2022 World Cup Daily Watch Guide: Nov. 29, Netherlands vs. Qatar, Ecuador vs, Senegal, Iran vs. USA, Wales vs. England

The final matchday of the World Cup Group Stage is finally upon us, and with that comes the heartbreak of elimination and joy of making the knockout rounds of the tournament. This World Cup has seen some upsets and countries in uncomfortable positions in their groups, now their fates will be decided. Each group will have teams play each other simultaneously to add to the drama.

Netherlands, Ecuador, and Senegal are the teams from Group A that can advance and all have a chance to top the group. The U.S can only advance with a win against Iran. Wales is also alive but must beat England and have other situations go their way. 

Brazil and Portugal locked up their places in the Round of 16 with victories and some thrilling matches in the early window. Ghana took all three points after almost dropping two points to Korea. Cameroon and Serbia played to a 3-3 draw, giving life to Cameroon in the group. Here's your guide for the first set of simultaneous games. 

The four games

• Ecuador vs. Senegal, 7 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. CT / 10 a.m. ET (Khalifa International Stadium, Ar-Rayyan)
• Netherlands vs. Qatar, 7 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. CT / 10 a.m. ET (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)
• Iran vs. USA, 11 a.m PT / 1 p.m CT / 2 p.m. ET (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha) 
• Wales vs. England, 11 a.m PT / 1 p.m CT / 2 p.m. ET  (Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Ar-Rayyan)

How to watch

• Netherlands vs. Qatar will be on Fox and Universo
• Ecuador vs. Senegal will be on FS1 and Telemundo 
• Wales vs. England will be on FS1 and Universo
• Iran vs. USA will be on Fox and Telemundo 
• 4K replays of the games are available on Tubi 

What the oddsmakers say

• Ecuador +140, Senegal +210, Draw +210
• Netherlands -550, Qatar +1400, Draw +550
• Iran +310, USA -110, Draw +240
• Wales +700, England -225, Draw +340

(odds courtesy of BetMGM)

Clinching Scenarios 

Group A

Netherlands: Advance with a win OR tie and Senegal loss OR tie and better goal difference than Senegal

Ecuador: Advance with a win OR tie OR a loss and Netherlands loss and a better goal difference than the Netherlands 

Senegal: Advance with a win and OR tie and Netherlands loss with a better goal differential than the Netherlands 

Group B

England: Advance with a win OR tie and U.S loss OR tie and US-Iran tie 

Iran: Advance with a win OR tie and Wales loss

USA: Advance with Win 

Wales: Advance with a win and Iran tie and better goal differential than Iran 

Narratives we’ll be watching for

The Netherlands have been underwhelming in their two games in the tournament, edging out a late victory against Senegal and being held in check by Ecuador. The team on paper has much more potential and individual talent but has yet to play up to those standards. Qatar is eliminated from advancing in the tournament and will make their last appearances in front of their home crowd at this tournament. Could Qatar pull the upset and possibly be part of why the Netherlands doesn’t advance?

Ecuador and Senegal will have both teams with something to fight for. Ecuador could finish top of Group A with a win and a better goal difference than the Netherlands. Meanwhile, a win guarantees progression in the tournament for Senegal. Ecuador’s Enner Valencia has scored three goals this tournament but was carried off the field and it’s unknown if he will play in this match for La Tri.

Wales is still alive but will need to pull out a miracle victory against England and have a better goal difference if the U.S. and Iran tie. The only Welsh goal scored this tournament came from the penalty spot; Gareth Bale’s penalty tied its match against the U.S. Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off for a tackle late in the Iran match — opening the door to Iran's win — and will miss the upcoming game. England had shined in its game against Iran and has disappointed in its game against the U.S. Harry Kane has yet to get on the scoresheet and will look to do so against Wales.  

Iran vs. USA is as close as you can get to the first taste of knockout-round soccer. In the case of the U.S., a win guarantees the Stars and Stripes a spot in the last 16 of the tournament while a loss or draw will send the USA packing. After a 2-0 win against Wales, Iran is in control of their own destiny – remarkable considering their 6-2 loss to England in the opening match. The U.S. has impressed at times in its play during the tournament but impressive play without goals won’t get you any wins. Iran will look to absorb pressure and counter when the Americans send numbers forward. 

Iran has asked FIFA for the U.S. to be removed from the tournament due to removing Iran’s official emblem and Islamic script in the flag of Iran in a now-deleted social media post. The U.S pre-match press conference also discussed non-soccer-related topics including geopolitical questions from Iranian media towards players and coach Gregg Berhalter. There will be an off-the-field edge during this game that could’ve been avoided.

• READ MORE: Five things to look for in the United States' must-win match against Iran

What happened leading up to this match

Those who woke up early for the Cameroon vs. Serbia match were treated to six goals as both countries tied in a 3-3 affair. Cameroon was losing the match 3-1 at one point, but goals from Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting saved a point and kept the African nation's qualifying hopes alive. This tie feels like a loss for the Serbian players and fans, they will have all to play for in the next match against Switzerland.

Brazil and Switzerland ended in a 1-0 in favor of the South American side. Without Neymar due to injury, the Brazilian attack struggled in the final third and the Swiss defended extremely tight during the match. Vinicius Jr. thought he had the breakthrough but was called off due to Richarlison being offside in the build-up. A Casemiro strike in the 83rd minute locked Brazil's place into the round of 16 with the victory, and Switzerland just needs a draw against Serbia to book a place in the knockout rounds.

Ghana and Korea Republic both needed points after an underwhelming inaugural matchday. Ghana was leading 2-0 through 35 minutes but striker Cho Gue-sung scored twice to tie the game up in the second half. Mohammed Kudus scored his second goal of the game and the winning goal to lead 3-2 and undo the hard work of the Koreans. There were chances for the Asian team to tie the game again, but Ghana held out to win all three vital points.

Portugal beat Uruguay 1-0 to clinch a place in the Round of 16. A cross from Bruno Fernandes and a late penalty conversion by the Manchester United player put the European side in front. Uruguay struggled to create chances early in the game, but had some moments in the second half. Hitting the post was the closest the South American side got to scoring. Uruguay's chances of making the next round are slim heading into the final matchday.