The World Cup returns and for the first time ever, it takes place in Qatar. Due to the extreme heat that players would suffer with in the summer, the World Cup takes place in the winter months meaning it is going to be the most unique World Cup ever. In terms of how this preview works, I have 4 tiers with 8 teams in each. They are:
The Contenders – Teams that I believe have a good to great chance of winning the World Cup.
The Dark Horses – Teams that could easily go on a great run and challenge the best.
The Wildcards – Teams that could have a good tournament but could also have a bad one.
The Outsiders – Teams that I don’t think are as good as the rest, will probably struggle.
The Contenders:
France
We start with the reigning champions France. France are currently ranked 4th in the world and to get to the finals, they won their group with 5 wins and 3 draws. We’ve already mentioned the fact that they won the last World Cup in Russia, a tournament where they went unbeaten. However, in their last major tournament, they struggled and got eliminated by Switzerland on penalties in the last 16. With Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe upfront, they're going to be tough to stop. Can the French celebrate Christmas with a second successive world cup victory?
Brazil
The most successful team in World Cup history is looking to hold a trophy that they haven’t won for 20 years. Brazil are currently the number 1 team in the world and went unbeaten in the South American World Cup Qualifiers (14W, 3D). Maybe even more impressively, they only conceded 5 goals. In the 2018 World Cup, they had a decent tournament, but they ended up losing 2-1 to Belgium in the Quarter Finals. In their last major tournament, Brazil came so close to winning the Copa America, but they ended up losing to Argentina in the final (0-1). Can Brazil turn 5 into 6? They certainly have the squad to do it.
Belgium
Belgium have been one of the best national teams for a while now, but they are still without a World Cup trophy. Belgium are currently ranked 2nd in the world and they earnt themselves 20 points out of a possible 24 in the Qualifying stages. In the 2018 World Cup, Belgium finished 3rd place. They lost to France in the semi-finals (1-0) before they beat England in the third-place playoff. In their last major tournament, they lost in the quarter finals of Euro 2020 to eventual winners Italy (2-1). Belgium are looking for their first ever major trophy but to do that, they need to make the final. That is something they’ve never ever done before but with Kevin De Bruyne in your team, you always have a great chance.
Argentina
Lionel Messi goes into Qatar knowing that this is most likely his last ever chance to win the World Cup. Argentina are currently ranked third in the World and they finished 2nd in the South American Qualifiers. However, they went unbeaten and only conceded 8 goals, so they looked pretty good. In the 2018 World Cup, Argentina struggled throughout and got eliminated by the eventual winners France in the round of 16. However, they had an excellent Copa America in 2021 and actually won the thing for a 15th time. For a nation with as much football history as Argentina, to only have two World Cup trophies seems low. Let’s see if Argentina can regain the one trophy that is missing in the Lionel Messi cabinet.
Portugal
From one GOAT to another, Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to earn his and his nations first ever World Cup trophy. Portugal are currently ranked 9th in the world and they actually finished second in their qualifying group with just 17 from a possible 24 (Serbia got 20 points). They ended up qualifying though as they beat Turkey and North Macedonia in the playoffs. In the 2018 World Cup, Portugal were knocked out in the last 16 by Uruguay. As for Euro 2020, they also lost in the last 16, this time against Belgium. Portugal have got so much talented and four of them play in Manchester (Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva). If everything cliques, Portugal have a great chance to win this tournament.
England
It’s been 56 years since the last time England held a major trophy and they aim to change that this coming winter. England are currently ranked 5th in the world and to qualify, they earnt 26 points out of a possible 30 (8 wins, 2 draws). In the 2018 World Cup, England went on a great run and finished 4th. They were defeated in extra time in their semi-final matchup with Croatia before they lost to Belgium in the third-place playoff (2-0). As for Euro 2020, they came so close to winning the tournament in front of their own fans, but in the end, they lost to Italy on penalties in the final. Do England have the best squad in the tournament, no. Do they have some really good footballers, yes. Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Jude Bellingham are key to England’s chances of sending their nation into a frenzy.
