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The approach of the World Cup would normally mean that summer is upon us, but not this year. Due to the intense summer heat of the Arab World, the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be held during the holiday season, starting in late November. The 2022 Cup has been a source of controversy since Qatar was announced as the host in 2010. Controversies range from an inability to purchase alcohol in the stadiums to the well-documented and horrific human rights abuses during the construction of the stadiums for the tournament. Despite the controversies, however, there is still soccer to be played and a world champion to be crowned. Here we will rank the top six contenders to hoist the most coveted trophy in the world of sports.
- Netherlands:
The Dutch are back at the World Cup after not qualifying for the tournament in Russia in 2018. The men in orange have a relatively easy group stage made up of Ecuador, Qatar, Senegal, and the Netherlands, in which their only anticipated challenger is Senegal. They boast a dynamic attack centered around Memphis Depay, Donyell Malen and Steven Bergwijn, as well as a strong midfield anchored by one of FC Barcelona’s young stars, Frenkie de Jong. The real strength of this team is their backline, buoyed by one of the best center back combos in the world: Bayern Munich’s rising star Matthijs De Ligt and the best center back in the world, Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk.
- England:
Semifinalists in the last world cup and runners up at Euro 2020 (2021), England is looking to finally win the big one. All eyes will be on their group stage match against the United States on Black Friday. On paper, they could be viewed as the overall favorites, but the squad has been in relatively poor form leading up to the tournament, and manager Gareth Southgate has done little to inspire faith in his decisions. Additionally, center back Harry Maguire has been England’s Jekyll and Hyde recently. Despite these concerns, the star power alone of the likes of striker Harry Kane and forwards Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Mason Mount, and Phil Foden should be enough to carry England on another deep run.
- France:
Fourth might feel low for the defending world champions, but all hasn’t been sunshine and rainbows in their camp lately. Les Bleus will be without the starting midfield duo of N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba that carried them to victory in 2018, which is a monumental loss, and it will be a tall task for manager Didier Deschamps to make up for their absence. The defending champions’ curse also looms large over the French (four of the last five defending champions have failed to make it out of the group stage of the following World Cup). These concerns aside, France is still a formidable force, with a solid backline and one of the most dynamic attacks in the world, anchored by 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and one of the best young stars in the game, Kylian Mbappe.
- Germany:
The 2014 World Champions are looking to regain their luster after a disastrous showing at Russia 2018 and a disappointing round of 16 exit at Euro 2020. The Germany squad has looked much better in the past year since Hansi Flick took over managerial duties from Joachin Löw, employing a dynamic high counterpressing system. The German midfield and attack are anchored by Bayern Munich’s stars. The center of the pitch is held down by arguably the most formidable double pivot in the world: Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka. The attack, although it lacks a true number nine striker, is dynamic and fluid, with Germany legend Thomas Müller leading the way, and supported by three of the best young attackers in the world: Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, and Jamal Musiala. As always, Germany will be anchored at the back by the best goalkeeper of the past fifty years, Manuel Neuer. Germany has a slightly more difficult group, which includes the ever-challenging contender, Spain, but this revamped squad should be a force to be reckoned with.
- Argentina:
This will likely be Lionel Messi’s last chance to win football’s most coveted trophy, and it appears that Argentina finally has the team around him to do it. The 2021 Copa America winners have a solid backline, a strong midfield, and of course, the best player of all time leading their attack. What is different in this World Cup is that Argentina will have its best supporting cast in attack for Messi. Veteran Angel Di Maria is a steady presence on Messi’s opposite wing, and the attack is made ever more dynamic by the presence of young stars Paulo Dybala and Lautaro Martinez.
- Brazil:
Perennial contender and holder of the most world titles, Brazil is looking to get back on top of the world since their 2002 triumph. An easy group should ensure a quick qualification to the knockout stage, and once there, Brazil will be as dangerous as anyone. A dynamic, quick attack of Neymar Jr., Vinicius Jr, and Gabriel Jesus will be nightmares for any opposing defense. Ederson is one of the best keepers in the world. Thiago Silva and Marquinos provide an elite, veteran presence on the backline, and Casemiro still serves as one of the best physical enforcers in the midfield. Although they are not the clear cut favorites in this tournament, Brazil’s overall depth and dynamism makes them the initial favorites in a stacked field to hoist that coveted gold trophy in Qatar this December.
