The 2022 World Cup gets underway early Monday morning (AEST) when host nation Qatar plays host to Ecuador.
History is on Qatar’s side here, with the host nation winning the last four opening fixtures of the tournament.
Qatar will become the first side to make their World Cup debut as the host nation since Italy did so in 1936, and although they didn’t earn their place on the pitch, they have been in decent form of late.
The Hoem side is unbeaten across their last 6 fixtures and is searching for their 5th straight win following results against Albania, Panama, Honduras, and Guatemala.
Meanwhile, Ecuador is unbeaten in 7 (2W,5D), though they have failed to score in their last 3 games, all of which have come against Asian sides.
This pair have met once previously, with Qatar claiming a 4-3 victory back in 2018.
I’m backing the home crowd to get their side over the line here, with Qatar to overcome the underdog tag.
Game 2 on Day 1 of the competition is set to be a far more one-sided affair, as England begins their campaign to “Bring it Home”!
The Three Lions have made it to the Semi-Finals of their past two major competitions (2018 WC & Euros), and enter this tournament with the best goal differences across the European Qualifiers (39GF, 3GA, +36)!
Alternatively, Iran enters their third straight World Cup, looking to get out of the Group Stage for the first time in six attempts.
The middle-eastern side has averaged 0.6 goals per game across their 15 Cup fixtures, the lowest return for any side that has played 10+ matches.
Harry Kane is looking to become the first player to win back-to-back Golden Boots at this tournament, and I believe he’ll add to his 6-goal tally with another strike here.