FIFA World Cup 2022: Argentina, France, England and other teams touch down in Qatar

With the football World Cup only two days away, most teams have already touched down in the Qatari capital.

Swansong: Lionel Messi, taking part in his final World Cup, will be an integral part in Argentina’s core. The Albiceleste come into the World Cup unbeaten throughout the year and will look to top it off with the title on December 18. Photo Credits: AFP

Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema will be a key member of the defending champion France’s squad. Although recent numbers (5 goals in 14 La Liga matches this season) not favouring him, he will look to put those behind and deliver for his nation. Photo credits: Reuters

Another talismanic figure in the France frontline, alongside Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe is one to watch out for. With 19 goals in all club competitions, Mbappe arrives as one of the biggest names in football. However, controversies have clouded the 23-year-old for quite a while now. Photo credits: Reuters

With Wales, Iran and USA in its group, England looks favourite to top group B. Its captain Harry Kane, coming into the tournament in red-hot form, will be a key figure among Gareth Southgate’s men. The Three Lions take on Iran in their campaign opener on November 21. Photo credits: Reuters

England manager Gareth Southgate has been under scrutiny by fans and pundits following a string of poor performances. After coming agonisingly close to the title in 2018, crashing out in the semifinals, Southgate will not only aim for the title but also plan to silence his critics. Photo credits: Reuters

Four-time World Cup winner Germany’s brain - Hansi Flick(C), wall - Manuel Nuer (L) and centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, along with the 26-member squad have reached Doha. Photo credits: Reuters

The 2018 finalist Croatia, slotted in group F, will hope to go all the way this time and lift the trophy. However, except for the previous edition, the European nation’s World Cup outings haven’t been consistent.

Homecoming: Qatar players and support staffs make their way out of Doha airport. Placed alongside Senegal, Ecuador and Netherlands, Qatar is unlikely to make it out of the group stage.

Back in the hunt: After completely recovering from prostate cancer, the Netherlands’ Luis Van Gaal, 71, will be one of the oldest and most experienced managers in this World Cup. Van Gaal, Virgil van Dijk (L) and others have touched down in Doha. Photo credits: Reuters

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Swansong: Lionel Messi, taking part in his final World Cup, will be an integral part in Argentina’s core. The Albiceleste come into the World Cup unbeaten throughout the year and will look to top it off with the title on December 18. Photo Credits: AFP