The ultimate FIFA World Cup 2022 schedule

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is about to kick off. As this edition of the quadrennial football tournament is being held in Qatar, FIFA has decided it should take place in winter, as opposed to the traditional summer tournament. So get the low down on the complete match schedule, team fixtures, times, and locations with our World Cup schedule below.

World Cup 2022 match format

It starts with the 32-team group stage, from which the top two teams from each group will progress into the round-of-16 knockout stages, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals, third-place playoff, and final. 

What time do the World Cup matches start in Qatar?

During the group stage, there will be up to four World Cup matches played daily, staggered throughout the day so you have a chance to watch them all. The only time games will overlap is on the final day of the group stage.

World Cup 2022 kickoff times 

Here’s all the information for World Cup kickoff times throughout the different stages of the tournament:

World Cup Group A match schedule

Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands

Host nation Qatar and Ecuador both have their work cut out to qualify from a strong group that includes African Cup of Nations champion Senegal as well as the Netherlands, which has brought a strong squad full of international experience and talent. 

World Cup Group B match schedule

Group B: England, Iran, USA, Wales

Group B is certain to be a competitive one with Euro 2020 finalists England most likely to top the group. Who joins them in the knockout stages is harder to say, with Wales proving themselves to be a strong tournament team and both Iran and the USA capable of delivering upsets.

World Cup Group C match schedule

Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland

With this likely to be 35-year-old Lionel Messi’s final World Cup, Argentina should be the favorites to top Group C and go deep in the competition. Poland boasts among its ranks veteran forward Robert Lewandowski, so expect them to push Mexico and Saudi Arabia for the other qualifying spot.

World Cup Group D match schedule

Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia

It would be a shock for defending champions France not to emerge from Group D top of the table, yet the French national side has a certain ability to implode at times. Realistically, any of the remaining teams could make a push for the remaining qualification spot. 

World Cup Group E match schedule

Group E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan

Spain exited the 2018 World Cup losing on penalties to Russia in the Round of 16, so will be out to redeem itself in a winnable group that also contains a Germany side desperate to wipe the memory of failing to advance from the group stages. While no strangers to an appearance at the World Cup, Japan and Costa Rica remain wild cards to progress.

World Cup Group F match schedule

Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia

Barring a significant upset, Belgium and Croatia should progress to the knockout stages from Group F. Yet the magic of the tournament allows for the Davids to sometimes outwit the Goliaths of world football. Both Canada and Morocco have talented players like Alphonso Davis (Bayern Munich) and Achraf Hakimi (PSG), respectively, eager to establish themselves on the world stage. 

World Cup Group G match schedule

Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon

Brazil’s 26-man squad for the World Cup includes a staggering nine forwards, so expect the Seleção to attack Group G with flair. Realistically, any of the remaining three teams could progress, but Switzerland looked sharp going into the tournament and would be a safe bet.

World Cup Group H match schedule

Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea

South Korea captain Son Heung-min is battling to be fit for the tournament, casting doubt on the nation’s chances. Meanwhile, the remaining three squads are packed with talent including Cristiano Ronaldo (representing Portugal at his fifth World Cup), Luis Suarez (four World Cup tournaments with Uruguay), and Thomas Partey (first World Cup with Ghana). 

World Cup Round of 16 match schedule

World Cup quarterfinals match schedule

World Cup semifinals match schedule

World Cup third-place playoff match schedule

World Cup final match schedule

Where can I watch the World Cup 2022?

Depending on your country, you may be able to stream World Cup games live online for free using local streaming services. In the United States, all Team USA matches will air on Fox, with several other games available on Fox Sports 1 (FS1). Telemundo has the U.S. rights to broadcast games in Spanish, available to stream on Peacock. All channels are available by subscribing to cord-cutting services such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling Blue, and DirecTV Stream. 

Check our World Cup page for a detailed list of streaming services to live stream the World Cup 2022.

Where can I stream the World Cup 2022 matches for free?

Depending on the country you’re streaming from, there are a variety of free services to stream World Cup games. For example, in the UK, you can stream the games live and for free via the BBC and ITV. In the US, you can also create a free account on Tubi to stream every World Cup match on-demand (but not live). 

For a full list of free streaming services to watch the 2022 World Cup depending on your country, see our World Cup page.

Where to Stream World Cup 2022

How to stream football on your TV with ExpressVPN

Streaming football on your TV with ExpressVPN is a breeze. Here’s a handy guide on 4 ways you can do this easily: