Qatar will host the FIFA World Cup 2022 in November, drawing the best football teams worldwide. The unique setting is expected to make this tournament very different from others. There have been a few World Cups where the weather has been a major factor.
Qatar may have some hiccups, but the tournament should still be great. Which teams will be most influential and competitive in 2022?
Spain
Despite its lack of fanfare, Spain has been getting better and could have won Euro 2020. The team has changed considerably since its 2010s heyday, but they still play with the same beautiful, fluid style.
They were undefeated during qualifying and have shown consistent strength in competitions like the Nations League, so they should be among the top teams in Qatar. Spain has a relatively easy path to the quarterfinals, with only a grouping with Germany as a possible stumbling block.
Belgium
Belgium is typically a top contender in World Cup betting. Even though their “golden generation” has largely retired from the team, they are still a powerful force on the global stage. The talents of Courtois, Hazard, Lukaku, Vertonghen, and Alderweireld are just a few examples of their incredible roster.
Once key players like Lukaku rediscover their form, Belgium should be among the favorites at the 2022 World Cup. Although Croatia will be their toughest opponent, they should still be able to advance to the next round if they beat Canada and Morocco.
England
The lack of a World Cup victory by the English national team since 1966 has been a source of disappointment for their fans. Despite this, they continue to be a formidable opponent on the international football stage, boasting a brilliant squad of promising young players.
The team has developed and matured since placing fourth at the 2018 World Cup, despite their recent performances being inconsistent. Which England will show up for this tournament is anyone’s guess.
Brazil
It’s not just Argentina that’s fine on the international stage right now; Brazil has lost just one of its last 20 matches. Players like Neymar, Vinicius Jr., and Lucas Paqueta help elevate their team to an unprecedented talent level. The oddsmakers favor Argentina to win the World Cup, but Brazil is usually the second favorite.
Argentina
Argentina has won the World Cup twice; could this be their third victory? Is this the year Lionel Messi finally wins the one major award he has been denied thus far?
Numerous experts have predicted that Argentina will be the next World Cup champion in 2022. They’ve been in fantastic shape recently and built a team that can win without Leo Messi. Messi and his teammates, including Rodrigo de Paul and Angel Di Maria, help make Argentina a formidable opponent. The last time they lost a competitive match was in 2019.