Spain
The big question with Spain is whether they can get back to how they played when they won the World Cup in South Africa. Spain are currently ranked 7th in the world and to qualify for the major finals, they won their group with 19 points (6W, 1D, 1L). In the 2018 World Cup, Spain were really disappointing and ended up getting KO’d by Russia in the round of 16 on penalties. At Euro 2020, they performed better and they ended up losing to Italy on penalties in the semi-final. My only concern on that run was they only won once in 90 minutes. On one hand, that shows that they know how to win. On the other hand, it shows that luck went their way. If Spain are going to have a successful tournament, it’s going to have to be because of the defence.
Germany
Arguably, Germany shouldn’t be in this category given their recent performances in major tournaments. However, it’s Germany. Germany are currently ranked 11th in the world and got 27 points from a possible 30 in the qualifying stage (their only loss came at home to North Macedonia). In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Germany were shocking and they ended up crashing out in the group stage. At Euro 2020, Germany did better but they still lost in the last 16 against England at Wembley Stadium. Germany are 4-time winners of this competition and they have an excellent squad. With new manager Hansi Flick in control, they have to do better.
The Dark Horses:
Netherlands
The Netherlands return to the World Cup looking to go far. They are currently ranked 8th in the world and they finished top of their qualifying group with a total of 23 points from 30. In the 2018 World Cup, the Netherlands were watching from home. You have to go back to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where they finished 3rd, 4 years after they lost to Spain in the World Cup Final. At Euro 2020, they played at home in the group stage and won all 3 games. In the last 16, they suffered a poor loss against the Czech Republic in Hungary. They are becoming a team that really underperforms. Like Spain, the Netherlands are going to have to rely massively on their talented defence if they are to go far in this tournament.
Uruguay
Uruguay are one of those teams that you always think will do well despite their last World Cup victory coming back in 1950. Uruguay are currently ranked 14th in the world and they finished third in the South American qualifying group. The biggest concern with that is the fact that they managed to lose a third of their games. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Uruguay got to the quarter finals before they lost 2-0 to France. At last year's Copa America, Uruguay were slightly disappointing as they were knocked out by Colombia in the quarter finals (on penalties). With stars Diego Godin, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez on their farewell tours, it will be interesting to see just how well this team can do.
Denmark
Denmark are walking into this World Cup looking to progress to at least the last 8, something they’ve only done once before. Denmark are currently ranked 10th in the world and they won 9 of their 10 qualifying games to get here. At the 2018 World Cup, they lost to Croatia on penalties in the last 16. At Euro 2020, Denmark went on a brilliant run and came so close to making the final, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Kasper Schmeichel, Andreas Christensen and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are all good talents, but their main man is still Christian Eriksen. After his health scare at last year's Euros, could he add to one of the great footballing stories.
Mexico
Mexico come into this World Cup knowing that they have been eliminated in the last 16 of the last seven World Cup’s. Mexico are currently ranked 13th in the world and in the qualifying stages, they finished second place in the CONCACAF third round to get here. At the 2018 World Cup, Mexico were once again knocked out in the last 16, this time by Brazil. At last year's CONCACAF Gold Cup, Mexico conceded in the 117th minute to lose to USA in the final. Mexico have only ever made it into the quarter finals on two previous occasions. Those two occasions have both came when they hosted the tournament (1970,1986) so can the likes of Edson Alvarez, Hirving Lozano and Raul Jimenez guide them to a fifth match.
Croatia
The big question with Croatia is whether they can match what they did four years ago. Croatia are currently ranked 12th in the world and earnt 23 points out of 30 to win their qualifying group. At the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Croatia went on a mega run and ended up losing to France in the final. In the knockout stages, they won 2 games on penalties and one in extra time which shows they know how to win but they also got a bit of luck. At Euro 2020, funnily enough, they lost to Spain in extra time in a crazy 5-3 matchup. The best part of the Croatia squad is their mix of old and young talent. Guys like Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic are crucial to this side success but defender Josko Gvardiol and midfielder Lovro Majer means this team can be successful for years to come. Also, Croatia have never been knocked out in either the last 16 or the quarter finals so I am really intrigued to see if that continues this year.
