Team-by-team guide on who will be competing in Qatar

The FIFA World Cup is probably the best sporting spectacle on the earth. That when each 4 12 months interval the place, for under a month, the whole planet is left captivated by the numerous variety of stars of the gorgeous sport that come collectively at places all over the world searching for everlasting glory in service of their nation.

And the run-up to the event had already offered an enormous shock when holding European Champion Italy had been dumped out of the qualifying playoffs by minnows North Macedonia, making it the second successive World Cup the place Gli Azzurri won’t characteristic on soccer’s greatest stage.

However if you’re defending World Cup champion France, or five-time winner Brazil, the absence of Italy presents one much less large to doubtlessly topple in your strategy to footballing Valhalla.

Who can overlook the storyline of host-nation Qatar who qualify for his or her first World Cup as host nation and can look to present an excellent account of themselves on the again of successful the 2019 Asian Cup because the Arab world takes centre stage as first-time hosts?

As at all times, the storylines and potential redemption arches are limitless. It’s what actually defines this month-long spectacle.

With that in thoughts, 101 Nice Targets presents the nation-by-nation information to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

UEFA

France

FIFA rating: third – holding World Cup champion

Qualification: 1st place in Group D

It was at all times more likely to go easily for France throughout World Cup qualifying after Didier Deschamps’ males had been drawn into a gaggle that comprised Ukraine, Finland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Kazakhstan. Although France was held to attracts on three events throughout eight matches, they nonetheless comfortably topped the group by the tip of qualifying by a six-point margin over Ukraine whereas permitting simply three objectives within the course of.

On the floor, the aim contributions from Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, and Karim Benzema had been a sight to behold, with the frontline trio straight providing 14 of France’s 18 objectives, however a deeper dig may expose an actual potential weak point in Les Bleus this winter.

Greatest Participant: Kylian Mbappé

Younger Participant to Watch: Aurélien Tchouaméni

Odds to Win: 6/1

Belgium

FIFA rating: 2nd

Qualification: 1st place in Group E

Regardless of difficult qualification opponents within the vein of former bugbear Wales in addition to the Czech Republic, Belgium was expectedly dominant in Group E whereas topping the group with a 5-point cushion and bagging a powerful 25-goals in simply eight matches, with 13 coming in an 8-0 thrashing of Belarus and a 5-2 drubbing of Estonia.

Attracts in opposition to Wales and the Czech Republic weren’t all too stunning as nicely regardless of the firepower below the command of Roberto Martínez and maybe function a microcosm for the truth that the nations ‘Golden Technology’ has but to convey dwelling the nation’s first worldwide honour. World Cup 2022 serves as most likely the final probability they may have.

Greatest Participant: Kevin De Bruyne

Younger Participant to Watch: Charles De Ketelaere

Odds to Win: 10/1

England

FIFA rating: fifth

Qualification: 1st place in Group I

There is no such thing as a query that England below Gareth Southgate are one of many high nationwide groups in not simply Europe however on the earth. That proof was clear when the Three Lions completed fourth at Russia 2018 after which much more so after they misplaced on penalties to Italy within the finals of Euro 2020.

However reliving the glory moments round 1966 proceed to elude England regardless of the extent of participant that has so usually emerged from the island nation, although the arrogance and type that they bring about into the winter event after smashing Group I and scoring 3.9-goals/match whereas solely surrendering three on the different finish was one of the best aim distinction in UEFA whereas their 39-goals scored was additionally high of the qualifying program. England are an actual menace coming into Qatar.

Greatest Participant: Raheem Sterling

Younger Participant to Watch: Bukayo Saka

Odds to Win: 7/1

Spain

FIFA rating: seventh

Qualification: 1st place in Group B

Spain’s qualifying marketing campaign didn’t get out of the blocks in a fashion that headmaster Luis Enrique supposed when La Roja opened their marketing campaign with a house draw in opposition to Greece (1-1) after which ultimately misplaced to Sweden within the wake of a struggling slim win in opposition to Georgia.

