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The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will get under way on November 21, with superstar performers from across the planet readying themselves for a shot at global glory in the Middle East.
France, after emerging victorious on Russian soil back in 2018, will be the defending champions, but a number of nations have their sights set on knocking Les Bleus from the loftiest of perches.
In total, 32 countries will compete for the ultimate prize on football’s grandest stage, but who are favourites to go all the way and which of the outsiders could spring a surprise? GOAL takes a look…
Holders France are well fancied to mount another serious challenge for World Cup glory, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba knowing what it takes to emerge victorious.
Didier Deschamps’ side are 6/1 (7.00) joint-favourites to capture the global crown, with a Brazil side that includes the likes of Neymar, Vinicius Junior and Alisson available at the same price.
England made their way to the semi-finals in 2018, before reaching a final on home soil at Euro 2020, and the Three Lions are 7/1 (8.00) to bring a 56-year wait for international success to a close.
Just behind them at 8/1 (9.00) are 2010 winners Spain, who have an exciting young squad at their disposal, while Germany are always in the mix at events such as this and can be backed at 10/1 (11.00) alongside Argentina – who are hoping to see Lionel Messi land the one major honour that has so far eluded him in a remarkable career.
Italy will need to navigate their way through the UEFA qualification play-offs in order to book their tickets to Qatar, but the reigning European champions are 12/1 (13.00) to back up a continental triumph with a global one.
Belgium, who remain the number one ranked side in world football, may feel that 2022 presents their golden generation – with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard still going strong – with a last shot at international honours, but they are priced at 12/1 (13.00).
Netherlands, who have plenty of potential in their ranks, are 16/1 (17.00) shots, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal – who must also go through the play-offs – sit at 25/1 (26.00) alongside Denmark.
Croatia reached the final in 2018, as Luka Modric closed in on Ballon d’Or glory, but are 50/1 (51.00) to go one better four years on.
Colombia, who have not confirmed their qualification just yet, are 66/1 (67.00), with South American rivals Uruguay – who still have Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez in their ranks – available at 80/1 (81.00).
Algeria and Nigeria lead the way when it comes to an African contingent, but are both 100/1 (101.00) outsiders, with the United States and Mexico set at the same price.
Hosts Qatar are not expected to contend at 150/1 (151.00), while Poland and Egypt are 200/1 (201.00) and Wales – who are looking to give Gareth Bale a fitting farewell to international football – are serious long shots at 250/1 (251.00).
Odds correct at the time of writing on 24/01/2022.