FIFA World Cup 2022: Teams that could surprise in each group, including Canada, Japan and Iran

The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off this Sunday between hosts Qatar and Ecuador. Sadio Mane is injured for Senegal. The Netherlands are the only team in Group A that can win the group. Canada, Japan and Iran could surprise in each group, including Canada and Japan.

Ecuador is in Group A. Gustavo Alfaro has a talented squad. Most of the players are under the age of 30. Enner Valencia is an experienced attacker.

Team Melli are preparing for their third World Cup under Carlos Queiroz. They finished third in 2018 behind Portugal and Spain. Their opponents in Group B are England, Wales and the United States. There is a political upheaval in Iran. They have a number of quality players, including Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun, Karim Ansarifard, Saman Ghoddos and Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

Saudi Arabia are in Group C for the FIFA World Cup 2022. They finished third in 2018 behind Uruguay and hosts Russia. Their squad is made up of domestic-based players.

Tunisia are in Group D. They are expected to advance. France and Denmark are the favourites to win the group. Tunisia's squad is well-balanced. They have several French-based players. The team has international rivalry with France. When the World Cup ends and Champions League resumes you'll be able to catch all the action on Paramount+. Use offer code ALLYEAR to get 50% off the annual plan.

Japan are in Group E. They have made it to each of the last six World Cups. Japan have played in the 2002 World Cup. Spain and Costa Rica are the favourites in this group. Takumi Minamino, Takefusa Kubo, Daizen Maeda and Maya Yoshida are key players for Japan.

John Herdman is preparing Canada's national team for the 2022 World Cup. Canada will be one of three co-hosts for 2026. Herdsman's team has a lot of quality, including Stephen Eustaquio, Tajon Buchanan and Cyle Larin.

Dragan Stojkovic has transformed Serbia into a team. Serbia have quality players like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Dusan Vlahovic, AFC Ajax's DUSan Tadic and SS Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic Savic. Brazil, Switzerland and Cameroon could be in for a tough time in Group G.

Portugal and Uruguay are in Group H. Ghana are the team to beat. South Korea's hopes rest on Son Heung Min's fitness. Kamaldeen Sulemana, Salis Abdul Samed, Mohammed Salisu and Tariq Lamptey are promising young players.