This will be the fifth game of this round in which the first of group E and the second of group F meet.
As the World Cup in Qatar reaches its knockout phase, teams must win to stay alive. The round of 16 kicks off the elimination battles, and there is no room for speculation or second chances. On Monday, the fifth match of this round brings together the leaders of Group E and the runners-up of Group F, highlighting a clash that could decide the course of the tournament for both nations involved.
Japan vs. Croatia, round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar: when is it, time, date, day, where is it, stadium, location and TV
The knockout duel is scheduled for Monday, December 5, 2022, with kickoff set at 4:00 PM local time in Spain and 18:00 in Qatar. The venue is the Al Janoub Stadium, located in the coastal city of Al-Wakrah, a modern arena designed to host the event and provide a fitting stage for a high-stakes match between these two teams.
Although Spain had looked poised to top the group, a loss to Japan shifted the balance, sending Luis Enrique’s squad into second place while Japan moved ahead in the standings. That turn of events pitted the Japanese against Croatia in this knockout contest.
Japan earned its place as the Group E winner, while Croatia finished as the Group F runner-up after a campaign that featured early expectations from familiar contenders. Belgium began as the favorites to advance, but a surprise by Morocco altered the final group standings, leaving Croatia second and Belgium exiting the tournament earlier than expected. The result is a high-stakes matchup that fans around the world will be watching closely as the teams prepare to decide who advances further into the World Cup bracket.
With the match needing a winner, there is no possibility of a draw after 90 minutes. If the score remains level at the end of regulation time, the game will move into extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if required. This knockout format ensures that every moment on the field carries immense pressure and clear implications for the teams’ World Cup journeys.
Note: The information above reflects the schedule and structure for the 2022 World Cup knockout stage and is presented to provide fans with a clear understanding of when and where the match will take place, along with the significance of the contest within the tournament’s broader context.