The 2022 FIFA World Cup has been scheduled between November and December, where 32 countries will battle it out for the covetous trophy.
With 10 days to the start of the biggest soccer mundial in Qatar, all 32 qualified countries have intensified effort to make impact at the tournament.
Which teams are in Group H at the 2022 World Cup?
In Group H, all eyes will be on the clash between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Luis Suarez’s Uruguay, but both sides should be wary of strong-looking Ghana and South Korea sides. This is a group packed with attacking talent, with the battle for qualification looking wide open.
How did each team in Group H qualify for the 2022 World Cup?
Portugal needed a play-off victory over North Macedonia to qualify for Qatar, after stumbling in the group stage and finishing three points behind Serbia. Uruguay were the best of the rest after Brazil and Argentina in CONMEBOL qualifying, although they finished well behind those two South American superpowers.
Ghana were the only team of the four to win their qualification group, and they then overcame Nigeria in the final round, squeaking through on away goals courtesy of Thomas Partey’s second-leg strike. South Korea finished a couple of points behind Iran in their group, but comfortably clear of the UAE thanks, in large part, to Son Heung-min’s goals.
What is the World Cup pedigree of each team in Group H?
Younger football fans may not be aware, but Uruguay are by far the most successful team in this World Cup group heading into 2022. They are two-time champions, winning in 1930 and 1950, and have reached the semi-finals three other times, and as recently as 2010.
Despite having of the greatest players of all time in Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal have disappointed at the World Cup in recent years – only getting past the quarter-finals once this century. They did finish third in 1966, largely due to the performances of the legendary Eusebio.
Ghana are relative World Cup novices, with Qatar being just their fourth appearance at the finals. They reached the quarter-finals in 2010, where they lost a controversial game to Uruguay. That should add some extra edge when those two sides meet in Qatar. South Korea made the semi-finals in 2002 – backed by a vociferous home crowd – although that’s the only time they’ve been past the second round.
With Ronaldo and Suarez in their ranks, Portugal and Uruguay are favourites to get out of the group. Ghana and South Korea are both 5/2 to snatch a top-two spot.
Who are the best players to watch out for in Group H at the 2022 World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
For many football fans, debates about who is the GOAT comes down to a straight shootout between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo helped Portugal win the Euros in 2016, was the Golden Boot winner at Euro 2020, and is one of the most-famous sportsmen on the planet. He has scored over a hundred international goals – and would love to close his career by guiding Portugal to World Cup glory.
Luis Suarez – Uruguay
Like Ronaldo, Luis Suarez is another attacker entering the twilight of his career. A feisty forward with over 500 career goals, Suarez never stops running, harrying opponents and getting on the end of chances. He has won virtually every trophy available during spells with Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Son Heung-min – South Korea
Spurs’ Son Heung-min finished as the Premier League’s joint-top scorer last season, and it was no surprise to see him continue to thrive on the international stage as South Korea qualified for Qatar. Son’s goals powered his side over the line, although he is as much a creator as he is finisher. South Korea will hope the fractured eye socket that has ruled him out for Spurs heals before the tournament.
Thomas Partey – Ghana
Thomas Partey is just one of several Ghana players who play in England, but he is arguably the most influential. A powerful central midfielder, it was his strike that sent his side to Qatar, and he has shone for Arsenal this season. Partey is the most expensive Ghanaian player of all time after moving to the Gunners from Atletico Madrid in 2020.
When do the 2022 World Cup Group H matches take place?
Thursday, November 24th - Uruguay v South Korea Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan
Thursday, November 24th - Portugal v Ghana Stadium 974, Doha
Monday, November 28th - South Korea v Ghana Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan
Monday, November 28th - Portugal v Uruguay, Lusail Stadium, Lusail
Friday, December 2nd - Ghana v Uruguay, Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
Friday, December 2nd - South Korea v Portugal, Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan