World Cup 2022: Seven Important Dates to Keep in Mind Ahead of the Qatar Tournament

• Football fans from around the world are getting pumped up as the 2022 World Cup prepares to get underway
• The tournament is scheduled to kick off on November 20 at the Al Bayt Stadium, with hosts Qatar curtain-raising the competition against Ecuador
• Thirty-two teams will be taking place in the tourney, with holders France keen to defend the title

After almost four years of waiting, the 2022 edition of the World Cup is finally around the corner.

Qatar will be the centre of attraction, with the Middle East country set to host the biggest football show in the world.

Thirty-two teams from around the world will be participating in the tournament, with 64 matches deciding the winner.

A host of global football powerhouses, including Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Germany, England and holders France, are among the 32 teams.

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Africa has five representatives, led by 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal, plus Cameroon, Tunisia, Morocco and Ghana.

Sports Brief takes a look at seven important dates to diarise ahead of the 2022 World Cup:

Sunday, November 20

This is the day the competition will officially kick-off.

Hosts Qatar, who are in Group A, will curtain-raise the event against Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium.

Friday, December 2

On this day, the final round of group games will be played.

Portugal, Ghana and Brazil are among the teams that will be in action.

Saturday, December 3

The clash between the winners of Group A and the runners-up of Group B will officially kick-start the round of 16 fixtures, at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Friday, December 9

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After a three-day break, the competition will resume with the quarter-finals.

Tuesday, December 13 - the semi-finals.

Saturday, December 17 - the third-place playoff.

Sunday, December 18 - The World Cup final at Lusail Iconic Stadium.

Pogba misses the World Cup

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Juventus manager Max Allegri has blamed Paul Pogba for his inability to take part in the 2022 edition of the World Cup in Qatar.

The former Man United midfielder is set to miss the upcoming World Cup with France due to a thigh problem.

The Juventus midfielder was expected to resume action in mid-September before he suffered a fresh injury blow.