Insights to the World Cup global showpiece round the corner

As we count down the days to the start of the international spectacle in Qatar on November 20, these are some of the most recent updates

After two months of qualifying games, all participants and groups are settled in for three UEFA club competitions, aiding in the formation of the world’s top players in preparation to the World Cup that commences in less than three months.

Leading player Cristiano Ronaldo requested a transfer from Manchester United, the team scheduled to play against Real Sociedad, Sheriff Tiraspol, and Omonia in Europa League: Group E, to a Champions League club due to the higher level of competition.

The creme de la creme of the football world are brought together to play in the 2022–23 Champions League.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Neymar are all competing in bid to bring the Champions League trophy to Paris although they have to face Juventus, Benfica, and Maccabi Haifa in Group H to maintain their top form.

Robert Lewandowski is looking to score his first World Cup goal in Qatar, prior to this milestone he’ll first have to face his former team Bayern Munich in Group C. Another prolific World Cup goalscorer is also in this group, international striker Romelu Lukaku, who has scored five goals in two World Cups and returned to the Italian team after a bad season at Chelsea last year.

England’s captain, Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Kane also saw a good draw and will be playing against Europa League 2022 champion Eintracht Frankfurt, Sporting CP, and Olympique Marseille. This team is a fan favorite amongst those in Group D.

The defending CL champion, Real Madrid, is in Group F, with RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Celtic. Manchester City, who consist of over 15 likely World Cup players, will play in Group G against Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund, and Copenhagen.

The latest Italian champions, AC Milan and Chelsea FC, are in Group E with Red Bull Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb.

Liverpool is looking to win its 7th Champions League title and will start on that journey against Ajax, Napoli, and Rangers. In addition, this club is home to several important members of World Cup national teams.

Finally, in Group B, Atletico Madrid and Porto are favorites to advance to the knockout stage, leaving Bayer Leverkusen and Club Brugge behind.

As previously mentioned, at the moment, Cristiano Ronaldo is slated to play in the Europa League, along with his teammates:
– Denmark’s Kristian Eriksen
– Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes
– France’s Raphael Varane
– Brazil’s Casemiro

Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Granit Xhaka will also participate in the Europa League this year.

Europa Conference League 2022 champion Roma will play this year in the Europa League, so Rui Patricio, Georginio Wijnaldum, and newcomer Paulo Dybala will maintain their form there.

When it comes to UEFA’s newest competition, the Europa Conference League will also display the performances of some likely World Cup players:
– England’s midfielder and West Ham United captain Declan Rice,
– Former Real Madrid player and Fiorentina striker from Serbia Luka Jović
– Spanish forward from Villarreal, Gerard Moreno
– Nice’s Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel
– A couple of potential Switzerland players for Basel

For the first time in history, these UEFA competitions will be paused mid-season because of the World Cup. Therefore, national teams will undoubtedly have different approaches to squad preparation, which could significantly impact the results. Also, hopefully, injury luck will be high so that we can all watch the best players in Qatar between November 20th and December 18th.

Join SiGMA for Malta Week 2022

After the successful completion of the SiGMA Balkans, Toronto and Dubai Summits, SiGMA Group is working diligently on this year’s edition of Malta Week. From the 14th to the 18th of November, the company’s most prominent brands will be brought together under one roof for the SiGMA Europe Summit, the premier networking opportunity of the year. The Summit at MFCC Ta’Qali is a stellar expression of European innovation in the Gaming, Esports and Emerging Tech sectors, featuring numerous panels and conferences by leading experts. Interested in joining our long list of speakers, exhibitors or sponsors? Please contact Sophie to reserve your spot, or visit our website for more information.