However Spain bought themselves collectively in a manner that we’re accustomed to seeing from the Iberian large, successful 4 matches on the spin which culminated in them topping the group after Sweden was dropped by Georgia within the latter levels of qualifying.

For a facet of the depth and expertise that Spain can name upon they nonetheless so usually wrestle to impress in a manner they’re actually able to, however their run to the Nations League closing on the again of a semi-final look at Euro 2020 reveals promise.

Greatest Participant: Ferran Torres

Younger Participant to Watch: Pedri

Odds to Win: 7/1

Portugal

FIFA rating: eighth

Qualification: Winner of Path C vs North Macedonia

The notion that Cristiano Ronaldo was near lacking out on what’s more likely to be his final hurrah on the World Cup would have made for limitless storylines in itself, however a proficient Portugal facet persevered and certified by way of the playoff scheme after shedding out to Serbia in Group A however managed to say the highest spot within the playoff desk.

Wins in opposition to Turkey (3-1) and giant-killer North Macedonia (2-0) had been sufficient to e book passage to Qatar and make sure that Ronaldo and nice rival Lionel Messi swimsuit up on the worldwide stage collectively for the fifth time.

However regardless of their near-hiccup in qualifying Portugal stay formidable and has lengthy been stripped of the notion that – a minimum of on paper – they’re the Ronaldo and firm present. With a squad brimming with expertise, they’re a possible darkish horse though they’re within the FIFA high 10.

Greatest Participant: Cristiano Ronaldo

Younger Participant to Watch: Rafael Leão

Odds to Win: 14/1

Denmark

FIFA rating: eleventh

Qualification: 1st place in Group F

Denmark’s fairytale run at Euro 2020 was what impartial goals had been product of, solely bested by the notion of what in the event that they went on to win all of it within the wake of the near-tragedy that befell nationwide workforce icon, Christian Eriksen. However Kasper Hjulmand made it clear that this was no flash-in-the-pan efficiency from the Nordic nation after Denmark launched into an outstanding qualifying marketing campaign the place they dropped factors in only one fixture on their strategy to a 9-0-1 file whereas bagging 30-goals and surrendering solely three and boasting among the best aim distinction markers in UEFA.

Regardless of their run on the Euros, Denmark haven’t progressed previous the Spherical of 16 on the World Cup since 1998 however their potential to progress previous the group stage is credible. They need to rightly be thought of a darkish horse as soon as extra.

Greatest Participant: Christian Eriksen

Younger Participant to Watch: Andreas Skov Olsen

Odds to Win: 25/1

Netherlands

FIFA rating: tenth

Qualification: 1st place in Group G

It’s arduous to think about that the Netherlands, a nation that has helped form the very material of the gorgeous sport proper all the way down to its roots, has by no means lifted a World Cup regardless of the numerous legendary figures which have hailed from inside its borders. Much more stunning is the truth that on a number of events they’ve did not qualify for the event which included Russia 2018.

After being dumped out of Euro 2016 within the Spherical of 16, the Dutch have an enormous process forward of them to set the file straight relating to who and what they’re of their present iteration below legendary determine Louis van Gaal. Their topping of Group G forward of difficult prospects Turkey and Norway does give them credit score within the financial institution, however the many questions surrounding their potential to attain objectives via a number of avenues might be a possible stumbling block.

Greatest Participant: Virgil van Dijk

Younger Participant to Watch: Owen Wijndal

Odds to Win: 16/1

Germany

FIFA rating: twelfth

Qualification: 1st place in Group J

Eight years in the past in 2014 appears a lifetime away for international large Germany. The 7-1 thrashing of host-nation Brazil on the run into their fourth World Cup win will eternally be remembered, however the unhealthy occasions stand tall in equal measure currently after Die Mannschaft had been unceremoniously dumped out of the group stage at Russia 2018 after demolishing their qualifying group.

Which Germany will present up this coming winter stays to be seen and the shape that noticed them comfortably high Group J regardless of a shock loss to North Macedonia (don’t inform that to Italy) can’t be put into the financial institution as proof that they are going to be among the many deep runners in Qatar.

