Hosts Qatar will be looking to make their home advantage count at FIFA World Cup 2022, but they have it all to do to get out of a talented group that covers teams from four continents.

The longest wait for a men's World Cup since the 1950s is finally over. 1,586 days after Hugo Lloris hoisted aloft the golden statue, Qatar and Ecuador will open the 22nd edition of the global football jamboree.

The tournament has been mired in controversy from the day Sepp Blatter slowly pulled Qatar's name out of an envelope in 2010. Despite the increasing scrutiny of numerous human rights groups and the wider media, the quadrennial celebration of the world's favourite game will kick off in Al Kohr on Sunday afternoon.

Qatar, reigning Asian Cup champions, have been pitted against an Ecuador side that had to navigate the courts after securing qualification following accusations that an ineligible player was used.

Despite being ranked No. 51 in the world when the draw was made back in April, Qatar were included with the top-seeded teams for the tournament, as is customary for hosts. But that has given them seemingly little advantage, as they have been matched up against Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador in Group A.

Qatar might lose

youngWilly:
Qatar might lose

Haaa