Argentina, Spain, and Brazil
are among the early favorites to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. With under
two months to go, let's take a look at how these strong contenders stack up against each other.
#1 Argentina
A strong favorite to take the 2022 World Cup, Argentina last won the cup in 1986. For starters, they have Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. The team has strong support from Lisandro Martinez, a center-back for Premier League club Manchester United, as well as Cristian Romero, a center-back for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspurs. In addition, there is Emiliano Martinez, a goalkeeper for Premier League club Aston Villa whose play has been consistent. Expect strong a strong showing from striker Lautaro Martinez, who plays for Serie A club Inter Milan.
#2. Spain
It was 2010 in South Africa when Spain last won the World Cup, but many feel 2022 will be their year again. Consistently strong, Spain has appeared in 16 out of 22 World Cup finals. This year's team is led by young players, including 19-year-old Pedri, a central midfielder for La Liga club Barcelona, who has won a slew of honors. Gavi, an 18-year-old central midfielder for La Liga club Barcelona, will be another strong factor. Iago Aspas, a striker for Celta who scored 18 goals last season, has been called up.
#3. Brazil
Brazil had an impressive record last season with 10 wins out of 30 matches. Brazil has a strong front line with Neymar, forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain; Antony, a winger for Premier League club Manchester United; Vinicius, a winger for La Liga club Real Madrid, who is considered one of the best players in the world; and Raphinha, a winger for La Liga club Barcelona. Gabriel Jesus, forward for Premier League club Arsenal, is a recent call-up, but there is some doubt as to whether he will make the final squad.
#4. France
The cloud hanging over Team France has been a fallout with Kylian Mbappe, one of the world's top forwards, who plays for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappe refused to take part in the photo shoot due to image rights issues. The team is hoping to work things out with his reps ahead of the World Cup. Still, there are some strong players pushing for the front line, including Ousmane Dembélé, a winger for La Liga club Barcelona, and Christopher Nkunku, who plays as a midfielder or forward for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. Nkunku won the Bundesliga Player of the Season award and the DFB-Pokal in the 2021–22 season.