If the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar had gotten underway as scheduled, it would have just wrapped up and the newest champions of the world would have just been crowned in the Lusail Stadium. But courtesy of the soaring summer temperatures in the Arab Gulf state – which can reach upwards of 40 degrees throughout June and July – the world will now be treated to its first-ever winter World Cup.
The curtain raiser will be brought to us from Doha's Al Thumama stadium, where the Netherlands will take on Senegal on 21st November.
The African Group A hopefuls will probably have two Championship players on their trip to the desert. Watford's Ismaila Sarr is one of the shining lights in a talented squad. The former Stade Rennais winger played in all but two of the Lions of Teranga's games at this year's African Cup of Nations, which they went on to win for the first time in history. QPR goalkeeper Seny Dieng should also be in the squad and will provide reliable back-up to their number one goalkeeper, Chelsea's Edouard Mendy.
Plenty of Championship representation
Online bookmakers such as BetVictor, which is offering fans the opportunity to crack the code in the build-up to football's biggest party, have made Brazil the early favourites to lift the trophy in the desert. Outside of the heavy favourites, there will be plenty more Championship representation in Qatar this winter, with a number of fully-fledged internationals plying their trade in English football's second-tier.
Wales – who will be attending football's biggest party for the first time in 64 years – could see as many as five English second-tier players in their squad. The rise of Swansea City's central defender Ben Cabango has been incredible over the last 12 months and should be a shoo-in for Robert Page's squad, as will his new Swansea teammate Joe Allen.
Sheffield United's duo, full-back Rhys Norrington-Davies and goalkeeper Adam Davies,should both also be on the plane. As will Connor Roberts, who made 21 appearances as Burnley were relegated from the Premier League. He is likely to start in the Welsh's opening game against the USA on November 21st.
The Socceroos are stocked
Australia are another side that will have a strong Championship contingent. Sunderland's Bailey Wright has been a staple of their squad for some time now, racking up 26 appearances throughout his international career thus far. He played every minute of the Socceroos' recent playoffs against the UAE and Peru and he can expect to add further caps in Qatar.
Wright may be joined in the squad by Middlesbrough's Riley McGree and Blackpool's Kenny Dougall. The pair only have 11 caps between them, but both were on the bench for the recent playoff wins and, should they have a solid run of form between now and when the tournament gets underway, they stand a great chance of featuring.
Reading's Junior Hoilett is a certainty for the tournament, which will be Canada's first World Cup since 1986. The 32-year-old winger will be adding to his 45 Maple Leaf caps later in the year. His club teammate Andy Yiadom should also feature for Ghana, as will the USA's Ethan Horvath, who will provide backup to Manchester City's Zack Steffen.
Although technically a second tier league, these picks will ensure an impressive amount of representation for the Championship on the international stage.