However chief coach Hansi Flick has revitalized the Germans of late since taking the highest job within the nation, successful all seven matches in qualifying on the helm whereas Germany scored 31 objectives and allowed simply two. Will the true Germany rise up?

Greatest Participant: Joshua Kimmich

Younger Participant to Watch: Florian Wirtz

Odds to Win: 9/1

Switzerland 

FIFA rating: 14th

Qualification: 1st place in Group C

Outstripping holding European Champions Italy to high Group C was a implausible achievement for a Switzerland outfit that recurrently are underestimated on the worldwide stage regardless of persistently reaching the knockout levels at each the World Cup and the Euro.

Maybe it’s the lack of famous person standing among the many squad that has many by no means contemplate them as a substantial opponent, however their collective angle has confirmed difficult for a lot of they’ve lined up in opposition to and is among the explanation why Italy won’t characteristic in Qatar after crashing out within the qualifying playoffs to North Macedonia.

The Swiss boasted the joint-best defensive file in UEFA qualifying and although objectives are usually not at all times a sizzling commodity for Nati, they need to give an excellent account of themselves as at all times.

Greatest Participant: Xherdan Shaqiri

Younger Participant to Watch: Noah Okafor

Odds to Win: 100/1

Croatia 

FIFA rating: sixteenth

Qualification: 1st place in Group H

Croatia, Croatia, Croatia.

Fairytale runs are a typical storyline for the Balkan nation after they grew to become an impartial nation and took part of their first World Cup at France ’98. Everybody remembers that summer time as nicely; when Davor Šuker led Kockasti to a third-place end because the standout title amongst a Croatian workforce crammed with expertise in all areas of the park.

That pattern has lengthy remained with the nation, and it was as soon as once more on show at Russia 2018 after they misplaced within the closing to France whereas as soon as once more embodying the identical spirit and footballing know-how that introduced them success 20-years prior.

Although a lot of their high gamers are growing old and a few questions on what’s subsequent have begun to floor, they nonetheless carried out nicely in qualifying and have a cadre of veteran stars which can be able to producing superb moments certainly.

Greatest Participant: Luka Modrić

Younger Participant to Watch: Joško Gvardiol

Odds to Win: 50/1

Serbia

FIFA rating: twenty fifth

Qualification: 1st place in Group A

Few anticipated Serbia to outperform a really proficient and Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal in qualifying play, however Оrlovi did simply that when star striker Aleksandar Mitrović scored within the ninetieth minute to present his nation a 2-1 win in opposition to Os Navegadores in Lisbon to interrupt a factors impasse in Group A that will have seen the Portuguese win the group on aim distinction.

However since Serbia have grow to be its personal nation after the breakup of first the previous Yugoslavia after which Serbia & Montenegro, they’ve did not get out of the Group Stage on the World Cup on two events whereas lacking out on Brazil 2014 altogether. Nonetheless, it stands as a testomony to the extent of participant the nation continues to supply after which ship off to the highest leagues all over the world that they outshone one of many high nations in Europe.

Greatest Participant: Dušan Tadić

Younger Participant to Watch: Dušan Vlahović

Odds to Win: 100/1

Poland

FIFA rating: twenty sixth

Qualification: Winner of Path B vs Sweden

If you boast arguably one of the best striker in world soccer in the previous couple of years, it could be an entire disgrace if Poland managed to overlook out on Qatar 2022 and thus strip the worldwide viewership of the goalscoring abilities of Robert Lewandowski.

The Bayern Munich star would be the unquestioned focus for a Poland outfit that, in contrast to Portugal by comparability, has not moved away from the large overreliance they place on him. When Lewa is firing, or a minimum of not remoted, occasions are good for Czesław Michniewicz’s troops, but when he’s left unsupported, the collective struggles. However it’s not for a scarcity of expertise, nonetheless. Biało-czerwoni boast different proficient front-line choices whereas they’ll name upon a mix of veteran know-how and youthful exuberance in midfield. They definitely have the aptitude to spring a shock.

Greatest Participant: Robert Lewandowski

Younger Participant to Watch: Kacper Kozłowski

Odds to Win: 100/1

 

CONMEBOL

Brazil

FIFA rating: 1st

Qualification: 1st in Group

Brazil and the World Cup; a relationship that’s maybe the strongest throughout any in the whole historical past of the gorgeous sport.

