The football season has just started again. And the recent Champions League draw has had fans on the edge of their seats. But the main football event of the year is just around the corner. The upcoming FIFA World Cup will be underway from November 20 to December 18, leaving supporters worldwide to prepare for an unusual winter tournament. So, who will emerge victorious in Qatar? We look at five teams that might make it to the top.
France
The French head into the competition as the defending champions. Coached by Didier Deschamps, who already led Les Bleus to victory in 2018, France appears ready to repeat the feat. However, no nation has claimed back-to-back titles at the World Cup since the Brazilian squad in 1958 and 62. Still, the French squad looks threatening enough to pull it off. While some of the 2018 champions have been out of form lately, such as midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kanté, the attacking line boasts two of the most prolific players at the moment. Thus, PSG star Kylian Mbappé will undoubtedly shine alongside Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema.
Argentina
Argentina has already won the World Cup twice in the past century. But a final triumph keeps eluding the Albiceleste for decades. The Argentinian team tasted victory again in 2021 with a narrow win over Brazil at the Copa America. In 2022, Messi and his co-stars beat Italy in the first-ever Finalissima. What’s more, the squad managed by Lionel Scalani hasn’t lost a single international game since 2019. So, could it be Argentina’s lucky year? With a blend of experienced players like Ángel Di Maria and young talents like Lisandro Martínez, the Albiceleste can aim for the title. And it would only be fitting for Lionel Messi to land, at last, the only prize yet missing in his trophy cabinet.
England
England came close to securing the European title in 2021. At the Russia World Cup in 2018, English fans buoyed their national squad all the way to the semi-finals. But the Three Lions failed to reach the top and end an ongoing trophy drought since their first and only World Cup win back in 1966. Still, the English national squad is up in arms to bring a 56-year wait to a much-anticipated close. On top of seasoned players such as Harry Kane and Kyle Walker, the Three Lions boast promising young talents like Phil Foden and Jack Grealish. And in a pool comprising Iran, Wales, and the United States, England should find a fairly straightforward way to the knock-out stages. So, has Gareth Southgate’s squad what it takes to bring it back home? English fans certainly hope so.
Brazil
Vinicius Jr., Neymar, Lucas Paquetá, Gabriel Jesus. The skills and creativity among the Brazilian squad are unparalleled. And the defending line-up is proving more solid than ever, with players such as Marquinhos and Thiago Silva gaining maturity over the years. Brazil is heading to Qatar in dazzling form as they haven’t lost a match since their Copa America final. Twenty years after their last triumph, the Seleção could knock a sixth World Cup title. And bookmakers have made it clear the Brazilian squad was one to watch out. So, from South America to Asia, punters can place their bets on the best football betting sites in 2022. Even in countries where gambling is illegal, such as Vietnam, football fans can find the perfect platform online. Experts have scoured the internet to single out the most favourable odds on a range of reputable betting sites. Better yet, newcomers and seasoned punters alike may claim hefty bonuses to keep their bankroll in the green.
Belgium
Keen football observers already knew of the tremendous potential of the Belgian squad. Still, Belgium appeared as the surprise team of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Bested by France in the semi-finals, and again during the 2021 League of Nations, Belgium is yet to secure any international title. But the Red Devils are looking to make history at the upcoming tournament. From Kevin De Bruyne to Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard, their golden generation is going strong, still. And while they slipped to second place in the world FIFA rankings, the Belgian squad could prove hard to beat, anyway.
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