Paths laid out for the biggest prize in world football

A glittering draw show starred by some of the greatest names of the game and the entertainment industry defined the groups and initial fixtures of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. While 29 teams can now imagine their journey all the way to the final, the remaining eight will fight for the last three spots at the playoffs in June.

For the first time, to optimise specific match details for the benefit and comfort of supporters, teams and the media, the match schedule will be confirmed in due course on FIFA.com after games have been assigned to a stadium and kick-off time for each matchday.

Presented by award-winning actor Idris Elba and renowned sports broadcaster Reshmin Chowdhury, the show dazzled the audience with stunning references to the Arab culture and surprising acts that included the unveiling of the Official Mascot La’eeb™ and the launch of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Official Soundtrack, with the first live performance of the single Hayya Hayya (Better Together) by Trinidad Cardona, Davido and Aisha.

The draw itself, attended by 2,000 guests and led by Carli Lloyd, Jermaine Jenas and Samantha Johnson, was assisted by the likes of Cafu (Brazil), Lothar Matthaus (Germany), Adel Ahmed MalAllah (Qatar), Ali Daei (IR Iran), Bora Milutinovic (Serbia/Mexico), Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria), Rabah Madjer (Algeria) and Tim Cahill (Australia). (FIFA)