Seleção are the one workforce to characteristic in each single version of the event since its inception in 1930 and no different nation has lifted the well-known Jules Rimet trophy (5 occasions). That intimate relationship is ready to proceed this winter as nationwide icon Neymar leads his nation in an try and bag their sixth win.

The way during which they decimated their qualifying marketing campaign is hardly a fluke, and head boss Tite has probably the most proficient squads to pick from with unquestionably the deepest pool of attacking expertise anyplace on the earth. Fourth place at dwelling in 2014 and the quarterfinals in 2018 was not almost sufficient for Brazil, who definitely will likely be thought of one of many favourites in Qatar.

Greatest Participant: Neymar

Younger Participant to Watch: Antony

Odds to Win: 5/1

Argentina

FIFA rating: 4th

Qualification: 2nd in Group

Gearing up for his or her twelfth consecutive World Cup look, Argentina are a continuing addition when the world comes collectively each 4 years however maybe this time across the degree of significance is arguably the loudest it has ever been for La Albiceleste. 

Now 33-years-old, this might nicely be the final time Lionel Messi options for his nation on the World Cup together with one other massively influential presence in Ángel Di María (34). With the latest retirement of Sergio Agüero, Argentina should start to look forward beginning in Qatar however fortunately can come into proceedings whereas at present sitting on an immense undefeated run that included a qualifying marketing campaign that noticed them the one different nation aside from Brazil to style defeat.

If there was ever a second the place Messi may solidify his nationwide legacy, it could be a World Cup win in what might be his final hurrah.

Greatest Participant: Lionel Messi

Younger Participant to Watch: Julián Álvarez

Odds to Win: 10/1

Uruguay

FIFA rating: thirteenth

Qualification: third in Group

Very similar to neighbours Argentina, South American giants Uruguay are additionally on the precipice of what comes subsequent after the 2022 World Cup for a nation that has lengthy relied on an growing old era of superstars which can be set to embark on their closing marketing campaign collectively.

Luis Suárez, Edinson Cavani, Diego Godín, Martín Cáceres, and Fernando Muslera are all 34-years-old and up, and have a mixed 662-caps between them. They’ve outlined an period, and though they continue to be on the core of Uruguay’s profitable qualifying marketing campaign (one which noticed Suárez end joint-second in objectives (8), how will La Celeste transfer ahead? Who will grow to be the brand new defensive stalwart tandem? Who will bag the objectives?

If their qualifying run confirmed something, its {that a} potential valley is forward which may be arduous to climb out of.

Greatest Participant: Luis Suárez

Younger Participant to Watch: Darwin Núñez

Odds to Win: 50/1

Ecuador

FIFA rating: forty sixth

Qualification: 4th in Group

Ecuador come into their fourth World Cup event of their historical past and maybe can depend their fortunate stars a bit bit after they did not safe a win of their closing 4 qualifying fixtures in CONMEBOL whereas doing sufficient to carry on to the ultimate computerized qualifying place simply two factors forward of Peru.

However because the nation that’s clearly the weakest of the assured South American contingent, there are few expectations surrounding La Tri and their possibilities of even rising from group play into the Spherical of 16, with even larger uncertainty surrounding a definite lack of goalscoring menace aside from the exploits of Enner Valencia. Because the nation’s all-time main scorer a lot of the attacking onus will likely be on him, however contemplating Michael Estrada led Ecuador in objectives throughout qualifying, there might be some hope for a multi-faceted attacking menace in Qatar.

Greatest Participant: Enner Valencia

Younger Participant to Watch: Gonzalo Plata

Odds to Win: 150/1

AFC

Qatar

FIFA rating: 52nd

Qualification: Host nation

For the primary time ever, Qatar will participate within the grandest stage of soccer when the tiny nation performs host to the 2022 World Cup. Not a lot might be surmised about Félix Sánchez’s The Maroon however their unbelievable Asian Cup win in 2019 – one the place they defeated each Japan (closing) and South Korea (quarterfinal) – serves as a testomony to simply how far they’ve are available such a brief time frame.

