It will be a World Cup like no other, with 32 nations from across all four corners of the globe travelling to the Middle Eastern country of Qatar next month for a tournament that will be the first hosted by a Muslim nation, the first in an Arab country, and the first to be held in months of November and December.
Qatar 2022 is already historic before a ball has even been kicked, but with a look at the eight groups that will make up the tournament, which nations are likely to progress into the knockout rounds and give themselves the chance of making their own history.
The host nation of Qatar, as is tradition, will get the tournament underway in their match against a youthful Ecuador side. However, both nations are expected to be eclipsed by the reigning African Cup of Nations champions, Senegal, and 2010 South Africa World Cup runners-up, the Netherlands, who are experiencing a return to their best form under the experienced leadership of Louis van Gaal.
In Group B, last summer's Euro finalists, England, face an interesting challenge in facing three nations ranked in the top 20; Iran, Wales and the United States. The Three Lions, whilst expected to top their group given their recent tournament triumphs, will know that their fellow group members won't be lacking motivation. Iran will be hoping to reach the knock-out rounds of the World Cup for the first time in their history whilst Wales, appearing for the first time since 1958, and the USA, both rivals of England in their own right, will be keen to get one over Southgate's men.
In Group C, Mexico will be hoping to qualify for the knock-outs for the eighth consecutive time, although will need to be on top form with both Poland and Argentina, the latter one the favourites for the tournaments, far from easy games for the 2026 World Cup co-hosts. 51st ranked Saudi-Arabia make up the group and whilst without the star-studded lineups of the other three nations, they will be hoping their familiarity with the Middle Eastern climate can give them an advantage.
Group D is where we find reigning World Cup champions France, who lifted the trophy at Russia 2018. Deschamps men will of course be expected to go deep this year as well with the squad strengthening year on year, but they will face tough competition by Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark who are many people's dark horses for this tournament. Australia and Tunisia make up the group and would cause a huge upset if either were to make it through to the knockouts.
With all international tournaments it is obligatory for one group to be labelled the 'Group of Death'. For many that is Group E this winter, with 2010 champions Spain, and 2014 champions Germany, pitted against each other. Japan will make themselves equally as known however as they hope to at least replicate their knock-out round finish they achieved in the previous edition. Costa Rica arrive in Qatar as very much the underdogs of this group, although with PSG and former Real Madrid keeper Keylor Navas between the sticks, they won't be a walkover.
Group F is an exciting group for various reasons. Many will view this tournament as the last shot at glory for Belgium's so-called 'Golden Generation' whilst Canada are at the start of their journey. Morocco, like Canada, will hope they have enough individual quality to cause an upset, whilst 2018 runners-up Croatia, can never be ruled out, with their mixture of elite experience and exciting developing talents.
In Group G, Tite's Brazil feel like the stand-out favourites to not only progress into the knockout rounds, but perhaps even go the distance this winter, with superstars all over the pitch seeming too much for any opposition. Serbia have dangerous attacking threats of their own which they will hope can ensure qualification, whilst Switzerland and Cameroon will both see the second spot as being well within reach.
Lastly there is Group H, another candidate for the Group of Death tag and consisting of four very well matched teams. Ghana are a side on the up with the famous Black Stars adding former England and Spain youth talents to their already exciting crop of players, whilst South-Korea will feel confident with Premier League golden boot winner Son Heung-Min leading their line. Both surely however will be overpowered by Portugal and Uruguay, two nations with European and International pedigree, who, with the star names in their ranks, are expected to go far.
THE GROUPS
Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
Group B: England, Iran, United States, Wales
Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
Group E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea
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