World Cup 2022 updates: England, France to face off in last 8

This blog is now closed, thanks for joining us. These were the updates on World Cup 2022 on Sunday, December 4.

Welcome to day 15 of the World Cup 2022 in Qatar and the second day of the Round of 16 knockout matches.

France beat Poland 3-1, and England thrashed Senegal 3-0.

The first day of knockouts saw the Netherlands handily defeat the USA 3-1, and Argentina beat Australia 2-1.

See who is playing, where and when, here.

Poland captain Robert Lewandowski has declined to confirm if he had played his last ever game at the World Cup after his team was knocked out of the tournament in Qatar in a 3-1 defeat by France.

Barcelona striker Lewandowski scored a late consolation from the penalty spot for a Poland side who were outclassed by the fearsome French attack in Doha.

He will be almost 38 by the time the next World Cup comes around in North America in 2026, but he suggested that issues beyond his physical condition were more likely to see him end his international career.

“Physically, I’m not afraid of this, but we have so many different things outside of football, whether your happiness is still there and what’s going on around. So, it’s tough to say now,” admitted the former Bayern Munich striker.

Lewandowski warms up before facing Saudi Arabia at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar [File: Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]

Al Thumama Stadium reflects Qatari identity and heritage

Al Thumama Stadium’s dynamic design celebrates local culture and traditions.

It is the only World Cup 2022 stadium designed by a local architect. Its bold, circular form reflects the gahfiya, the traditional woven cap worn by men and boys all across the Arab world.

Al Jazeera’s Farrah Esmail reports from Al Thumama stadium in Doha.