Qatar will lock horns with Ecuador in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium. For the first time in its history, the host country will compete in the World Cup. Ecuador, on the other will be making their fourth appearance in a World Cup edition. Both sides, despite never having been able to lift the prestigious trophy, will be hoping to make things happen for themselves this time.

Ecuador has appeared in the 2002, 2006, and 2014 editions of the World Cup till date. The South American team has been able to make it into the knockout stages only once. Each of the two sides will be looking to kick off their World Cup campaign with a sublime win. It remains to be seen which team emerges victorious in the tournament opener.

Prior to the World Cup, both teams had been dealing with injuries. Qatar's Ahmed Alaaedin had to be taken off early on in the first half of his team's clash against Albania last week. Ecuador too had to succumb to an untimely injury to one of their players, as Byron Castillo had to be taken care of before the first half of his team's final warm-up match before the commencement of the World Cup. Akram Afif shall be partnered by his team's joint-highest scorer, Ali, in the forward position. On the other hand, Enner Valencia will be leading the South American side in their first outing of this World Cup against Qatar.

Predicted line ups:-

Qatar:-

Al-Sheeb; Miguel; Al-Wari; Salman; Hassan; Ahmed; Hatem; Boudiaf; Al-Haydos; Ali; and Afif.

Ecuador:-

Dominguez; Preciado; Torres; Hincapie; Estupinan; Gruezo; Caicedo; Cifuentes; Plata; Valencia; and Ibarra.

Match Prediction :- Qatar 2-3 Ecuador

Based on the current form of the majority of the players and the overall rhythm that both sides are in, it appears highly likely that Ecuador will begin their World Cup 2022 campaign with a fantastic win over hosts Qatar.