And so it begins. The greatest sporting spectacle on planet earth returns slightly later in our calendars than usual for the Qatar World Cup 2022. It has been a long and controversial journey since the Middle-Eastern nation was awarded the World Cup back in 2010. From corruption scandals to worries about climate and most recently the concerns over Qatar’s appalling human rights record, this is definitely the most contentious host nation in recent memory.
However, football is one thing that unites us all and I truly believe after the most challenging few years globally, a World Cup is just what we need as a human race to unite together under one shared love for just under three weeks. So here we go, our guide to every team, the bookmakers’ odds and our predictions for what is sure to be a winter to remember.
Qatar
The hosts and first-time finalists have slipped under the radar of many pundits. Whilst a knock-out stage run looks beyond them, don’t be surprised if the 2019 Asian Cup winners come away with their heads held high.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 500/1
Predicted Finish: 3rd in Group A
Ecuador
After scoring 27 goals in a brilliant qualification campaign with the youngest South American squad in the tournament, Ecuador looks poised to launch an attack past the group stage this year. However, with a group of many hurdles, ‘La Tri’ will be lucky to progress.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 279/1
Predicted Finish: 4th in Group A
Netherlands
It was heartbreak for the Dutch after they failed to qualify for Russia 2018. The three-time runners-up may not pose much of a threat to Jules Rimet this year, but they certainly have what it takes to top Group A.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 14/1
Predicted Finish: Quarter Finals
Senegal
African teams have a penchant for iconic moments in World Cups. Whether it be Roger Milla dancing with a corner flag, “Bafana Bafana”, or the infamous Luis Suarez handball against Ghana, the continent never fails to disappoint. Current Africa Cup of Nations holders Senegal may have a hard time winning Group A but should progress nonetheless.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 130/1
Predicted Finish: Round of 16
England
56 years of hurt. Words to make any England fan shiver. The natural progression from semi-finalists in Russia in 2018, to finalists at Euro 2020 would suggest The Three Lions will follow the Lionesses and bring home silverware in 2022, however it just doesn’t seem possible.
A relatively easy group stage should lead to a decent stretch of knockout football, but to lift the trophy as Bobby Moore did may be one step too far.
Bookmaker’s Odds: 19/2
Predicted Finish: Runners Up
USA
A young side has revitalised American soccer in recent years. Possibly the biggest threat to England in Group B, the USA underperformed in qualifying with a third-place finish, and whilst they may be a threat on home soil in 2026 are just too inexperienced on a global stage to exceed expectations.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 239/1
Predicted Finish: Round of 16
Wales
Once again led by talisman Gareth Bale, Wales have a habit of turning up at big tournaments, reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016. With this being only their second World Cup appearance after a debut in 1958, inexperience may play a big factor and this time, the fire of the dragon may be extinguished earlier than expected.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 300/1
Predicted Finish: 3rd in Group B
Iran
Written off by the majority of football fans before a ball has even been kicked, Iran may become the success story of Qatar 2022. Ranked only 20th in the world, it is not outside of the realms of possibility that Iran progress. However, with a dismal 0% record of advancing from the group stages in five attempts, a Cinderella story seems too far-fetched.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 550/1
Predicted Finish: 4th in Group B
Argentina
It seems like the stars are aligning for Argentina to win their first World Cup since 1986. Their Copa America win in 2021 paired with Lionel Messi announcing this to be his last World Cup is a recipe for success. Whilst it may not be the most talented Argentinian squad in recent years, it certainly is the most cohesive and that alone could take them to glory.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 11/2
Predicted Finish: Winners
Saudi Arabia
The opportunity for an upset is omnipresent at major tournaments, and this doesn’t exclude Saudi Arabia. Having said this, they may have the most challenging group of them all, so don’t expect much.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 900/1
Predicted Finish: 4th in Group C
Mexico
Mexico hasn’t failed to reach a World Cup knockout stage since 1978, but this year will be a real battle to uphold this stellar record. It will take another set of heroics from notorious goalkeeper Gullermo Ochoa to best the likes of Lewandowski and Messi to help Mexico reach the Round of 16.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 209/1
Predicted Finish: 3rd in Group C
Poland
The aforementioned Robert Lewandowski is key to Poland’s success in Qatar. His 13 goals in qualification clinched their spot in the finals, and if the nation is to have any hope of progressing, he must be at the forefront of their plans. No pressure.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 250/1
Predicted Finish: Quarter-Finals
France
Despite being the current holder, France is one of the hardest teams to place in this World Cup. Four of the past five winners have exited the next tournament in the group stage, and with a rather unceremonious exit from Euro 2020, France doesn’t look set to retain the trophy. This being said, they are a dangerous side to be reckoned with.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 15/2
Predicted Finish: Round of 16
Australia
Is Australia the favourite to win the tournament? No. Will they enjoy every moment they get on the pitch? Yes. And to be frank, that is all we should expect. They might pick up a point or three against Tunisia, but precious little else.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 700/1
Predicted Finish: 3rd in Group D
Denmark
