World Cup 2022: when will the group stage be drawn? Date, start time and who else can qualify?

The wait for the 2022 World Cup is almost over with the draw for the tournament, set to take place before the tournament in Qatar later this year.

England have already secured their place in the tournament, which will be played in November and December instead of their usual summer tournament to escape the intense Qatar heat.

Awarding the World Cup to Qatar 12 years ago was controversial, and human rights organizations including Amnesty International have raised concerns about the country’s treatment of migrant workers.

Sides such as Denmark and Germany have flagged human rights abuses after qualifying for the tournament and there are still a few more places up for grabs before the conclusion of this week’s World Cup qualifiers, while some play-offs will only take place after the draw.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the World Cup draw.

When is the World Cup draw?

It will take place on Friday, April 1st at 5pm BST (7pm local time).

How can I view it?

There will be a Fifa live stream while the BBC will also broadcast the ceremony.

Who qualified for the World Cup?

Uefa (12 out of 13 places qualified)

Germany

Denmark

France

Belgium

Croatia

Spain

Serbia

England

Switzerland

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Scotland or Ukraine or Wales

Conmebol (4 qualified from either 4 or 5 spots)

Brazil

Argentina

Ecuador

Uruguay

Peru goes to the Inter-Confederation Playoff

AFC (5 qualified from either 5 or 6 places)

Qatar (hosts)

South Korea

Iran

Japan

Saudi Arabia

Australia/United Arab Emirates go to the playoffs between the confederations.

CAF (5 qualified out of 5 places)

Senegal

Cameroon

Ghana

Morocco

Tunisia

Concacaf (1 qualified out of 3 or 4 places)

Canada

Mexico

United States of America

Costa Rica goes to the playoffs between the confederations

OFC (0 qualified from 0 or 1 place)

New Zealand goes to the Inter-Confederation Play-off

Play-offs between the confederations

Australia/United Arab Emirates vs. Peru

Costa Rica vs New Zealand

When is the World Cup draw?

It will take place on Friday, April 1st at 5pm BST (7pm local time).

How can I view it?

There will be a Fifa live stream while the BBC will also broadcast the ceremony.