Despite the fact that Qatar 2022 has been surrounded by controversy ever since FIFA awarded Qatar the privilege of hosting back in 2010, the tournament is set to go ahead (delayed due to Covid), and we are finally beginning to get excited. Most sides at this stage have released their full 26 man squad, and it’s suffice to say that many stars will be participating at this winter’s tournament. Such stars include France’s Kylian Mbappe, Poland’s Robert Lewandowski, England’s Harry Kane and of course the two main men having their last dance; Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. With so many stars in attendance, it would be difficult to call exactly who will win… but that isn’t going to stop us speculating! Continue on to discover who we have selected as favorites to emerge victorious this winter!
Qatar World Cup 2022: Who Are The Favorites?
France
It would be silly not to list France as one of the favorites for this year’s competition. Not only do they harbor an excessive amount of talent in an inflated 26 man squad, but they are also the previous winners. Even without the likes of key men Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante in the center of the field, they are still incredibly strong. Mbappe has gotten off to a great start domestically this season and will surely be eyeing the golden boot award. Having a team that has a wealth of experience and talent will surely see France go very far this winter, if not all the way!
England
Following a semi final finish in 2018 and a finals appearance at Euro 2020, the rational next step in England’s path to progression is to win the World Cup this summer! Unfortunately, anything else will only be seen as regression. England have developed significantly under Gareth Southgate, and you can see a clear style of play when you watch them. Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips have developed a formidable partnership in the middle, while Dortmund youngster Jude Bellingham has shown why he will become one of the most sought after starts in summer 2023. Harry Kane is a natural born goal scorer, while the team brings experience in Raheem Sterling, Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford, among others. Several of the Euro 2020 finalists have been called up again this winter, and the players in this side are extremely familiar with each other. This winter, they must ‘bring it home’, or suffer the wrath of the English fanbase.
Brazil
Brazil are always touted as potential winners simply due to the immense talent and skill their players possess. Star man Neymar cannot be ignored, and it only helps that he has started the season very well with Paris Saint-Germain this year. Defensive rock Casemiro has picked up form in the Premier League, while Gabriel Martinelli is part of an Arsenal attack that sits at the top of the Premier League going into Christmas. Time will tell if the Brazilians have the character to go all the way, but going from experience and pure talent, they should be right up there with the best.
Argentina
The last dance! This very well could be Messi’s final chance to taste success at a World Cup. Sure, he has come close in the past- most recently in 2014 against Germany (1-0 loss). Nevertheless, a team that has an in-form Messi can never be ruled out. Having started the season exceptionally well for PSG this year, we can see him being deadly at this tournament. Playing alongside other stars such as Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria, Argentina will be a side to watch this year.
Portugal
Another last dance comes with Cristiano Ronaldo. The serial winner has tasted international success with Euro 2016, but he has yet to win the World Cup. It must be said that Portugal do have less talent then perhaps other teams, but some of the talent they do have is certainly in-form and world class. Take Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias; Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo; among other classic stars like Pepe and Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix. After defying the odds in 2016, who is to say they can’t do it again this winter? Keep an eye out.
Germany
Hansi Flick’s Germany were in great form during the World Cup qualifiers and certainly have a talented squad. Despite lackluster performances at more recent tournaments, a new era has been ushered in under Flick. The team has the perfect balance of talent, experience and fresh meat. Take experienced keepers Neuer, ter Stegen and Trapp for example. While 17 year old attacker Youssoufa Moukoko and Dortmund youngster Karim Adeyemi have also been called up. Other talented stars include Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane. Don’t rule Germany out, they may in fact be victorious this winter…