Road to Qatar 2022: When is the 2022 World Cup draw and which countries have qualified for the showpiece?

 The qualifications for the greatest football fiesta began almost a year a ago and continents across the world are rounding up qualifications for the apex football competition. The qualification round have springed up surprises all through the qualifications as notable big names and countries are set to miss this year's showpiece. 

In Europe, European Champions, Italy won't be gracing the mundial in back to back years as they were hooked out in qualification by underdogs, North Mercedonia who were later dumped out by Ronaldo and co in the follow-up fixture. 

Zlatan Imbrahimovic's Sweden also won't be at the oil rich region in November too as they were told to sit at home by Lewandoski's Poland. It's safe to say that the big Swede, Ibra hasn't graced the big occasion since 2006 and doesn't look like gracing one again before saying goodbye to the game.

In Africa, West African giant, Nigeria will not be at the World Cup for just the second time in their history after been knocked out by perpetual rivals, Ghana in the West African derby in Abuja. The Super Eagles lost the World Cup slot due to the away goal rule after playing out a 1-1 draw at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium having settled for a barran draw in Kumasi, a fortnight ago. 

Alongside Nigeria, Mo Salah's Egypt also won't be at the gathering of football's elites come November after losing to African Champions, Senegal in a fierce encounter.

The 2022 World Cup won't be hosting some big names but it still certainly to uphold some others with the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe, Pogba, Lewandoski, to mention a few all to be battling for gold in Qatar.

When is the draw for the 2022 World Cup?

With the draw for the 2022 Winter World Cup set to be held Doha, Qatar on the 1st of April, 2022, BAEWEB wants to keep you abreast with all countries who will part of this year's football fiesta.

EUROPE

Europe have the majority of the slots of all World Cups so far with the UEFA bringing in 13 participants to the stage.  This year's event showcase super countries for the European continent with countries such as Germany, Denmark, France, Belgium, Croatia, Spain, Serbia, England, Switzerland, Netherlands, Poland and Portugal. The last qualification spot will see the winner between Scotland and Ukraine face off with Gareth Bale's Wales. 

Although the exact date the fixture between Scotland and Ukraine is yet to be determined, UEFA has assured the fixture will be played in June. The shift in change of this very fixture was due to the political instability of Ukraine.

AFRICA

The African continent with it 5 slots will be represented by some notable teams in the region with African Champions, Senegal headlining the countries alongside Ghana, Tunisia, Morocco and Cameroon.

SOUTH AMERICA

The South Americans will be presenting almost it frequent arrivals at World Cup competitions as Neymar's Brazil, Messi's Argentina, Ener Valencia's Ecuador and Cavani's Uruguay will all be at Qatar. Peru will take the final slot for the North Americans only after going through an inter confederation play-off.

NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN

Canada, Mexico and United States will be the contingents flying the flag from this continent.

ASIA

Asia will be welcoming all of the world's contingents as host, Qatar leads Iran, South Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia to the Winter mundial. Australia or United Arab Emirates will battle it out for the final slot for the Asian continent.

As we wait for the draws for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Friday, we say congratulations to all the countries who have made it to the biggest and greatest football festival in the world.