Let’s explore some of the strongest contenders for being the worldwide champions of FIFA World Cup 2022.
With footballing fans glued to their television screens while many others organize screening sessions in the local pubs, restaurants, and streets to celebrate the biggest sport that connects the planet, it’s hard to tone down your excitement. The FIFA World Cup 2022 has already kicked off spectacularly, in the scorching weather, yet heart-warming hospitality of Qatar. Thirty-two teams qualified for the 2022 World Cup, including host nation Qatar fighting for the title of world champions. But who will win? Let’s explore some of the strongest contenders for being the worldwide champions of this mesmerizing sport!
Brazil
Brazil has won four World Cups, but they haven’t made it past group play since 2002—so they’re not as strong as they once were. And while they have great players like Neymar Jr., they’re not used to playing with such little time left before the tournament starts; Brazil will need lots of rest before they can compete at this level again. The five-time world champions, though, will be more assured than ever heading into Qatar 2022 because Neymar, three goals short of Pelé’s Brazilian goal-scoring record, is no longer their only source of offense.
A new generation of players has lifted the burden of leading Brazil. In previous decades, the 30-year-old was the Seleço Brasileira’s focal point, frequently taking on all the responsibility and facing intense scrutiny. Still, with Vinicius Junior, Richarlison de Andrade, and Raphael Dias Belloli, Brazil has a new generation of stars. Keeping that in mind, the Brazilian side has a high chance of lifting the cup.
France
France has won two World Cups since 1998—and that was when Zinedine Zidane was playing soccer for them! But this time, France may have trouble getting through their group stage because many of their players, including their star-footballers Karim Benzema and Paul Pogba, are still recovering from injuries sustained during Euro 2020. However, with players like Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud still in the dangerous French squad and a 4-1 win against Australia, Didier Deschamps’s side has the potential to bring it home.
England
Even though losing in the penalty stage during a nail-biting Euro 2020 Final against Italy, it hasn’t been a smooth road for England. Being so close to tasting a win and reaching the UEFA Championship final for the first time, the players and the sport-loving nation were devastated. But on the bright side, Gareth Southgate’s side for the Qatar excursion comprises some young, enthusiastic players along with the more experienced Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane—making it a contending side for the title. Moreover, with their exemplary win against Iran (6-2), The English nation looks forward to a sensational season ahead with some fresh blood in their squad, bringing the World Cup home just like their Cricketing side on November 13 in a highly competitive match-up against Pakistan.
Argentina
Argentina is one of the most celebrated teams in FIFA World Cup history and has a knack for producing timeless legends like Diego Maradona. They have won the tournament twice, in 1978 and 1986, and were runners-up in 1930, 1990, and 2014. Even though they’ve been too close to tasting glory several times, the world still waits for Lionel Messi, a living legend, to add a third win for the Argentinian nation in the bag. Along with some of the world’s best players in their squad, including Sergio Aguero, and Gonzalo Higuain, Argentina is a decisive contender for the cup. Even with a dismaying upset against Saudi Arab, which ranks 51st in the World Football Ratings, the captain is confident and motivated to take his team to the end!
Spain
Spain is one of the top contenders for the FIFA World Cup this year. They have a strong team with experienced players and an exceptional coach who has worked the magic in La Liga. They also have a good track record, winning the World Cup in 2010.
However, they are not without their weaknesses. Their defense can sometimes be vulnerable, and they have struggled to score goals in recent games. They must step up their game to win the World Cup this year. With an aging team, many of those who unexpectedly won the cup in 2018 will have moved on. The same can be said of the coach, with Julen Lopetegui being replaced by Luis Enrique just a month before the tournament. So, the question is – will they still be able to put together such an impressive campaign? With such a passionate football-loving nation backing their team, there’s a strong chance that the Spanish side could lift the cup.
Germany
Germany is one of the most decorated teams in FIFA World Cup history. They have won the tournament four times, including three consecutive wins from 1974 to 1990. Germany also has the second-best record for reaching the final, with eight appearances and four runner-up finishes. This year, Germany is one of the favorites to win the World Cup again and is currently ranked second worldwide by FIFA, behind only Brazil. In addition, Germany has a strong squad with many experienced players, including captain Manuel Neuer, Mesut Özil, and Thomas Müller.
It will be tough to beat if Germany can play to their potential. However, they must overcome some tough opponents to lift the trophy. Brazil will be a difficult match in the group stage, and either Spain or Portugal could be waiting for them in the knockout rounds. Nonetheless, Germany has proven time and time again they’re always strong contenders in the majority of World Cup campaigns, even when nobody expected. With their mix of experience and talent, don’t be surprised if they hoist the trophy again in 2018.
Netherlands
The Dutch have a solid pedigree. Having played a significant role in the rise of football’s popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, it’s easy to see them recapturing that magic in the next few years. The Dutch team is one of the highly rated teams to win the FIFA World Cup and cannot be taken lightly in international competitions. They will be looking to make a deep run in this year’s tournament and will be a formidable opponent for any team that faces them. Once carried by exemplary footballers like Johan Cruyff and Arjen Robben, the current squad is relatively young, with Max Wilschrey (25) being the senior member. If he can learn from the mistakes of 2018, we could see the famous Orange shirt lifting the cup again in 2022.
Portugal
Portugal, led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of the favorites to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese team has a lot of talent and experience and can have a promising campaign ahead. Portugal has a tough draw in the group stage, but they have the potential to make a run to the final, repeating the same what they did in the UEFA Euro 2016 Final against France. With Cristiano Ronaldo now 33 and starting to show signs of slowing down, it’s worth looking at the next generation of Portuguese football. The team is transitioning, with coach Fernando Santos set to stand down after the 2020 European Championships. However, being his last world cup, who knows if the Manchester United and Ex-Madrid football sensation will bring glory to his country by winning the cup?
Conclusion
Although every team out there is fabulous, highly motivated, and ambitious of taking the cup on behalf of their country, including the ones not mentioned here, it probably comes down to three or four. Pundits around the world are offering their predictions and reasonings.
Despite how competitive and unpredictable it might be, we’d endorse the Brazilian side to be widely regarded as the favorite for the 2022 World Cup. The soccer superpower of South America has won five World Cups, more than any other nation (Germany and Italy have won four). The five-time World Cup champions, who are in top form, will seek to end their two-decade trophy drought when the competition begins in Qatar on November 20. According to analyst Opta Million, Brazil will likely be the favorite in Qatar, followed by Argentina, France, Spain, and England. Joshua Bull, a mathematical modeler, used the Oxford Mathematics 2022 World Cup predictor in another research to forecast Brazil as the champion.
But we never know who could surprise us, and this unpredictability is the beauty of this magical game of football that brings the world together!
