This month the entire world will shift attention toward the intense action of the FIFA 2022 World Cup football in Qatar. The most prestigious soccer competition will start on November 20 and end on December 18. In total, 32 countries will compete for the ultimate prize on football’s grandest stage, but who are favourites to go all the way? I have been closely following all qualifying matches; watched teams in South America, Europe, and Africa. I noticed just a few teams that can win the tournament. The Brazilians The Brazilians will enter the 2022 FIFA World Cup as favorites. Brazil has won the World Cup five times, and the Seleção are listed as the first favorites to win it all according to the latest 2022 World Cup rankings. Brazil unveiled its squad with Neymar, Rodrygo, Gabriel Jesus, and Vinicius Junior among the most notable names. Brazil is currently the No. 1 ranked team in the FIFA rankings after breezing through World Cup qualifying. Despite that defeat to regional arch-rivals, Argentina in 2021, coach Tite’s side has been excellent recently, both in qualifying and friendlies, with players such as Neymar, Richarlison, and Raphinha all ready. The five-time world champions – who have not won the World Cup since 2002 – have been drawn alongside Serbia, Switzerland, and Cameroon in Group G, and are expected to get through with no significant problems. It is very true; Brazil is a football nation; they have won the tournament more times than any team in the world. They have a talented squad, especially in defence, midfield, and in attack. Brazil is still as strong as in the past. They even look much stronger this time though they are likely to face tougher opponents. Argentina Superstar Lionel Messi and his comrades are hoping for a special tournament. The South American side has been drawn into a group with Mexico, Poland, and Saudi Arabia that they should be able to navigate. Argentina are second favourites to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as Lionel Scaloni looks to guide his team to a memorable tournament. South American champions Argentina will pin their hopes on Messi hitting form in what will be his final appearance on this stage. Throughout his career, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner achieved what many players could only dream of. But one trophy has so far proved beyond his reach - the World Cup. Messi, for much of his career, has suffered heartache with Argentina. Now 35, Messi is well into the latter stages of his career and the upcoming World Cup will be his last. France Holders France hope to become only the third country in history to retain the World Cup, after Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962. Les Bleus are drawn with Denmark, who beat them twice in the Nations League. With a star-studded squad that includes Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d'Or holder Kalim Benzema, France knows what it takes to emerge victorious, and Didier Deschamps' side will be ready to do battle. France possesses average players but with good physical condition, good coordination, and high work rates on the pitch, these are the kind of teams that can surprise everyone at the world cup. France, ranked fourth in the world, behind Brazil, Belgium, and Argentina, is chasing history. If Didier Deschamps’ side can lay their hands on the glittering FIFA World Cup trophy on December 18 it would be one of the best achievements for the country. Les Bleus lost twice to Denmark in the UEFA Nations League in 2022. France is drawn in Group D alongside Australia, Denmark, and Tunisia. Germany After a disastrous World Cup four years ago as defending champion, Germany is going to Qatar with a new coach at a major tournament for the first time since 2008. The current German squad constitutes players who have been very consistent in the previous editions of the world cup. Germany has always finished in the top phases of the competition in the previous editions since 2002. They will be aiming to move a step higher and their strength lies in the tactical aspect of coach Hansi Flick. The Germans have always shown potential to improve at the world cup and change their style of play game after game. They have outstanding players. Germany's first match is on November 23 against Japan. They will also play Spain and Costa Rica in Group E hoping to avoid a repeat of their 2018 effort when the four-time World Cup champions were eliminated in the group stage. Spain Spain, world champions in 2010, is hoping to win their second title Spain is hoping to win the second title after performing well in the Nations League and qualifying. Luis Enrique’s side is full of talented youngsters and could surprise everyone in Qatar. However, Spain has been drawn into a group alongside Germany and the fixture between the two will tell us a lot about how the sides will fare in this year’s World Cup. Spain starts the tournament as the seeded side in Group E, which also has Costa Rica, Germany, and Japan. Spain is the favorite to go through to the next round with Germany, but Costa Rica and Japan will provide stern challenges as they look to regain their form in major tournaments. England England may not win the World Cup currently but you can't ignore them. England will do all that is possible to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Gareth Southgate’s side had a particularly disappointing Nations League campaign and finished winless in six matches. However, the Three Lions will hope they can recover from these setbacks when they take to the pitch in the Middle East. There is no doubt that England has one of the best squads in terms of individual talent. And with Harry Kane leading the line, the team will always have a chance. But their overall performances have to improve if they are to claim their first major silverware. England made their way to the semi-finals in 2018, before reaching a final on home soil at Euro 2020. There are other teams that can pull surprises; the likes of Mexico, Croatia, and the United States of America. The Senegalese and the Moroccans are also not traveling to Qatar for tourism. World Cup groups in full Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands Group B: England, Iran, USA, Wales Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia Group E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan Group F: Belgium, Ghana, Morocco, Croatia Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon Group H: Portugal, Canada, Uruguay, South Korea
