World Cup 2022 groups, qualified teams: Australia reach Qatar
Australia grabbed the penultimate berth at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Monday, beating Peru on penalties in an inter-confederation playoff.
After Wales snatched Europe’s final spot at the 2022 World Cup just over a week ago, Rob Page’s men beating Ukraine in Cardiff to take their place in Group B, on Monday it was Group D whose line-up was completed. Australia have qualified for the finals for the fifth successive occasion, after defeating Peru on penalties in an inter-confederation playoff in Qatar.
Socceroos see off Peruvians on penalties
Goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was the hero for Australia, saving Alex Valera’s spot-kick to earn the Socceroos a 5-4 shootout win after a 0-0 draw at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. Sydney FC’s Redmayne was brought on for number-one keeper Mathew Ryan just before the playoff went to penalties. Australia will face France, Denmark and Tunisia in the World Cup group stage.
One more place at the World Cup to be claimed
With 31 teams now assured of their ticket to Qatar 2022, there is just one more spot at the tournament up for grabs. That place will go to either Costa Rica or New Zealand, who face off in Tuesday’s second inter-confederation playoff. The winner of the tie will go into Group E, together with Spain, Germany and Japan.
2022 World Cup groups as it stands:
Group A:
- Qatar
- Netherlands
- Senegal
- Ecuador
Group B:
- England
- USA
- Iran
- Wales
Group C:
- Argentina
- Mexico
- Poland
- Saudi Arabia
Group D:
- France
- Denmark
- Tunisia
- Australia
Group E:
- Spain
- Germany
- Japan
- Costa Rica/New Zealand
Group F:
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Morocco
- Canada
Group G:
- Brazil
- Switzerland
- Serbia
- Cameroon
Group H:
- Portugal
- Uruguay
- South Korea
- Ghana
Costa Rica vs New Zealand: when and where?
Costa Rica take on New Zealand in the second inter-confederation playoff at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Tuesday 14 June at 9pm local time (AST). In the US, that’s 2pm ET and 11am PT. Check out what time the game begins wherever you are in the world.
2022 World Cup: key dates
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar kicks off on 21 November, Senegal taking on the Netherlands at Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, in the tournament’s opening game. The final, to be held at Lusail Stadium, Lusail, will be played on 18 December.