Most followers won’t have heard of any of the gamers that may ultimately be included in Qatar’s first-ever World Cup squad, however given their success from two years in the past, that would definitely be about to vary.

Greatest Participant: Almoez Ali

Younger Participant to Watch: Mohammed Waad

Odds to Win: 200/1

Iran

FIFA rating: twenty first

Qualification: 1st in Group A

With simply two wins in 15 matches on the World Cup throughout 5 earlier appearances, Iran stays an enigma of types in relation to international soccer. Although they’ve by no means left their mark in a substantial manner on the worldwide entrance, they nonetheless have confirmed themselves extremely succesful in Asia having now certified for 5 of the final seven World Cups.

Boasting one of the best general efficiency in qualifying by way of factors earned, objectives scored, and objectives allowed, Iran flexed their muscular tissues as soon as once more to incorporate themselves within the nationwide discipline in Qatar and may a minimum of depend on a handful of European-based gamers the likes of Sardar Azmoun, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Ehsan Hajsafi, Mehdi Taremi, and Saman Ghoddos. With some appreciable attacking firepower, they might be a difficult operator.

Greatest Participant: Sardar Azmoun

Younger Participant to Watch: Allahyar Sayyadmanesh

Odds to Win: 250/1

Japan

FIFA rating: twenty third

Qualification: 2nd in Group B

Lengthy touted because the Asian nation that produces arguably probably the most technically gifted footballers within the area and a number of the most memorable fan-favourite names the likes of Hidetoshi Nakata, Japan have featured in six consecutive World Cups since 1998 and are available into the seventh instalment hoping to lastly get previous the spherical of 16 after having reached that milestone on three events.

They completed only a single level behind Saudi Arabia in Group B and had a snug hole between them and playoff-bound Australia, whereas the goalscoring exploits of attacking tandem Takumi Minamino and Yuya Osako (10 objectives apiece) proved completely important all through all levels of qualifying. Lauded for his or her particular person and collective potential, Japan are at all times able to taking part in spoiler whereas entertaining in the identical measure.

Greatest Participant: Takumi Minamino

Younger Participant to Watch: Takefusa Kubo

Odds to Win: 150/1

Korea Republic

FIFA rating: twenty ninth

Qualification: 2nd in Group A

South Korea have been a mainstay within the World Cup for 9 consecutive editions of the worldwide event however it will likely be arduous for Taegeuk Warriors to high their fairytale run to the semi-finals and an eventual fourth-place end as joint-hosts again at World Cup 2002 in Korea & Japan.

However one can argue that South Korea has much more expertise in its ranks than it did almost 20-years-ago and may financial institution on the very comfy qualifying marketing campaign that noticed them end second behind Iran whereas boasting their ace within the gap within the vein of Tottenham star Son Heung-min.

However their upset loss within the closing qualifying match in opposition to UAE is why South Korea didn’t high the group and maybe there may be trigger for slight apprehension relating to their possibilities to get out of the group stage in Qatar. There’s expertise on this workforce however stability stays the query of the day.

Greatest Participant: Son Heung-min

Younger Participant to Watch: Jeong Woo-yeong

Odds to Win: 200/1

Saudi Arabia

FIFA rating: 53rd

Qualification: 1st in Group B

Topping a gaggle that additionally included Japan in addition to Australia is a reputable efficiency for Saudi Arabia; a nation that will likely be that includes in its sixth World Cup however has did not make it previous the group stage aside from their inaugural look at World Cup 1994 the place they emerged from a gaggle (second) containing the Netherlands, Belgium, and Morocco.

It was the excessive watermark for Saudi Arabian soccer, however the nation has a minimum of remained aggressive in Asia whereas being one of many common representatives of the area. However for a nation whose whole nationwide workforce pool is comprised of Saudi-based gamers, it’s probably that – identical to the final 4 events they’ve competed on the World Cup – they, sadly, will probably succumb to an identical destiny.

