Several Leeds United players have already helped their countries secure their place at the Qatar World Cup later this year. For the first time in the history of the sport, the tournament is set to take place in the winter months of November and December instead of the summer due to the extreme heat in the Middle East.
By the end of this week, 28 of the 32 participating countries will have been confirmed, with the remaining four to be decided in June in the intercontinental play-offs, as well as the delayed European play-off final. So with that in mind, here is a look at some of the details of the draw, as well as the Leeds players who will be casting a keen eye on it.
When is the World Cup draw?
The draw for the tournament is set to take place on Friday, 1 April. It will get underway at around 5pm BST at the DECC venue in Doha, Qatar.
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Which Leeds players could be involved?
Kalvin Phillips/Patrick Bamford – England
Providing he is able to prove his fitness, Kalvin Phillips is a shoo-in to be on the plane to Qatar following his displays for England at the EUROs. It will be much more difficult for Patrick Bamford, who has barely played since his Three Lions debut in September due to injuries.
Raphinha – Brazil
Raphinha has established himself as a big part of the Brazil national team since his first cap in October. If he continues to perform at a high level, there is no doubt the 25-year-old will be participating in his maiden major tournament.
Diego Llorente/Rodrigo – Spain
Diego Llorente appears to have solidified his place as Spain’s fourth choice centre back, behind Pau Torres, Aymeric Laporte and Eric Garcia. He still has a lot of work to do to ensure he makes the final Spain squad, though. Rodrigo may also find it tough having only made one of Luis Enrique’s last seven squads, though he was involved when Spain confirmed their place at the finals against Sweden.
Robin Koch – Germany
Robin Koch has been extremely unlucky with his national team involvement this season, as he was injured for all three international breaks at the end of last season. He was then named in the March squad after returning to fitness, but tested positive for Covid-19 prior to travelling. The fact he was called up on this occasion, though, suggests Hansi Flick is a fan.
Mateusz Klich – Poland
Poland face Sweden this evening in the final of the World Cup play-offs after receiving a bye due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Mateusz Klich would’ve been in the squad, however he picked up a one-match ban in the groups and therefore is suspended for tonight’s huge match. If they qualify, he is a near certainty to be on the plane.
Dan James/Tyler Roberts – Wales
Wales will be in Friday’s draw for the World Cup final but will have to wait until June to book their place. That is because the other half of their draw – Scotland and Ukraine – saw their game postponed. Dan James has been a crucial player during Rob Page’s time in charge of Wales, meaning if they get through, he will certainly be in the squad. Tyler Roberts has also been a regular in the squad but is facing a huge race to be fit for the play-off final after surgery on his hamstring.
Liam Cooper – Scotland
Scotland will also be in the draw on Friday after the aforementioned postponement of their semi-final with Ukraine. Liam Cooper has been a consistent member of the Scotland squad under Steve Clarke and is likely to be on the plane if they qualify for the finals in June.
