The world’s biggest sporting event, the World Cup, kicks off this year in the middle eastern country of Qatar on Nov. 20. The nation was handed the bid to host the campaign in controversial fashion in 2010. The beautiful game of soccer has been shown an ugly side in preparation for the tournament, with many protests taking place due to homophobia, lack of infrastructure, and horrible work conditions which have caused the deaths of over 6500 migrant workers in Qatar. Despite this turmoil, it’s hard not to be joyful when the lights shine on players chasing around a ball while the whole world watches. Next will be my predictions on what teams are among the frontrunners to win the tournament
Defending champion, France, will look to break away from the curse that follows past champions — getting eliminated in the group stage. This curse is exemplified by Italy in 2010, Spain in 2014 and Germany in 2018. The French team looks very different from the team that won in 2018, especially with midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kanté missing out due to injuries. They are placing their trust in young midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who have impressed at the club level for Real Madrid this past year. France also has a fearsome attack with golden boy forward Kylian Mbappé and this year’s winner of the Balon d’Or Karim Benzema on the front line.
Among the favorites according to betting odds is Lionel Messi-led Argentina, as they hope to see arguably the greatest player of all time lift the greatest trophy in all of sports for the first time ever. For decades, Argentina has been known as the birthplace of the best forwards, and this year’s squad is no different. Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Paulo Dybala and rising star Julián Álvarez are an embarrassment of riches in the forward position. What has always plagued the Argentines has been shoddy play from midfield, defense and goalkeeping. However, this year seems different with solid players throughout the squad. Defenders Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez complement a great backline along with the creative midfield duo of Rodrigo De Paul and Ángel di María. The goalie position still remains a question, but this Argentina squad looks built for a deep run.
Brazil is synonymous with the World Cup, and unsurprisingly they are also among the favorites again to win it all this year. Similar to Argentina, the bordering giant of Brazil is loaded in the attacking front. Forwards Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison all can make a goal out of any chance. They also have some of the strongest midfielders with the likes of Fabinho, Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá. Aging like a fine wine, 38-year-old Thiago Silva at center-back shores up a great defense with world-class keeper Alisson Becker in net.
Group H features two potential juggernauts in the form of Portugal and Uruguay. Both teams have aging superstars who want to make the most of their last World Cup. For Portugal, Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo look to get the one trophy that has eluded them in their illustrious careers. The Portuguese look well-balanced front to back with great leaders and a surplus of rising youth. Defender Nuno Mendes, midfielder Vitinha, forward Joáo Félix, forward Rafael Leão and goalkeeper Diogo Costa will try to lift the old guard to Portugal’s first-ever world cup trophy.
Uruguay has some of their greatest-ever players playing in their last tournament this year due to their age. Forwards Luiz Suárez and Edison Cavani headline a stacked attacking group with goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and defender Diego Godín locking down the back end. Similar to Portugal, they also have an inspiring group of youngsters looking to bring Uruguay back to the elite tier of world football. Midfielder Federico Valverde, forward Darwin Núñez, defender Ronald Araújo and forward Facundo Pellistri all bring excitement and pace to a technically gifted team. Valverde, another product of Real Madrid, has a chance of being one of the best players in this tournament.
The U.S. may not be heavy favorites to win the World Cup, however, they can be a dark horse and a very exciting team to follow. Coming off an embarrassing year in 2016, where they failed to qualify for the tournament, they decided to clean house to make a better future. That decision is looking great so far. The team is filled with top tier young talent from front to end. Forward Christian Pulisic has been heralded as the best American prospect ever, and looks to impress on the world stage for the first time. Midfielders Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams make up the best part of this U.S. team with great play box to box. The U.S. should see this World Cup as a test run for the young squad, much needed experience for the team to find their identity and prepare for what the nation is really eyeing — the 2026 world cup hosted by the North American nations of Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Predictions:
Group A: Netherlands and Senegal
Group B: England and USA
Group C: Argentina and Mexico
Group D: Denmark and France
Group E: Germany and Japan
Group F: Belgium and Morocco
Group G: Brazil and Switzerland
Group H: Uruguay and Portugal
Winner: Brazil
Runner Up: Uruguay
Third place: Argentina
Miguel Rodriguez is a Sports Intern for the fall 2022 quarter. He can be reached at miguer9@uci.edu.