Greatest Participant: Yasser Al-Shahrani

Younger Participant to Watch: Firas al-Buraikan

Odds to Win: 250/1

CAF

Senegal

FIFA rating: twentieth

Qualification: Third spherical win over Egypt (1-1 combination; 3-1 on penalties)

After their success at AFCON 2021 when Sadio Mané led his nation to their first-ever worldwide honour, the top-rated African nation was anticipated to be part of the participant discipline in Qatar and so they haven’t upset in that regard after blitzing to the highest of Group H within the second spherical of qualifying earlier than – as soon as once more – besting Egypt on penalties after the budding rivals had been degree after two-legs of their third-round qualifying tie.

The Lions of Teranga proceed to impress below former worldwide Aliou Cissé and sit within the top-20 of the FIFA rankings with good purpose with 21 of the most recent 26-man squad plying their commerce in Europe’s high 5 leagues and their capability to make a dark-horse run this coming winter stays appreciable.

Greatest Participant: Sadio Mané

Younger Participant to Watch: Pape Matar Sarr

Odds to Win: 150/1

Morocco

FIFA rating: twenty fourth

Qualification: Third spherical win over Algeria (2-2 on combination; away objectives)

Historically a bit-part participant on the worldwide stage, Morocco spent 20-years with out that includes within the World Cup earlier than they crashed out of the group stage at Russia 2018; the identical degree they managed to muster at World Cup ’94.

Solely as soon as have The Atlas Lions managed to make it out of the group stage manner again in 1986 and Qatar 2022 represents simply the sixth time they’ve featured on soccer’s greatest stage. Popping out forward of Algeria within the third spherical knockout stage after obliterating Group I within the second spherical whereas scoring 20-goals and permitting only one within the course of, Morocco are a possible difficult buyer however – like many countries set to participate in Qatar – can query their potential to maintain a aim menace in opposition to appreciable opposition.

With Hakim Ziyech self-isolating from choice, just one participant (Youssef En-Nesyri) has scored extra objectives than star right-back Achraf Hakimi (8). Targets might be in brief provide.

Greatest Participant: Achraf Hakimi

Younger Participant to Watch: Abde Ezzalzouli

Odds to Win: 200/1

Tunisia

FIFA rating: thirty fifth

Qualification: Third spherical win over Mali (1-0 combination)

Tunisia has managed simply two wins throughout their 5 World Cup appearances on their footballing resume, so it’s arduous to say that there might be lofty expectations for Aigles de Carthage at Qatar 2022 however they do come into this event on the again of a quarterfinal look at AFCON 2021, which sadly resulted in disappointment after they had been upset by Burkina Faso.

They did nicely to come back via the second spherical of qualifying however had been made to struggle tooth and nail in opposition to Mali the place they may solely safe a 1-0 combination win throughout the two-legged tie. Regardless of the scoreline, high boss Jalel Kadri does have some intriguing attacking choices that embrace Wahbi Khazri whereas boasting a cadre of younger gamers that would have a breakout event together with Manchester United starlet Hannibal Mejbri. Getting out of the group stage could be an achievement unto itself.

Greatest Participant: Wahbi Khazri

Younger Participant to Watch: Hannibal Mejbri

Odds to Win: 250/1

Cameroon

FIFA rating: thirty seventh

Qualification: Third spherical win over Algeria (2-2 combination; away objectives)

Cameroon so almost missed out on Qatar 2022 after performing admirably at AFCON 2021 because the host nation, however their story in qualifying in opposition to Algeria within the third-round playoff is the stuff goals – and nightmares – are product of.

Within the fourth minute of stoppage time after 120-minutes of soccer had been performed, Karl Toko Ekambi bagged the second aim on the evening for Les Lions Indomptables which netted them a 2-1 away win within the second leg after succumbing to a 1-0 dwelling loss in opposition to Algeria.

It was utter heartbreak for Algeria, however the aim booked Cameroon’s participation in Qatar in dramatic vogue and it’s maybe not more than the nation deserves after reaching the semi-finals of AFCON whereas outstripping Ivory Coast within the second spherical of qualifying. Vincent Aboubakar is bound to be the point of interest as soon as once more for his nation, however he’s definitely as much as the problem.

