Brasília (The Times Groupe)- It’s just five months until the FIFA World Cup 2022 finals in Qatar, but which country will win football’s most prestigious trophy on December 18?
The show ranked each nation into four categories: ‘Favorites’, ‘Candidates for the trophy’, ‘Can surprise’, and ‘Tourists‘.
It’s no surprise that Brazil was named as one of four ‘Favorites.’ The ‘Tourists’ category includes 14 teams – almost half of the 32 teams competing at this winter’s tournament – including the host nation.
Tourists!
Costa Rica
Saudi Arabia
Canada
Iran
Morocco
Qatar
Tunisia
South Korea
Australia
USA
Mexico
Ghana
Japan
Cameroon
Of course, it’s hard to imagine any of these teams seriously challenging for World Cup glory later this year, isn’t it?
Saudi Arabia interestingly finished above Japan and Australia in qualifying, while Iran finished above South Korea. Still, neither team qualified for the next round.
Can surprise!
Ecuador
Wales
Poland
Denmark
Serbia
Switzerland
Senegal
Uruguay
On their best days, all of these teams can trouble the tournament’s top teams.
Senegal, winner of the Africa Cup of Nations this year, could pose a real threat. So could Wales, who qualified for their first World Cup since 1958.
Candidates for the trophy!
Croatia
Portugal
Netherlands
Belgium
England
Spain
Even England’s troubling recent form hasn’t kept them out of the ‘Candidates for the trophy’ category.
Other teams, especially Spain, are always a danger at major tournaments.
We will learn whether Cristiano Ronaldo can lead Portugal to glory in what is likely to be his final World Cup appearance.
Favourites!
Argentina
Germany
France
Brazil
Argentina, Germany, and France, along with Brazil, are considered the favourites to win the World Cup.
The French are the reigning world champions after winning the World Cup in Russia four years ago, but don’t underestimate Argentina, who are currently unbeaten and have won the Copa American and Finalissima trophies this year.
Lionel Messi will also be playing in his last World Cup, like Cristiano Ronaldo. Before hanging up his boots, the legendary forward is determined to add the one trophy to his collection that has eluded him so far. fifa