Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022: What to Expect From The Top Teams

FIFA World Cup is not merely a sport played once every four years; rather, it is a culture that millions worldwide follow. The football World Cup is among the most awaited events in the sports world that unites nations and its followers. As the FIFA World Cup draws near, anticipation is at an all-time high. It is not just the 32 participating nations but everyone around the world is excited. Starting 20th November to 18th December, all eyes will be on Qatar, the host nation.

This word cup will be the 22nd edition of the competition and the first to be played in the Arab world. Four years after France claimed the championship, top footballing nations like Argentina, England, Germany, Portugal, Brazil, and Belgium have up their game and are ready to snatch the championship title. As we eagerly await the beginning of the matches, let’s take a look at some of the best teams and players to keep an eye on in the competition.

Top Five Teams to Watch Out For.

Brazil : The Favourites

Currently holding FIFA ranking number 1 they are the favourites. With a power-packed team, Brazil has lost only one international game since 2020. They were the tournament favourites in Russia in 2018. However, they were eliminated by Belgium in the quarterfinals. Brazil will likely view the other teams in Group G as relatively favourable in terms of their opportunities to advance to the knockout stages of the competition. The group of players that Brazil will bring to this tournament appears to be extremely intimidating for everyone else, especially in forward positions. Will Brazil finally be able to get home the World Cup trophy for the sixth time?

Top players: Neymar, Casemiro, Marquinhos, Vinicius Jr.

Belgium : The Red Devils

Will Belgium’s national team, the Red Devils, be able to recapture the glory days of their football past? Time will tell, but in the meantime, did you know that the only team in the world to top the FIFA list without ever having won the World Cup is the Belgium national football team? Currently, Belgium is ranked second in the world by FIFA. When it comes to football on the international stage, Belgium is consistently regarded as one of the best competitors. Belgium is prepared for everything, thanks to the greatness of players like Courtois and Hazard. To prove their point to the world, all they need to do is win against Croatia and Morocco.

Top players: Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard

Argentina : Team of Legends

Are you thinking what everyone else is thinking too? Will Messi hang up his shoes after this season? We are not sure yet, but what we do know is that Argentina is the leading contender with a very strong team because they are in terrific form right now. In 1978 and 1986, Diego Maradona led Argentina to its victory. Although Argentina appears to be the strongest team in Group C, which also includes Mexico and Poland and Saudi Arabia, one should not underestimate Mexico’s capabilities. So, the question is, can they make history by winning the World Cup for the third time?

Key players: Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul, Ángel Di María

France : The Reigning Champions

The reigning World Cup champions currently hold a FIFA ranking of 3. the Les Blues are one of the most decorated in all of world football, with both greats and young players in the team.

Players like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni are in their top form and are ready to add a new dimension to the game. So, will it be possible for France to dispel the jinx that comes with being crowned FIFA World Cup champions? Let’s wait and watch.

Top players: Kylian Mbappe, Hugo Lloris, Raphaël Varane, Karim Benzema

England : Roar of The Lions

Since 1966, England has not been able to reclaim the glory that they once held at the World Cup. Since their last World Cup, the England team has experienced their fair share of highs and lows. As the World Cup is happening in the middle of the season for the domestic league, their roster, which is heavily composed of players from the Premier League, will be in top physical condition. Gareth Southgate, as the team coach, has most certainly fine-tuned the English playing style. To what extent, then, will the three lions be able to work their magic?

Top players: Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling dele ale, Jordan Lee Pickford

Top Five Players to Watch Out For.

Manuel Peter Neuer : Germany

Manuel Peter Neuer, the goalie for Germany and the national team’s captain, is famous for his god-like ability to save a goal as so is considered among the best goalkeepers in the history of the sport. He was awarded the Golden Glove for helping Germany win the World Cup in 2014.

Thibaut Courtois : Belgium

The Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Nicolas Marc Courtois is widely considered to be one of the best in the world. The former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid goalkeeper has acknowledged that the upcoming World Cup in Qatar may be the “golden generation’s” final opportunity to represent their country.

Virgil van Dijk  : Netherland

Virgil van Dijk from the Netherlands, one of the best defender in sports history currently plays centre-back for both Liverpool of the Premier League and the Netherlands national team. Van Dijk is renowned for his power, leadership, and aerial skill.

Pedro Gonzalez : Spain

Pedri has been an indispensable member of FC Barcelona’s midfield in recent years and he is going to be a treat to the eyes. Pedri has already demonstrated remarkable maturity in the midfield. He has acquired a high level of game intelligence and amazing passing skills. Seeing him play football is always a treat because of the incredible way he plays the game.

Son Heung-Min : South Korea

A sigh of relief is be heard in South Korea as Son Heung-Min has returned to form. He is recognised for his lightning-fast speed, which has earned him the reputation of being one of the best forwards in the sports world and one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time. As South Korea has been placed in a challenging group in Qatar, it is imperative that Son Heung-Min performs at his best, if not better.

Some Interesting Trivia:

1 – The trophy was stolen from Westminster Central Hall in London four months before the 1966 FIFA World Cup. Seven days later, Pickles, a dog, found it wrapped in newspaper.

2- Ras Abu Aboud Stadium in Qatar, more commonly referred to as Stadium 974, was constructed entirely from shipping containers and will be removed when the tournament concludes.

3- In the match between Uruguay and Scotland in 1986, Uruguayan defender Jose Batista was shown a red card and that too just after 56 seconds of play.

4- As temperatures during the daytime in Qatar can reach uncomfortably high levels, the country is hosting the FIFA World Cup in fully air-conditioned stadiums.

5- Italy and Brazil are the only two teams to ever win the tournament twice in a row

All said and done; the FIFA World Cup is incomplete without the theme songs. Grammy award-winning American rapper Lil Baby has released ‘The World is Yours to Take’, an official anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2022. So, if you are planning to experience the magic as it is created, visit Qatar. And while you are there, do explore some amazing places in Middle Eastern countries. So go ahead and buy the jersey of your favourite team, invite your friends and make sure you have all your favourite snacks stacked up. The FIFA 2022 is going to be EPIC.