Qatar 2022, as usual the top two in each group qualify. Not a few certainties, but watch out for possible surprises.
This is certainly a special edition, absolutely one of a kind. Qatar 2022 is not only the only World Cup to be held in the middle of autumn, a first ever. But it is also the last one that will be played with the 32-team formula that we have come to know for twenty-four years now, since France ’98. Yes, because in the 2026 edition, hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, several things will change. Starting with the number of participants: from 32 to 48. And goodbye to groups of four: they will be three and eight will become sixteen. In Qatar, however, only the top two will continue to qualify for the knockout phase. In this post we will review who are the favourites and who are likely to snatch a pass for the round of 16.
Let’s start with Group A, where the Netherlands, regenerated by Louis van Gaal’s return to the bench, should have no major problems finishing ahead of everyone. For second place, however, it will be a battle between Ecuador and Senegal: we would put a token bet on the South Americans after Mané’s nasty injury. The Bayern Munich striker and reigning African champions injured himself in one of the last matches; he will still be part of the expedition but is unlikely to be on the pitch. Few chances finally for the hosts Qatar, at their first participation in the final phase of a World Cup.
Qatar 2022, the possible frontrunners in groups B, C and D
image-Gareth Southgate
In Group B, England will have to pay close attention to the pitfalls of Wales and the United States, two selections that can create a few problems for Southgate’s men, fresh from a disastrous Nations League. The national team of the Three Lions is still the favourite for the first place, while a close fight for the second place is expected. Dragged along by their captain Bale, who transforms himself with the Dragons, the British can have the upper hand. Iran seems to be out of the game. In Group C, Messi’s Argentina should take the lead ahead of Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. None of these can threaten the Albiceleste, while Lewandowski and his teammates appear to be slight favourites over Tata Martino and Lozano’s Tricolor. All that remains for Arabia is to limit the damage.
Exciting duel in Group D between defending champions France and Denmark, possible outsiders after reaching the semifinals at Euro 2020. In this group the first two places seem already assigned, for Tunisia and Australia there will be little to do.
The possible first places in groups E, F, G and H
Luis Enrique
In Group E, both Germany and Spain should easily pass the round: it remains to be seen who will do so first and who second. Certainly Luis Enrique and Hansi Flick will not make mistakes against Japan and Costa Rica. Group F is more balanced, where favourites Belgium and Croatia cannot afford to underestimate Hakimi’s Morocco. There is a lot of enthusiasm for Canada, which has returned to play a final stage after 36 years, but David and his teammates seem destined to finish in last place. The grouping that promises more excitement is undoubtedly Group G: with Brazil there are also Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon. Seleçao is the favourite, but the Balkans, with Milinkovic-Savic and Vlahovic, also aspire to first place. One step below the Helvetians, a very organised selection and always very difficult to beat (and Italy knows something about this).
Finally, Group H, that of Portugal. CR7 and his teammates will compete for the top spot with the fearsome Uruguay. South Korea and Ghana will probably act as sparring partners.