World Cup matches today: The full list of Qatar 2022 fixtures and predictions for December 5

Anthony gives a thumbs up - World Cup matches today: The full list of Qatar 2022 fixtures and predictions for December 5 - Robbie Jay Barratt/GETTY
Anthony gives a thumbs up - World Cup matches today: The full list of Qatar 2022 fixtures and predictions for December 5 - Robbie Jay Barratt/GETTY

The last-16 stage of the Qatar World Cup is well under way with England among the teams already into the quarter-finals.

The 22nd edition of the quadrennial tournament, which began way back in 1930, is also the first to be held in an Arab country. The State of Qatar is the smallest country in size (11,600 km2) and population (2.7 million) ever to host.

The World Cup featured eight groups of four teams before the top two from each went through to this knockout round of 16, which is followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.

This format will be changed for the World Cup 2026 when the tournament will be expanded to 48 teams as the USA, Mexico and Canada co-host.

All World Cup matches today

Japan 1 Croatia 1 (Croatia win 3-1 on penalties)

Brazil vs South Korea, LIVE! UK time (ITV)

Today's match predictions

By Jason Burt in Doha

Japan 1 Croatia 1: Having topped a group that included Spain and Germany, Japan go into this tie as unlikely favourites. Croatia, though, are not only wily competitors but will try and make Japan burn up their energy by keeping the ball. The problem is they looked very tied against Belgium. Could be one to go all the way to penalties. Croatia to win in a shoot-out.

Brazil 2 South Korea 0: Brazil remain the team to beat at this World Cup and even their second-string were unlucky to lose against Cameroon. Their defence is very strong and they look fully in control. It was all a bit frantic for Korea to get through the group, showing incredible spirit, but it would be a major surprise if they stop the Selecao.

When did the knockout stages start?

The knockout stages of this year's World Cup began on Saturday with the round of 16, before moving through to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. The first round of 16 match is on Saturday, December 3 at 3pm.

A total of 16 teams progressed to the knockouts. They were Netherlands, Senegal, England, USA, Argentina, Poland, France, Australia, Morocco, Croatia, Japan, Spain, Brazil, Switzerland, Portugal and South Korea.

What date is the World Cup 2022 final?

The last match of the World Cup will take place on Qatar National Day – Sunday, December 18. It will kick-off at 3pm UK time (6pm in Qatar, 10am ET, 9am CT and 7am PT) at the 80,000-seater Lusail Stadium.

Where is the next World Cup taking place?

The World Cup 2026 will be held across three host countries - America, Canada and Mexico - in a tournament first after the trio's bid fended off a strong proposal from Morocco. The competition matches will be played across 16 different cities - 11 from America, two in Canada and three in Mexico.

This article is kept updated with the latest information.