- Qatar are the 2022 FIFA World Cup host.
- This will be Qatar’s first-ever World Cup.
- Ecuador made their World Cup debut in Korea & Japan 20 years ago.
After a long wait, the unique 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament is finally here. Over the next month in Qatar, the world’s best nations will battle it out for the biggest prize on offer in soccer.
In game one, hosts Qatar take on South Americans Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
Will the home side start their World Cup with a positive result, or can the Ecuadorians rain on Qatar’s parade? Read on for our Qatar vs Ecuador prediction.
Qatar vs. Ecuador Odds
Qatar | Draw | Ecuador |
+220 | +210 | +140 |
The Qatar national team odds for a win in game one are +220. The hosts would love to get off to a winning start, but a draw (+210) would not be a disastrous result for Felix Sanchez’s Maroon.
Ecuador, who have done well to reach another World Cup, start as the bookies’ favorites at +140. Find out who we pick in game one in this in-depth Qatar vs Ecuador prediction preview.
Qatar vs. Ecuador Information
- 2022 FIFA World Cup
- Al Bayt Stadium
- Monday, 21 Nov 2022, 11:00 AM EDT
- How to watch: Fox Sports
Qatar
Due to being the tournament hosts, Qatar will be competing at a World Cup for the first time ever.
Can the Hosts Spring a Surprise?
Nobody really knows how they will do as competition presenters, but they will no doubt have a real go in all three of their group matches. They have been in fine form of late, winning the last four matches.
Sanchez’s side get the World Cup underway after the opening ceremony this Sunday. They would love to pick up a win in front of their own fans at the impressive-looking Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
After opening up with a matchup with the Ecuadorians this weekend, the in-form Maroon will take on Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium in the capital in their second fixture.
Qatar’s FIFA World Cup Schedule
Netherlands, who are the strongest nation in the group, await in the final group match on Qatar’s FIFA World Cup schedule at Al Bayt Stadium on November 29th.
Whatever happens from now until the final a week before Christmas, Qatar will certainly enjoy being tournament hosts and rubbing shoulders with the best nations in world soccer.
Can Sanchez’s troops cause a few problems along the way? Keep reading for the latest World Cup odds and our Qatar vs Ecuador prediction.
Qatar Projected Lineup
- Yousef Hassan
- Tarek Salman
- Hisham
- Ro-Ro
- Mohammed Waad
- Abdulaziz Hatem
- Ismaeel Mohammad
- Hassan Al-Haydos
- Ali Assadalla
- Akram Afif
- Almoez Ali
Qatar Injuries
No current injuries.
Ecuador
This will be Ecuador’s fourth appearance at a World Cup finals. They did not qualify until reaching Korea & Japan in 2002.
Will Tricolors Start with Three Points?
Their best World Cup display came four years later in Germany, as they reached the Round of 16 and took 12th place.
Tricolor were also in Brazil in 2014, winning one, drawing one, and losing one of three group matches.
Ecuador blew hot and cold in qualifying for Qatar. They picked up just seven wins from 18 matches to take fourth place, which was enough for automatic qualification to the 2022 World Cup.
Drawn Loads
Ecuador have drawn loads of games in recent times, but Gustavo Alfaro’s men have been tough to beat. Since losing to Venezuela in October 2021, the Ecuadorians have gone on to lose just one of the following 15. Their last three have all ended in 0-0 draws.
Ecuador are likely to compete with Senegal for the runners-up spot in Group A, so three points on Sunday could be vital.
Looking at the latest Ecuador World Cup predictions and odds, you can currently get +110 for Alfaro’s side to reach the knockout stages in Qatar.
Ecuador Projected Lineup
- Alexander Dominguez
- Pervis Estupinan
- Piero Hincapie
- Vernaza
- Angelo Preciado
- Felipe Caicedo
- Carlos Gruezo
- Renato Ibarra
- Angel Mena
- Gonzalo Plata
- Michael Estrada
Ecuador Injuries
- Jeremy Sarmiento
Qatar vs. Ecuador Pick and Prediction
All eyes will be on the magnificent Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday. The whole world will be watching as Qatar and Ecuador get the 2022 World Cup underway. Both countries will be desperate for a positive result in Al Khor.
Qatar’s form heading into the finals has been excellent. They have won the last four matches, seeing off:
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Panama
- Albania
Although this will be a tough match, the Qataris will fancy their chances of getting all three points.
We are backing the pair to play out an entertaining draw in Al Khor. You can get the solid odds of +375 for the draw and both teams to score. Also, have a punt on over 2.5 goals at +163.
Soccer Pick: Draw (+375)
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