Ultimate Country-Wise Schedule for FIFA World Cup 2022
The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar was a tournament like no other—first winter edition in the Northern Hemisphere, compact venues, and a festival of football that united nations. For fans tracking their specific national team, a generic schedule just doesn't cut it. This exclusive guide provides a deep-dive, country-specific fixture list, complete with local kick-off timings, venue insights, and strategic analysis.
🗺️ Exclusive Data: Our editorial team has compiled match data from official FIFA sources and combined it with timezone conversion for major fan bases including India, England, USA, and across Europe and South America.
Why a Country-Specific Schedule Matters
Every fan's primary question is: "When does MY team play?" The global nature of the World Cup means matches are broadcast at varying local times. An Indian fan supporting Argentina needs to know if the 10 PM AST (Arabia Standard Time) kick-off means a 1:30 AM IST start. This guide solves that.
Group Stage: Nation-by-Nation Fixture Breakdown
We begin with the group stage schedule, the foundation of the tournament. Thirty-two nations were divided into eight groups. Below is a curated look at key national teams' journeys.
Argentina: The Road to Glory
Lionel Messi's final quest began on November 22. For Indian fans, Argentina's matches were late-night affairs, but the passion of La Albiceleste kept millions awake.
- Vs Saudi Arabia: 22 Nov, 1 PM AST (4:30 PM IST) – Shocking upset.
- Vs Mexico: 26 Nov, 10 PM AST (1:30 AM IST) – Crucial victory.
- Vs Poland: 30 Nov, 10 PM AST (1:30 AM IST) – Topped the group.
England: The Three Lions' Campaign
Gareth Southgate's side entered as contenders. Their schedule was prime-time for UK viewers, but also accessible for Indian evening viewers. For details on their qualification path, see england football world cup qualifiers.
India & The World Cup Connection
While the Indian national team hasn't yet qualified, the fan engagement is monumental. Millions followed the india football world cup qualifiers campaign and then adopted teams like Argentina, Brazil, and Portugal. Broadcast timings were critical—many matches started at 8:30 PM or 1:30 AM IST.
Knockout Rounds: The Intensity Rises
The knockout stage schedule was relentless. From Round of 16 to the epic football world cup final, each match was a must-watch. The country-specific perspective helps fans plan their lives around these high-stakes games.
France vs. England: A Quarter-Final Classic
This clash on December 10 (10 PM AST) was a viewing event across Europe and former colonies. For Indian fans, it was another 1:30 AM thriller.
Argentina vs. Netherlands: A Quarter-Final Epic
Another late-night spectacle for Asian audiences, this match extended to penalties, testing the dedication of fans with work the next day.
Looking Ahead: Football World Cup 2026
With the 2022 tournament concluded, eyes turn to North America for football world cup 2026 dates and locations. The schedule will be even more complex with 48 teams, making country-specific planning essential.
Historical Context: Past Winners & Runners-Up
Understanding the schedule of champions past adds depth. Explore the football world cup winners and runners list to see when previous titles were won.
This exclusive country-by-country schedule guide is continually updated with fan insights and retrospective analysis. Bookmark this page for the most nuanced fixture planning for future tournaments.
Share Your World Cup Experience
Which country's schedule were you most passionate about? Share your stories from Qatar 2022.