England vs. Iran (Monday, 1.00pm)
© Reuters
England's latest quest for major tournament glory begins with their World Cup 2022 opener against Iran in Group B at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, their opponents are competing on the biggest global stage for the third time in a row but are facing an uphill battle to finally progress beyond the group stage.
We say: England 2-0 Iran
Iran's attacking ranks may include some household names with plenty of international nous in front of goal, but we do not expect any surprises to be sprung on Monday afternoon.
Desperate to dust off the cobwebs after a dismal Nations League campaign and with plenty of their own in-form attackers to call upon, England ought to begin their World Cup campaign with a routine three points.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
> How Iran could line up against England
> How England could line up against Iran
> England vs. Iran: How do both squads compare ahead of World Cup Group B clash?
> What should England's starting XI be for their World Cup opener?
Senegal vs. Netherlands (Monday, 4.00pm)
© Reuters
Senegal take on Netherlands in Group A of the 2022 World Cup on Monday.
The match will kick off at 4pm GMT in Al Thumama, Qatar, exactly 24 hours after the hosts' opening match begins against Ecuador on Sunday.
We say: Senegal 0-1 Netherlands
With both teams missing their most potent attackers through injury, we can envisage a cagey encounter between these two nations in Al Thumama on Monday.
Mane's injury is undoubtedly a huge blow to Senegal's chances of making an impact at the World Cup, with Netherlands' superior strength in depth and technical proficiency likely to see them edge a tight fixture.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
> How Senegal could line up against Netherlands
> How Netherlands could line up against Senegal
USA vs. Wales (Monday, 7.00pm)
© Reuters
Wales will make their first appearance at a World Cup finals in 64 years when they face the USA in Al Rayyan in their Group B opener on Monday night.
This fixture will complete the first round of fixtures in Group B, an intriguing section involving England and Iran which could be very tight.
We say: USA 1-1 Wales
With England favourites to win the group, the fight for second place in the group could be extremely close, and neither side can afford to lose this crunch opener.
Both sides have become heavily reliant on a few certain individuals to get them goals, meaning one piece of brilliance may be what decides the outcome.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
England
Iran
USA
Wales
