The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is set to take place on November 20 this year and the eyes of the world will be on the FIFA World Cup. It will be the last World Cup to feature 32 teams and will be held for the first time in a Middle Eastern country.
FIFA disbanded the Confederations Cup, a tournament that was used as a lead up to the World Cup hosted by the host nation, the last tournament taking place in 2017 and won by Germany.
Before the 2022 World Cup takes place all of the confederations would have crowned their regional champions, here is a list of all the current winners in a lead up to the World Cup.
Which champions are not going to Qatar 2022?
Unfortunately, being crowned champion of a continent does not guarantee playing in the FIFA World Cup. Thus, despite all its elite tradition that includes a four-time championship in the world's most prestigious tournament, and having won the most recent edition of the UEFA European Cup, Italy was unable to win its place in Qatar 2022 after losing dramatically to Macedonia in the European Playoffs match. Thus, for the first time, the Azzurri will not be in two consecutive World Cups. A pity.
Similarly, New Zealand was left out of Qatar 2022 after being overcome by Costa Rica in one of the two World Cup Inter-Confederation Playoffs. The All Whites are the current OFC Nations Cup champions, but the 2020 tournament was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Continental champions to play in the next FIFA World Cup
Contrary to the aforementioned unfortunate cases, Qatar 2022 has ensured the presence of 4 continental champions, who have validated their status as the best teams in their region by being present at soccer's top tournament.
Concacaf - USA
The USMNT were winners of the 2021 Gold Cup by beating archrivals Mexico in the final 1-0 after extra time. The USMNT also won the Concacaf Nations League, defeating Mexico in the final as well.
Conmebol - Argentina
Argentina broke their official title drought by defeating Brazil in the final 1-0 on an Angel Di Maria goal. It was Argentina’s first title since 1993 and their 15th overall, tying Uruguay for most championships. It also marked Lionel Messi’s first title with Argentina.
AFC - Qatar
It was Qatar’s first major continental championship with a shocking 3-1 win over Japan in the 2019 final. For Qatar it was a great showcase of the team’s talent and later in 2021 they would compete and play well in the Gold Cup making it to the semifinals.
CAF - Senegal
The African Nations Cup winners for the first time is Senegal winning the title after a penalty kick shootout win over Egypt after a 0-0 match. Having qualified for the first time for a World Cup in 2002, they will make it two consecutive editions with Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
