World Cup 2022 qualification: Wales to face Belgium, Czech Republic, Belarus and Estonia in Group E

Ryan Giggs’ side learned their fate on Monday

Monday 07 December 2020 20:21 GMT

(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Wales will face Belgium, the Czech Republic, Belarus and Estonia in their qualifying group for the 2022 World Cup.

Wales were drawn in Group E as their opponents in the qualifying campaign for the tournament in Qatar were revealed.

Third-place finishers at the 2018 World Cup, Belgium represent the toughest challenge for Ryan Giggs’ side.

That said, Wales have an even record against the Red Devils, having won five, drawn three and lost five against them. Their biggest victory against the nation came in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.

The Czech Republic should also prove competitive opposition. Wales have twice drawn with the Czechs and lost once, having never beaten them.

Wales will feel that their match-ups against Belarus and Estonia will be very much winnable, in any case.

Group E

Belgium
Wales
Czech Republic
Belarus
Estonia

Groups in full

A Portugal, Serbia, Republic of Ireland, Luxembourg, Azerbaijan

B Spain, Sweden, Greece, Georgia,

C Italy, Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Bulgaria, Lithuania

D France, Ukraine, Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan

E Belgium, Wales, Czech Republic, Belarus, Estonia,

F Denmark, Austria, Scotland, Israel, Faroe Islands

G Netherlands, Turkey, Norway, Montenegro, Latvia, Gibraltar

H Croatia, Slovakia, Russia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta

I England, Poland, Hungary, Albania, Andorra, San Marino

J Germany, Romania, Iceland, Macedonia, Armenia, Liechtenstein

Key dates

Matchday 1: 24–25 March 2021

Matchday 2: 27–28 March 2021

Matchday 3: 30–31 March 2021

Matchday 4: 1–2 September 2021

Matchday 5: 4–5 September 2021

Matchday 6: 7–8 September 2021

Matchday 7: 8–9 October 2021

Matchday 8: 11–12 October 2021

Matchday 9: 11–13 November 2021

Matchday 10: 14–16 November 2021

Play-offs: 24, 25, 28, 29 March 2022

World Cup: 21 November–18 December

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering