Who Are The Top Contenders To Win The Upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022?

Football's greatest event, the FIFA World Cup 2022 is set to be held in Qatar. 32 teams, over a million fans, and a month-long footballing spectacle, the FIFA 2022 promises real excitement. A first-ever winter world cup in the Northern Hemisphere as it is set to be, the competition is already creating a considerable amount of buzz.

Fans around the world are excited to cheer their favorite teams as the event edges closer. However, a competition that has already delivered some shocking results in the past, can FIFA 2022 bring a bolt out of the blue? Or will the giants of footballing nations rule the crown again?

Well, as the anticipation around the world cup is higher than ever and fans from around the world set to book their flights to Qatar, we've tried to analyze the odds and come up with a detailed take on the top contenders, the outsiders, and the underdogs to win the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Who Are The Top Contenders For FIFA 2022?

Here's our take on the top contenders to win the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022.

1. France

The reigning champions and still going strong, Les Bleus are 7/1 favorites for 2022 World Cup once again. The team still has its veterans from the previous world cup triumph. With the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Paul Pogba still in the thick of it, the French side has a formidable looking line-up for the world cup. Joined by a number of young players in the squad, this is a team that is looking for an outright favorite to lift the crown again.

2. Brazil

Five-time world champions and recent winners of the 2019 Copa America, Brazil are another World Cup 2022 favorites and second in the list of top contenders to win the FIFA World 2022 in Qatar with 11/2 odds. It's been 20 years since the last time Brazil were crowned champions of the world and the nation eagerly awaits for the return of glory.

With the likes of Philipe Coutinho, Alisson, and Richarlison in their ranks, Brazil has the firepower to challenge for the title in 2022. The team, in fact, will be pumped up with additions like Vinicius Jr. and Gabriel Martinelli as attaching options into the side. If able to manage the defensive transition, the nation might just be able to mount the challenge.

3. Spain & Germany

Footballing giants Spain and Germany are the other two nations that stand at 8/1 bets to win the FIFA World Cup 2022 as they come to Qatar being 2022 World Cup favorites. Both nations suffered an embarrassing exit in Russia in 2018 when Germany dropped out of the competition in the group stage being bottom of the group, while Spain hobbled their way to the round of 16 only to be eliminated in the tie.

Hence, both nations would be looking to set things right in Qatar as they take on the likes of France, Belgium, and Brazil in the world cup.

Who are the Outside Contenders to Win the FIFA World Cup in Qatar?

Here's our take on the outside contenders set to challenge for the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

1. Argentina

The 2018 world cup was nothing less than an embarrassment for Argentina when the nation dropped out of the competition in the round of 16 stage at the hands of Croatia. This time around, however, things are looking pretty different for the Albiceleste.

With the likes of Lautaro Martenez, Paulo Dybala, and Giovani Lo Celso in their ranks, Argentina would be hoping for a turnaround in fortunes. Interestingly though, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar may well be the last chance for six-time Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi to secure a title for the nation. Their bets are at 10/1 for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

2. Belgium

Boasting of stars in its ranks, Belgium had a pretty good world cup last time in Russia when the Red Devils secured a third-place finish in the competition. However, with the Qatar World Cup 2022 coming up now, things are not the same as before.

Eden Hazard, the mercurial Belgium will be turning 33 by the time the World cup reaches its later stages, while Kevin De Bruyne will be 31 by then. Hence, it might just be a tough task ahead for the Red Devils in Qatar.

3. England

With the odds of 10/1, England are other outsiders to challenge for the title. The Three Lions Faithful had a heartbreak in the last world cup when they lost the third-place to Belgium in the 2018 world cup.

This time, however, England is not amongst the top favorites to lift the title, and that may well allow the English stars to flourish with no pressure of expectations. Boasting the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane into their ranks, you just never know what the side might bring on the football field.

4. Netherlands

2016 and 2018 was the time to forget for all dutch fans as the Netherlands failed to qualify for the Euro 2016 and FIFA World Cup 2018. But this time, however, the Netherlands are back and are the rise once again. With the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay, and Matthijs de Ligt, the Dutch side will be looking to challenge teams at the world cup in Qatar.

Although being beaten in the final of the inaugural UEFA Nations League, Netherlands has been playing some attractive football lately and is set to challenge teams at the finals of the world cup. Having said that, though, the team's chances stand at 14/1.

5. Portugal

The last few years have brought joy to the Portuguese fans. Though eliminated in the Round of 16 in the last world cup, the Selecao did win the European championship in 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.

Although question marks do remain as to whether Cristiano Ronaldo (37 in 2022) would be there for the world cup or not, the likes of Joao Felix, Trincao, and young talent coming into the squad poses a real promise. The chances of Portugal in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022, however, are at 16/1.

6. Italy

The strength and depth of the Italian side isn't a mystery to anyone as the four-time world champions have shown in the past how dangerous a side they can be. However, the Azzurri has the longest shot of the outsider coming into the FIFA World Cup 2022 with 20/1 as the side lacks a number of superstars from the past teams.

The Azzurri are set to come to the competition with a relatively young side. However, considering the kind of impressive performances that the Italian youth teams have given over the years, the team could be in for a chance if those players are promoted to the senior squad.

Who Are the Underdogs Coming to the FIFA World Cup 2022?

Have a look at the underdogs coming to the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

1. Croatia, Uruguay & Mexico

Although coming as underdogs in the FIFA World Cup 2022, Croatia is one side that can bring up a surprise or two on the grand stage. The side had an impressive world cup campaign last time in Russia as they went all the way to the final only to be beaten by eventual champions France.

However, once the FIFA World Cup 2022 kicks-off, Croatia would be underdogs in many ways. As for teams like Mexico and Uruguay, both nations have a rich footballing tradition and come as regular competitors in major competitions. However, much like Croatia, both Mexico and Uruguay would be going into the FIFA World Cup 2022 as underdogs.

2. The USA

The US national team might be a surprise inclusion in the list of underdogs but the country's footballing fortunes have turned gradually. With the rising popularity of the game in the country, the national side has felt an upturn in fortunes. Although any real success in major competitions seems a distant reality, the side would be coming as underdogs to Qatar for the FIFA 2022 games.

3. Ukraine

One of those sides in the competition that seems capable of coming up with a surprise of two, Ukraine will be coming as underdogs to the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Their under-20 side was crowned champions in 2019 when they defeated South Korea in the final. Hence, there are enough positives to take out for Ukraine as the side will look to battle it out against top nations in the world cup.

4. Qatar

Now here's a thing, Qatar isn't one of those countries that are widely renowned for their footballing prowess. In fact, the nation isn't certainly amongst the football giants on the international stage. However, the home sides often enjoy a considerable advantage in such major competitions which is evident from the last world cup when the host nation Russia had an impressive campaign. Hence, Qatar is being tipped by many to be going as underdogs in the competition.

Quick Points To Note About The Upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022

As the greatest competition on earth edges even closer, teams from all around the world would be ready and willing to make their mark in what is set to be the first-ever winter world cup in the Middle East and the Northern Hemisphere. But let's take a look at some of the most interesting facts surrounding the upcoming world cup in Qatar.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 would be played in a staggering 8 Stadiums which is the lowest number of stadiums to host the matches in recent years. The decision has been officially confirmed by the FIFA handle while few stadiums would also be kept on hold in case the need arises to shift the venue at any stage of the world cup.
All stadiums would be fully air-conditioned once the FIFA World Cup kicks off in Qatar. Considering the temperatures in the country that can be considerably higher, this would certainly be a welcome upgrade in the world cup. However, it is important to note that even though the stadiums would be fully air-conditioned during the competition, the heat in Qatar would still be a major hurdle to climb even though the event would take place in winter. Hence, all FIFA World Cup 2022 favorites as well as the underdogs would have to be at their level best in terms of fitness and stamina.
If the fully air-conditioned stadiums didn't surprise you, well, the cost of the upcoming world cup certainly will. The Qatar World Cup will officially be the most expensive world cup in history. The country is spending a whopping $200 billion USD roughly in preparations for the world cup which includes the construction of stadiums, roadways, and so on.
The FIFA World Cup in Doha would also be the first-ever world cup in the Middle East. Before this, no such world cup has taken place in the region. Hence, the world cup is also being seen as a chance to bridge the cultural gap between Europe and the Middle East.
Worried about not getting a beer while you watch your favorite team play in the world cup? Well, don't worry as the host nation has brought a solution for this. The country would be setting up fan zones across the territory where alcohol would be served to the fans at much reduced prices. Hence, fans would be able to enjoy the game while sipping a beer.
Lastly, the FIFA World Cup 2022 would officially be the first-ever winter world cup in the Northern Hemisphere. Earlier, the world cup used to take place during the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere as that is the time when the region experiences winter conditions. However, since the world cup is now set to take place in Qatar where heat conditions can be distressing during the summer months, the slot for the world cup has, thus, been shifted to the November-December slot.

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Qatar On Your Next Trip

World Cup 2022 Predictions

As the FIFA World Cup 2022 edges closer and the world cup qualifiers matches well and truly underway, let's take a look at what the predictions look like for certain nations going into the competition’s qualifiers.

Can Portugal Win The World Cup 2022?

2016 was the year when Portugal shocked the world by winning the European Championship. The side was the clear underdog coming into the competition but managed to win the competition at the end. However, coming into the FIFA World Cup would be a completely different challenge for Ronaldo and co. Even though the nation has some talented forwards in their ranks, Ronaldo has shown that he can still compete with the very best.

Having announced that the 2022 FIFA World Cup would be his last may well give him that additional motivation to put on another special performance. Besides, as the side goes into the world cup qualifiers, the likes of Diogo Jota and João Félix would be looking to leave their mark. So, if there's a question of who is most likely to win the 2022 world cup, Portugal would be definitely one of the favorites going into the competition.

Can Argentina Win The 2022 World Cup?

The World cup has been a depressing story so far for Argentina as the side had a fairly embarrassing campaign last time around. However, with the likes of Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala, and Giovani Lo Celso in their ranks, Argentina would be hoping for a turnaround in fortunes as the Argentina fixtures come up for the qualifiers. Besides, much like Cristiano Ronaldo, the 2022 World Cup may well be the last chance for Messi to win a trophy for the country. So, will Argentina win the World Cup 2022? Well, the Albiceleste would be ready to challenge for the title with full force this time around.

Can France Win the FIFA World Cup 2022?

France had a relatively easy campaign during the last FIFA World Cup in Russia. The side eased through to the final of the world cup and ended up winning it in the end. This was, in fact, only the second world cup triumph for Lew Bleus. The country first won the competition in 1998 when France was the host nation and lifted the world cup in front of the home crowd.

In Russia, however, Les Blues were one of the betting favorites to win the FIFA World Cup in Russia and ended up lifting the title when the side defeated Croatia in the final. Having said that, the 2022 FIFA World Cup would be a completely different challenge for France coming into the competition. But here's a thing, much like the last world cup, France remains one of the favorites to lift the world cup and the aide has plenty of talented players in its ranks to make it possible.

With the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Paul Pogba still in the thick of it, the French side would be coming into the world cup with a formidable lineup and would be eager to make a mark on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. So, if you’re a French fan ready to cheer your side in the world, there’s a good chance that the upcoming competition in Qatar would be a good one for the team?

Can Spain Challenge For The Upcoming FIFA World Cup In Qatar?

Spain isn't a new name when it comes to some top contenders to win the FIFA World Cup. History is a piece of evidence of how Spain can dominate the footballing world. A side that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Spain had a relatively difficult campaign last time out when the side knocked out of the World Cup rather earlier than expected.

However, Luis Enrique and his side would be eager to make their mark as they kick off their campaign for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022. With more than enough talented players into their ranks, this is a side that will be looking to challenge the heavyweights once the FIFA World Cup kicks off in Qatar. With the likes of Sergio Ramos, Ferran Torres, Adama Traoré, Álvaro Morata, Isco, and Rodri into their ranks, the Spanish side would be ready to challenge in Qatar once the World Cup begins in the winter of 2022.

As for Spain's chances? The side stands at 8/1 bets to win the competition alongside the likes of Germany. Hence, it will be interesting to see how Spain challenges for the title as the world cup begins in Qatar.

As the FIFA World Cup 2022 edges closer, the excitement amongst the fans is highly noticeable. While sides like France, Germany, and Spain would be looking to seriously challenge for the crown, nations like Argentina and Belgium would be hoping for their stars to lead by example.

So, if you're a true footballing fan gearing up to cheer your favourite side in the competition, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar is set to be a blockbuster.

FAQs

Q1. Can Messi win World Cup 2022?

The 2022 FIFA World Cup may well be Messi's last chance of winning a major competition for Argentina. However, the Albiceleste would come into the world cup as outside contenders with a 10/1 bet.

Q2. Will Brazil win the 2022 World Cup?

Brazil will come into the 2022 World Cup as one of the favourites to win the crown alongside Spain, France, and Germany.

Q3. Can the 2022 World Cup be moved?

The 2022 World Cup has already been moved from its usual summer slot of June and July to November and December owing to the heat conditions in Qatar during the summers. This will, in fact, be the first-ever winter world cup.

Q4. What date is World Cup 2022?

The World Cup in Qatar would commence on the 21st of November 2022 and end with the final being scheduled for 18th December 2022.

Q5. How much do World Cup tickets cost 2022?

Although the official sale for the tickets hasn't started yet, there are predictions that the cheapest ticket might be around $500 while the most expensive category one would be around $1200.

Q6. When is the next world cup?

The next world cup is set to be played in Qatar in the winter of 2022. This will, in fact, be the first-ever winter World Cup in the Northern Hemisphere and the first of its kind in the Middle East. The competition would begin at the end of November 2022 with the final scheduled on the 18th of December 2022.

Q7. Will Argentina win the 2022 World Cup?

Q8. Can Portugal win the World Cup 2022?

Although coming into the FIFA World Cup would be a completely different challenge for Ronaldo and co, the nation has some talented forwards in their ranks, Ronaldo has shown that he can still compete with the very best. Having announced that the 2022 FIFA World Cup would be his last may well give him that additional motivation to put on another special performance.