The mighty Danes are the dark horses at Qatar 2022 to go on a serious run. A semi-final loss at Euro 2022 seemed like the least they deserved and with eight clean sheets in qualifying, it might be hard to break down the Scandanavian defence.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 33/1
Predicted Finish: Round of 16
Tunisia
The less said about Tunisia the better. They are still ranked 30th in the world, above Australia, but nothing in qualifying forecasts much hope for the North Africans.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 900/1
Predicted Finish: 4th in Group D
Spain
It’s safe to say Spain has been unpredictable over the last decade and a half. Coming off historic back-to-back European Championship wins and a World Cup victory in 2010, Spain crashed out in the group stages of Brazil in 2014 and then sacked their manager Julen Lopetegui days before the World Cup in 2018. Sadly, their squad doesn’t seem to have what it takes to advance too far into Qatar 2022.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 9/1
Predicted Finish: Round of 16
Costa Rica
No expectations can be a good thing heading into a World Cup, but with zero wins from six games at World Cups, and only qualifying through a playoff, ‘Los Ticos’ may not set the tournament on fire.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 1000/1
Predicted Finish: 4th in Group E
Germany
‘Die Mannschaft’ are looking to come back strong following a disappointing campaign in 2018. Nine out of ten wins in qualifying saw the Germans progress with ease, and though it may be a tight battle with Spain to top the group, they should comfortably challenge for a semi-final spot.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 12/1
Predicted Finish: Quarter Finals
Japan
The joint hosts in 2002 with South Korea, Japan have never made it past the Round of 16 at a World Cup, despite some extraordinary talent they have had in their side over the years. With two European superpowers in their group this time, the knockouts may seem too far.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 425/1
Predicted Finish: 3rd in Group E
Belgium
The so-called Golden Generation of Belgium football has been somewhat underwhelming. Decent finishes in 2014 and 2018 have felt anti-climatic, with a squad deserving of silverware. Unfortunately, this is likely to continue with an ageing squad and fitness worries.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 19/1
Predicted Finish: Round of 16
Canada
Young stars Johnathan David and Alphonso Davis have put Europe on notice these past two seasons, and much of Canada’s success will rely on these two. Finishing strong in qualifying with a better goal difference than any CONCACAF nation, Canada may need to wait four more years to succeed on an international stage.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 500/1
Predicted Finish: 3rd in Group F
Morocco
Back-to-back World Cup appearances are an achievement in and of itself for Morocco. They have only done this one time before and it’s often exposure for the smaller nations that matters more, so the results ultimately don’t mar this wonderful success.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 300/1
Predicted Finish: 4th in Group F
Croatia
A second-place finish in 2018 only added to the erraticism of Croatia at World Cups. Their final appearance against France in 2018 wasn’t their best display, but with a squad that disappointed at Euro 2020, don’t expect Croatia to repeat themselves.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 66/1
Predicted Finish: Quarter Finals
Brazil
You don’t need to comment much on Brazil’s World Cup form. Five-time champions, an excellent squad and a rather easy group should see Neymar and his teammates excel in Qatar. They are unsurprisingly the bookmakers’ favourites to lift their sixth World Cup.
Bookmaker’s Odds: 4/1
Predicted Finish: Semi-Finals
Serbia
Since becoming an independent nation, Serbia has achieved very little in World Cups. They have lost seven of their nine games and have not made it out of the group stages.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 125/1
Predicted Finish: 3rd in Group G
Switzerland
After beating Italy in qualification to clinch their place, Switzerland is another team to look out for come to the end of November. They may not have what it takes to beat some of the giants of football on paper, but who knows what they could do in the knockout stages.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 130/1
Predicted Finish: Round of 16
Cameroon
Roger Milla and Samuel Eto’o have lit previous World Cups alive with their goalscoring prowess, however, the 2022 iteration of the ‘Indomitable Lions’ lacks the star power to make an impact. I am expecting fireworks from Cameroon but ultimately in vain.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 550/1
Predicted Finish: 4th in Group G
Portugal
Currently, English defender Matthew Upson has more knockout-stage goals than Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup, something the Manchester United striker will look to rectify at his final World Cup. With under-par performances since their 2006 semi-final run, Portugal will hope to hit form in a tricky group.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 18/1
Predicted Finish: Semi-Finals
Ghana
Robbed of a semi-final on African soil in 2010, Ghana are a team that plays great football that’s fun to watch. In most other groups, their odds of advancing would be much higher, however, Group H is so difficult that we might not get to see much of the African nation.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 500/1
Predicted Finish: 4th in Group H
Uruguay
Pantomime villains of World Cup football Uruguay have a habit of progressing from group stages in World Cups. From Suarez biting Italian defender Chiellini to his handball against Ghana, the striker may detract from his performances on the pitch but no one can deny his ability in front of goal.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 51/1
Predicted Finish: Round of 16
South Korea
The Asian side has won only three of twenty-seven games when not hosting a World Cup, but with a huge 2-0 elimination against Germany in 2018, and national icon Son Heung-Min still in great form, South Korea may be hoping to upset Portugal and Uruguay in Group H.
Bookmakers’ Odds: 550/1
Predicted Finish: 3rd in Group H