The 2022 World Cup is drawing ever so closer; yet again, we get to see the world’s biggest players fight for the biggest football trophy. Since it began in 1930, 8 different national teams have won the World Cup, but 2022 might give us a 9th. Here are 8 countries most likely to win their first World Cup in Qatar this year.
1. The Netherlands
It’s actually pretty surprising that the Flying Dutchmen have never won the World Cup, isn’t it? The home of Total Football. The home of the revolutionary Johan Cruyff. The home of some of the finest talents in world football across different generations. The Netherlands has featured in 3 World Cup finals – 2 of those coming back to back in ‘74 and ‘78 – but they have still never won it. But you get the feeling that this year might just be their year. Who says it can’t? The Dutch will always be favorites at any World Cup and don’t be surprised if they go all the way this time.
2. Belgium
It’s about time for Belgium. The Golden generation is almost over. This may be their last outing together, with De Bruyne, Courtois, Hazard, Mertens, Witsel, Alderweireld, and Vertonghen all in their 30s now. Lukaku, Thorgan Hazard, and Carrasco are 29.
So, this might really be their last chance to win something together as a gang, and you expect they’ll give it everything this time.
3. Portugal
Portugal has had the likes of Eusebio and Figo, but they have never won the World Cup. Will Ronaldo be able to do it in what looks like his last outing? He just might. He’s Cristiano Ronaldo, after all. Also, this Portugal squad might just be the best they’ve had in years. They have 2 or 3 solid options in almost every position on the field, and they’re not just talented; many of them are hugely experienced on the big stage, so you really cannot bet against them in Qatar.
4. Croatia
Since they gained independence in 1991, Croatia has been to the World Cup 5 times. In those 5 appearances, they have finished third once and, of course, most recently, finished second for the first time in 2018. They have shown that they have what it takes to upset the big boys, defeating Argentina, Denmark, and England on their way to the final last time around. And they have kept up that fine form from 2018, defeating France in the Nations League to top their group and make it to the finals. So, with that form, and also the likes of Modric, Kovacic, and Perisic on their team, you surely cannot write Croatia off in Qatar.
5. The USA
The USMNT may not exactly be favorites to win the World Cup this year, but who says they can’t be a dark horse? They’ll be going to Qatar with the youngest squad in the tournament, led by Christian Pulisic, having won the biggest club trophy, now aims to win the biggest international trophy. Also, the Americans will be looking to make a huge statement just before the tournament comes home in 4 years.
6. Wales
This will be Wales’ second appearance at a World Cup tournament. The last time they qualified for the World Cup was in 1958, and they made it to the quarter-finals. We expect that they’ll be keen to make this rare appearance at the World Cup really count. Also, the amount of dedication to the national team that their captain Gareth Bale has always shown could really help them get as far as possible. Sure, they’re not favorites, but they have an outside chance.
7. Senegal
If you were to guess which African country would be the first to win the World Cup, I would definitely be on the team with Eduoard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sadio Mane. And they don’t just have big names; they have a coach who has experience winning knockout games at the World Cup, having captained the Senegal team to the quarter-finals at the 2002 World Cup. Also, they are current African champions; they know how to win finals, and it might just be time for Africa.
8. South Korea
It might also be time for Asia. South Korea has a history of orchestrating big upsets at the World Cup. They beat Portugal, Italy, and Spain at the 2002 World Cup and beat Germany at the 2018 World Cup. If they can manage to string together a few more upsets in Qatar, they may just be set to be the first Asian country to win the World Cup. And you surely cannot write them off, especially now that they’re led by a certain Premier League Golden Boot and Puskas award winner.
Anyway, you may have some questions afterward. Of these 8 countries, who do you think is most likely to win the World Cup for the first time in their history this year? Perhaps we should say 7 since Italy won’t be at the World Cup this year. Let us know what you think in the comments. How to play the FIFA world cup 2022 fantasy league? What is team11? Or do you think it’s one of the 8 OGs who will be winning it again this year? Who can play in the FIFA world cup 2022 fantasy league?