Everything to Know About Group E at the World Cup
Multiple Group E sides will be looking to become World Cup champions in 2022 as the tournament kicks off in a few weeks.
RELATED: Latest 2022 World Cup Odds
Spain and Germany headline Group E, which also features Costa Rica and Japan.
The four countries will battle for places in the last 16, which is something all of them have reached in recent competitions.
Today, we're taking a closer look at the group ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Which Teams Will Play in Group E?
Costa Rica qualified for the World Cup after an epic battle against New Zealand back in June.
Japan has become accustomed to qualifying for the world's biggest competition, and they're always a tough out.
Germany are four-time World Cup champions and will look to bring a mixed group of youth and experience to Qatar.
Image credit: Marvin Ibo Guengoer/Getty Images
Spain won its lone World Cup title in 2010, but with a young group of La Liga stars, perhaps the Spanish can win their second.
Who's the Favorite?
Germany and Spain are pretty even on paper, but with the injuries the Germans are battling right now, the edge goes to the latter.
The Spanish are led by a strong core in the midfield with Pedri, Gavi, Sergio Busquets, and others.
Meanwhile, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, and Ansu Fati are exciting attacking options to go along with players like Gerard Moreno.
Image credit: Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
Spain won the World Cup over a decade ago in South Africa with one of the most talented squads of all time.
They boast a deep squad that can present challenges for any top nation, but their first priority will be handling a tough Group E.
Players to Watch on Every Team
Costa Rica - Jewison Bennette
Costa Rica mainly boasts an aging squad, but Bennette is one of their more promising young talents.
The Ticos star moved to Sunderland this season and has already scored a goal in just three appearances.
He'll have the opportunity to mix into the Costa Rica attack with Joel Campbell and Johan Venegas.
Germany - Jamal Musiala
Musiala is one of the best young midfielders in Europe and will have a significant role with Germany.
He's been lighting it up with Bayern Munich this season and already has chemistry with players like Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane.
Japan - Takefusa Kubo
The Real Sociedad winger has become a huge name for Japan at the age of 21.
He'll likely be one of the team's go-to attackers in Qatar and aim to carry his La Liga form over to a team that's had lots of World Cup success in the past.
Image credit: Parnaby Lindsey/picture alliance via Getty Images
Spain - Pedri
The Barcelona product continues to make a name for himself on the club and international scene.
The midfield will be based around the young Spaniard, and with strong performances at the Euros and during Nations League, he wants to make a big impact at his first World Cup.
Match Schedule for Group E
Nov. 23: Germany vs. Japan (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; kick-off 8 a.m. ET)
Nov. 23: Spain vs. Costa Rica (Al Thumama Stadium, Al Khor; kick-off 11 a.m. ET)
Nov. 27: Japan vs. Costa Rica (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; kick-off 5 a.m. ET)
Nov. 27: Spain vs. Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; kick-off 2 p.m. ET)
Dec. 1: Costa Rica vs. Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; kick-off 11 a.m. ET)
Dec. 1: Japan vs. Spain (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; kick-off 2 p.m. ET)
—
For the entire World Cup match list, check out our article breaking down the full event schedule.
