Football fans will be in their element later this year as the FIFA World Cup 2022 is staged in Qatar during November and December.
Reigning champions France are one of the bookmakers’ favourites to retain the trophy, but they could have their work cut out in the face of some stiff competition.
The best betting sites in the UK rate Brazil as one of the biggest threats to France, while several other nations are also prominent in the outright market.
We look at five of the main contenders to win the 2022 World Cup.
Brazil:
Brazil head into the tournament as favourites to emerge victorious after producing some impressive performances during South American qualifying,
However, despite their tally of five previous successes at the World Cup, the tournament has not been kind to them in recent years.
The Samba Kings have not lifted the trophy since 2002 and have failed to finish better than fourth place (2014) since then.
Brazil undoubtedly have a talented squad at their disposal, but they look much too short in the betting given the strength of the other teams.
France:
France were worthy winners at Russia 2018 and will be confident about mounting a stiff defence of the title in Qatar.
History is against Didier Deschamps’ side, with no team going back-to-back in the World Cup since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962.
Although they qualified easily for the tournament, their recent form in the Nations League has been less than impressive.
France’s opening group of Denmark, Tunisia and Australia is far from easy and they do not appeal as likely World Cup winners this time around.
England:
If ever a team was under-priced by the bookmakers to win a major tournament, it is unquestionably third favourites England.
The Three Lions were not totally convincing during the group stage and have since suffered a massive dip in form in the Nations League.
Manager Gareth Southgate has come in for plenty of criticism for being overly cautious and it is tough to imagine him being the man to end England’s trophy drought.
With the United States, Wales and Iran waiting in the opening phase, there is no guarantee England will even make it to the knockout stage.
Spain:
Much was expected of Spain after they won the World Cup in 2010, but they have underperformed at the last two tournaments.
They finished ahead of Sweden in qualifying and should have little difficulty progressing to the round of 16 alongside Germany.
However, if they claim top spot in Group E, they would be likely to meet Belgium or Croatia in the first knockout round.
With Brazil or Portugal potentially awaiting in the quarter-finals, Spain may find it tricky to win the World Cup for the second time.
Argentina:
Argentina reached the final in 2014 and could be ready to end Lionel Messi’s long wait to get his hands on international football’s biggest prize.
They had no trouble booking their place in the finals and their recent form is arguably the most impressive of any competing team.
Argentina deservedly won Copa America last year and have since claimed the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions title by demolishing Italy.
Their solid defence is tough to breach, while a plethora of talent further forward gives them an excellent chance of winning the World Cup.