Senegal
Despite this being only their third ever appearance at the World Cup finals, Senegal have a squad that can compete. They are currently ranked 18th in the world and they beat Egypt on penalties to qualify for the tournament. At the 2018 World Cup, Senegal were knocked out in the group stages due to receiving more yellow cards than Japan. I’m genuinely not joking. It went a lot better for them last year though as at the African Cup of Nations, Senegal won the whole thing for the first time by beating Egypt on penalties (they clearly like doing that). When I’m writing about these teams, I’m not actually looking at the groups that they are in. That means that I am basing their chances fully on the squad and their history. With Edouard Mendy in goal, Abdou Diallo and Kalidou Koulibaly at centre-half, Idrissa Gana Gueye in the heart of the midfield and of course Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr providing an attacking threat, there’s no reason as to why this team can’t go far.
Switzerland
Switzerland come into this tournament with a lot of belief. They are currently ranked 15th in the world and they topped their qualifying group ahead of European Champions Italy. They also went unbeaten (5W, 3D). At the 2018 World Cup, they lost to Sweden in the last 16 in a disappointing result. At Euro 2020, they managed to beat France on penalties in the last 16 before they lost on penalties themselves against Spain in the quarter finals. Switzerland have a great goalkeeper in Yann Sommer, a really good defence, a solid midfield and Breel Embolo is always a tough player to defend against. It means they are going to be a tough team to stop and they will be looking to at least match their previous best result in a World Cup (Quarter finals).
Serbia
Serbia come into this World Cup feeling pretty good. Serbia are currently ranked 21st in the World and they beat Portugal to finish top of their qualifying group. In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Serbia were knocked out of the group stage with just 3 points. Serbia didn’t qualify for Euro 2020 and infact, the last time they played in the European Championships was back in 2000 and they lost in the quarter finals. The craziest fact about this is they were called FR Yugoslavia. Despite all of this, I rate Serbia highly. They are a team that not many would expect to go far but if you look at their squad, you might think different. Nikola Milenkovic is a good defender and Milinkovic-Savic is a brilliant midfielder. As for their attack, Dusan Tadic, Luka Jovic, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic had a combined total of 89 goals in club football last season. I’m excited for Serbia.
The Wildcards:
Qatar
Let’s talk about the hosts. It was revealed in 2010 that Qatar would host the World Cup and we are finally here. They are currently ranked 50th in the World and this is going to be their first ever World Cup appearance. In the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, Qatar won it for the first time in their history. They won all seven matches they participated in and the most impressive fact is that they only conceded 1 goal in the whole tournament (the final). Qatar are not a team that people expect to do anything good in this tournament and Almoez Ali is their best chance at having a successful tournament. However, they are the hosts which gives them a slight edge.
Poland
Poland are the perfect example of a wildcard team. They are currently ranked 26th in the world and after finishing second in their qualifying group, they beat Sweden to progress to Qatar. 4 years ago in Russia, Poland were poor and they got knocked out in the group stage after finish bottom of Group H. At Euro 2020, Poland struggled again and they were once again dumped out of the group stages after finishing bottom. The reason I believe in Poland’s ability to do well is because of Wojciech Szczesny and Robert Lewandowski. Those are the type of players that can carry a team forward. Let’s see if Poland can make it into the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
Ecuador
Ecuador are about to take part in only their 4th ever World Cup finals. Ecuador are currently ranked 44th in the world and they finished 4th in the South American World Cup qualifying group to make it to Qatar. Everything is 4 in Ecuador! The last World Cup that Ecuador participated in was back in 2014. At that tournament in Brazil, they were knocked out in the group stage after 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss. All three of their goals were scored by Enner Valencia. At last year's Copa America, Ecuador were knocked out in the quarter finals by Argentina. The crazy thing about that was they didn’t win a single one of their 5 games in that tournament. Ecuador have done a good job to get to these finals, the South American qualifiers are tough. However, they are not a team that fills me with much belief. They are going to have to rely on the Brighton duo of Pervis Estupinan and Moises Caicedo as well as record goalscorer Enner Valencia if they are to do better than in 2014.
Canada
Canada are entering only their second ever World Cup as an unknown. They are currently ranked 41st in the world and to qualify, they topped their group in the CONCACAF Second Round before they once again topped the group in the CONCACAF Third Round ahead of the likes of Mexico, USA and Costa Rica. Their only ever appearance in the World Cup came back in 1986 and in that tournament, they were knocked out in the group stage after losing all 3 games and they didn’t even score a goal. It can only get better this time around. At last year's CONCACAF Gold Cup, Canada lost to Mexico in the semi-finals. The goal they conceded to lose was in the 9th minute of additional time at the end of the game. That’s got to hurt! Canada are a team that I could see do well, but they could also really struggle. Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies is a star and I’m really intrigued to see how the attacking pair of Jonathan David and Cyle Larin get on.