Greatest Participant: Vincent Aboubakar

Younger Participant to Watch: Jean Onana

Odds to Win: 200/1

Ghana

FIFA rating: sixtieth

Qualification: Third Spherical win over Nigeria (1-1 combination; away objectives)

It was not way back when Ghana fought their strategy to the quarterfinals at World Cup 2010 in South Africa earlier than succumbing to Uruguay because the excessive watermark of their younger worldwide presence that has included simply three appearances on the World Cup between 2006-2014.

Ghana did not qualify for Russia 2018, however their struggle to achieve Qatar has come by the thinnest margins after they progressed via their qualifying group degree on factors however with a greater aim distinction solely to narrowly skirt by powerhouse Nigeria by the away objectives rule. However regardless of their earlier standing of years previous, Ghana is pretty removed from the place it was once.

They do have some top-level gamers below former worldwide Otto Addo, however the negatives maybe underline the few positives.

Greatest Participant: Thomas Partey

Younger Participant to Watch: Mohammed Kudus

Odds to Win: 250/1

CONCACAF

Canada

FIFA rating: thirty eighth

Qualification: 1st in Group

For under the second time of their nation’s historical past, Canada are off to the grandest stage in soccer after America’s upstart neighbours to the north have made good on the footballing renaissance at present gripping the nationwide workforce program.

Underneath supervisor John Herdman, Les Rouges have harnessed their appreciable expertise to not solely qualify however high the group forward of perennial powerhouses Mexico and the US, with the likes of Cyle Larin, Jonathan David, and Alphonso Davies as headline names to depend on.

However there are different gamers in Canada’s camp which can be gifted as nicely regardless of being comparatively unknown, like Lucas Cavallini, Stephen Eustáquio, and Tajon Buchanan. It was no fluke that Canada topped the group, and although a lot is just not anticipated of them in Qatar, they are going to be enjoyable to look at and shouldn’t be underestimated.

Greatest Participant: Alphonso Davies

Younger Participant to Watch: Jonathan David

Odds to Win: 150/1

Mexico

FIFA rating: ninth

Qualification: 2nd in Group

Although they may undoubtedly be upset for not topping World Cup qualifying in CONCACAF, Mexico nonetheless secured their proper of passage to Qatar 2022 regardless of now not being the unquestioned chief of the pack in North America after solely being overwhelmed out by Canada on aim distinction however ending forward of their bitter rivals the US.

Although FIFA ranks them fairly excessive throughout the worldwide footballing panorama, there may be maybe a way that Mexico has maybe fallen away a bit bit in latest occasions, however their implausible end result in opposition to Germany at Russia 2018 reveals that there’s loads of struggle left in El Tri who nonetheless have a reputable quantity of expertise of their camp headlined by Wolves striker Raúl Jiménez. Although the times of Hugo Sanchez, Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Luis Hernández, and Jared Borgetti are gone, Mexico are a welcomed characteristic each 4 years.

Greatest Participant: Raúl Jiménez

Younger Participant to Watch: Diego Lainez

Odds to Win: 125/1

United States

FIFA rating: fifteenth

Qualification: third in Group

Ask any American who is aware of and/or loves soccer, and they might let you know that the US are within the midst of the best level of their historical past in relation to how deep the pool of expertise is within the nationwide workforce program.

At no different level have so many American footballers been on the forefront of youth growth or plying their trades on the elite degree throughout Europe, however regardless of that, questions nonetheless persist on if expertise alone is sufficient for the USMNT to make a deep run on the World Cup when tactically they’re nonetheless being held again below Gregg Berhalter.

Ending third in qualifying, even when solely off the tempo by three factors, was definitely irritating. However such is the budding younger expertise within the ranks of the Stars & Stripes that something is feasible in Qatar.

Greatest Participant: Christian Pulisic

Younger Participant to Watch: Gio Reyna

Odds to Win: 100/1

On the bubble: inter-confederation playoffs

Wales vs Scotland/Ukraine

Costa Rica vs New Zealand

Peru vs Australia/United Arab Emirates

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