaro will be able to call upon key figures such as Enner Valencia of Fenerbahçe and Brighton duo Moises Caiceido and Pervis Estupiñan, who were unable to feature in their last warm-up game against Iraq in Madrid.

Qatar vs Ecuador prediction

I’m not sure we should be expecting a classic to get this World Cup up and running…Given that Ecuador don’t concede (or score) many and that Qatar haven’t often come up against strong opposition, a 1-0 win to the Ecuadorians seems like the most likely outcome.

Prediction – Qatar 0-1 Ecuador

Who will referee Qatar vs Ecuador?

The referee for Ecuador vs Iraq will be Daniele Orsato from Italy.

Where will Qatar vs Ecuador be played?

Qatar vs Ecuador will be played at the 60,000-capacity Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, which is around 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Doha. The stadium is one of seven that have been built specifically for the 2022 World Cup.

Have Qatar and Ecuador ever played before?

Qatar and Ecuador have met on one previous occasion, with the Qataris winning 4-3 in a friendly in October 2018. Ecuador finished that game with nine men.