Wales
Wales are back! After 64 long years, Wales are once again playing at the World Cup. Wales are currently ranked 19th in the world and after finishing second in their qualifying group, they beat Austria and Ukraine in the playoffs. In the 1958 World Cup (their only ever appearance), Wales were knocked out in the quarter finals by a goal from Pele. At Euro 2020, Wales performed well in the group stage, but they were thrashed 4-0 by Denmark in the last 16. If Wales are to succeed, they will need performances from veterans Wayne Hennessey, Aaron Ramsey and of course Gareth Bale. Overall, Wales have a solid squad but how far can it get them?
Japan
Japan are about to take part in their 7th successive World Cup finals. Japan are currently ranked 24th in the world and they finished second in their AFC Third Round qualifying group to make it to Qatar. At the 2018 World Cup, they were knocked out in cruel fashion by Belgium in the last 16. Belgium won the game in the 94th minute. At the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, Japan won all six of their games before they lost to Qatar in the final (3-1). The defensive partnership of Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu and captain Maya Yoshida will be crucial if Japan want to do well. Takumi Minamino and Yuya Osako are Japan’s best goal scoring options. Also, Japan’s World Cup run has gone GS, L16, GS, L16, GS, L16 so on that basis, they’re only playing 3 games in Qatar.
USA
USA come to Qatar looking to gain some experience before they host the tournament in 4 years' time. USA are currently ranked 16th in the world and they finished third in the CONCACAF Third Round group stage qualifiers to make it to the finals. Their last World Cup appearance came back in 2014 in Brazil and they ended up losing in extra time to Belgium in the last 16. At last year's CONCACAF Gold Cup, they managed to win all six of their games to be crowned champions. When looking at their squad, I was surprised with how solid it was. Zack Steffen is a good goalkeeper, Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest are solid fullbacks, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are really good midfielders and everyone knows about the quality of Christian Pulisic. These are just some of the good players that the United States have at their disposable and they will be hoping to make it to at least the last 16.
Cameroon
Cameroon are coming into the World Cup finals looking for their first win in the tournament since 2002. Cameroon are currently ranked 43rd in the world and they had to beat both Ivory Coast and Algeria to make it to Qatar. At the 2014 World Cup, Cameroon lost all 3 games by an aggregate score of 9-1. It can’t go much worse for them this time surely. At last year's African Cup of Nations, they lost to Egypt on penalties in the semi-final before they beat Burkina Faso on penalties to secure 3rd place in their home tournament. Out of all of their players, Andre Onana is clearly the standout. He is a very good goalkeeper and he will need to be on it if Cameroon are to perform better than previous World Cup outings.
The Outsiders:
Australia
Australia are entering their 5th successive FIFA World Cup. Australia are currently ranked 38th in the world and after finishing 3rd in Group B of the AFC Third Round, they beat UAE in the fourth-round playoff before they beat Peru on Penalties to make it to the finals. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, they finished bottom of their group after picking up only 1 point. I remember that they deserved to beat France in their opening game. At the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, Australia were slightly disappointing as they lost to the United Arab Emirates in the quarter finals. Mat Ryan is a solid goalkeeper and both Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic are good enough midfielders to cause oppositions some headaches. However, I still don’t rate Australia’s chances in this tournament given the lack of quality throughout the squad.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica are about to take part in their 3rd consecutive World Cup. Costa Rica are currently ranked 31st in the world and to qualify, they had to beat New Zealand in a World Cup playoff after finishing fourth place in the CONCACAF Third Round group stage. At the 2018 World Cup, Costa Rica crashed out in the group stages by finishing in last place with just 1 point. At last year's CONCACAF Gold Cup, Costa Rica fell short in the quarter finals against Canada (2-0). When I look at the Costa Rica squad, I could only tell you about two players. One of them is goalkeeper Keylor Navas. In my opinion, he is still one of the better keepers in world football so it will be interesting to see how far he can carry his team. The other player is former Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell. He looks like Costa Rica’s best chance of scoring a goal in these finals. I’d be very surprised if they pull off a run like they did in 2014 (they got to the Quarters).
