DOHA, Qatar — Here is a look at Groups A and B before the teams get started Sunday and Monday in the 2022 World Cup.
GROUP A
QATAR
Best result: First appearance
2018 World Cup: Did not qualify
How they qualified 2022: Automatic as host
Coach: Felix Sanchez (Spain)
Players to watch: Abdelkarim Hassan, Hassan Al-Haydos, Saad Al Sheeb.
Schedule: vs. Ecuador on Nov. 20 at Al Bayt Stadium; vs. Senegal on Nov. 25 at Al Thumama Stadium; vs. Netherlands on Nov. 29 at Al Bayt Stadium.
ECUADOR
Best result: Round of 16 (2006)
2018 World Cup: Did not qualify
How they qualified 2022: Fourth place in South American qualifying group
Coach: Gustavo Alfaro (Argentina)
Players to watch: Piero Hincapie, Moises Caicedo, Pervis Estupinan.
Schedule: vs. Qatar on Nov. 20 at Al Bayt Stadium; vs. Netherlands on Nov. 25 at Khalifa International Stadium; vs. Senegal on Nov. 29 at Khalifa International Stadium.
SENEGAL
Best result: Quarterfinals (2002)
2018 World Cup: Group stage
How they qualified 2022: African playoffs
Coach: Aliou Cisse (Senegal)
Players to watch: Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly.
Schedule: vs. Netherlands on Nov. 21 at Al Thumama Stadium; vs. Qatar on Nov. 25 at Al Thumama Stadium; vs. Ecuador on Nov. 29 at Khalifa International Stadium.
NETHERLANDS
Best result: Runner-up (1974, 1978, 2010)
2018 World Cup: Did not qualify
How they qualified 2022: Won European qualifying Group G
Coach: Louis van Gaal (Netherlands)
Players to watch: Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Daley Blind.
Schedule: vs. Senegal on Nov. 21 at Al Thumama Stadium; vs. Ecuador on Nov. 25 at Khalifa International Stadium; vs. Qatar on Nov. 29 at Al Bayt Stadium.
GROUP B
ENGLAND
Best result: Champion (1966)
2018 World Cup: Semifinals
How they qualified 2022: Won European qualifying Group I
Coach: Gareth Southgate (England)
Players to watch: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham.
Schedule: vs. Iran on Nov. 21 at Khalifa International Stadium; vs. United States on Nov. 25 at Al Bayt Stadium; vs. Wales on Nov. 29 at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
IRAN
Best result: Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018)
2018 World Cup: Group stage
How they qualified 2022: Won Asian qualifying Group A
Coach: Carlos Queiroz (Portugal)
Players to watch: Sardar Azmoun, Ehsan Hajsafi, Mehdi Taremi.
Schedule: vs. England on Nov. 21 at Khalifa International Stadium; vs. Wales on Nov. 25 at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium; vs. United States on Nov. 29 at Al Thumama Stadium.
UNITED STATES
Best result: Semifinals (1930)
2018 World Cup: Did not qualify
How they qualified 2022: Third place in CONCACAF qualifying group
Coach: Gregg Berhalter (United States)
Players to watch: Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie.
Schedule: vs. Wales on Nov. 21 at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium; vs. England on Nov. 25 at Al Bayt Stadium; vs. Iran on Nov. 29 at Al Thumama Stadium.
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WALES
Best result: Quarterfinals (1958)
2018 World Cup: Did not qualify
How they qualified 2022: European playoffs
Coach: Robert Page (Wales)
Players to watch: Gareth Bale, Daniel James, Aaron Ramsey.
Schedule: vs. United States on Nov. 21 at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium; vs. Iran on Nov. 25 at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium; vs. England on Nov. 29 at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.