South Korea
Quite impressively, South Korea are participating in the World Cup for the tenth successive time. South Korea are currently ranked 28th in the world and they finished second in their AFC Third Round qualifying group to make it to Qatar. At the last World Cup, South Korea were eliminated in the group stage after finishing 3rd. In their final game, they managed to beat Germany for one of their greatest victories. At the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, South Korea lost to Qatar in the Quarter Finals. For South Korea, 80% of their World Cup appearances have ended in exits from the group stage. Heung-Min Son is absolutely vital for South Korea but as I’m writing this, it’s not clear as to whether he will be fit enough in time for the tournament. If he isn’t available, the pressure goes fully onto the shoulders of Wolves’ Hwang Hee-Chan.
IR Iran
IR Iran come into the World Cup knowing that they have never made it into the World Cup second round. They are currently ranked 20th in the world and they finished top of Group A in the AFC Third Round to qualify for the finals. At the 2018 World Cup, Iran finished third in their group behind Spain and Portugal. If you remember back to their last game against Portugal, they had a chance to win the game in the dying moments and had they have scored, they would have finished top of the group. At the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, Iran lost in the semi-finals to Japan 3-0. Out of all of their players, Sardar Azmoun is the only one I have heard off. He is a very solid striker for Bayer Leverkusen but there is doubt over whether he will be able to play after suffering a calf muscle injury. Iran are clearly a team that perform better than they arguably should but let’s be honest, they are the team that no-one really wants to do well given what’s going on in their country.
Morocco
Morocco are entering only their second World Cup this decade. Morocco are currently ranked 22nd in the world and they beat DR Congo to make it to the finals. At the 2018 World Cup, Morocco finished bottom of their group with just 1 point. That point came against Spain in a game they nearly won. At last year's African Cup of Nations, Morocco fell short in the quarter finals after losing to Egypt in extra time. Morocco actually has some good players in their squad. Goalkeeper Bounou is a Europa League winner with Sevilla, Achraf Hakimi is a brilliant full back who has played in lots of the top 5 leagues and fellow fullback Mazraoui currently plays for Bayern Munich. Their current captain is former Wolves man Romain Saiss and Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri are excellent attacking players. This is definitely the best squad in the “Outsiders” category.
Tunisia
Maybe it’s sixth time lucky for Tunisia this time around? Tunisia are currently ranked 30th in the world and they beat Mali 1-0 on aggregate to make it to the finals. At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Tunisia finished 3rd in their group with 3 points (1W, 2L). At last year's African Cup of Nations, Tunisia struggled and they ended up losing to Burkina Faso in the quarter finals. I’ve looked at their squad and I only know about Yan Valery and Wahbi Khazri. Valery is a solid fullback who has recently joined the Tunisia National team whilst Kharzi is Tunisia’s second highest goalscorer in history. In 5 World Cup appearances, Tunisia have been knocked out in the group stage every time. I’d be stunned if that record doesn’t grow to 6 from 6.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia are about to take part in their 6th World Cup finals. Saudi are currently ranked 51st in the world and in the AFC Third Round qualifiers, Saudi managed to top their group above both Japan and Australia which is impressive. At the 2018 World Cup, Saudi Arabia were knocked out in the group stage with 3 points (1W, 2L). At the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, Saudi lost in the last 16 after a tough draw which saw them face Japan. Everyone in the Saudi Arabia squad plays in their respective league which means they may struggle with the big-time spotlight. At least it’s a short trip to Qatar!
Ghana
In their previous 3 World Cup appearances, Ghana have never been eliminated at the same point. Ghana are the lowest ranked team going to the tournament (61st) and they fought the hard way to get to the finals. They beat South Africa to top spot in their second-round group stage due to scoring more goals and in the third round, they beat Nigeria on away goals. At the 2014 World Cup, Ghana were eliminated in the group stage with just a point to their name. At last year's African Cup of Nations, Ghana were pretty horrendous as they got knocked out in the group stage! Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu, Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus and the two Ayew brothers are important to Ghana, but Thomas Partey and Inaki Williams are critical to the success of this team. They are definitely big underdogs.
Excellent article, France to win of course!