There are any number of nations that feel they are the most like to win the World Cup in 2022. With the depth of squads qualifying for the World Cup, there are legitimate paths for multiple teams to reach the Final in December.
Belief is one thing, true potential is another. Only eight countries can say they won the World Cup in the 21 editions of the competition. Of those eight, only countries in South America and Europe won or even played in the World Cup Final. Furthermore, seven of the last eight finalists come from Europe.
Consequently, there is a small pool of teams that enter the tournament with a legitimate shot based on historical trends. That being said, times change. Countries like Belgium, the Netherlands and Portugal do not win the World Cup. Yet, each country boasts a strong side with potential.
Here are the five countries most like to win World Cup 2022, in no particular order.
Five countries most likely to win the World Cup in 2022
1) France
The defending champions were the second-youngest side when they lifted France’s second World Cup trophy.
Kylian Mbappe drew comparisons to Pelé. Hugo Lloris and his defense conceded just six goals, with half of those coming in the round of 16 thriller against Argentina. Paul Pogba and N’golo Kante bossed the midfield each game. All those pieces return to Qatar 2022. Now, France also adds some of the most in-form players in the world. RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku comes in. Plus, Karim Benzema, perhaps the favorite for the 2022 Ballon d’Or, returned to France’s national team during the Euros.
France won the UEFA Nations League, and shapes up to be among the favorites in Qatar.
2) England
After struggling in 2010 and 2014, England thrived in Russia in 2018. Led by Harry Kane, England also had the second-youngest squad in the tournament at an average age of 26. The golden shoe winner scored seven goals leading England to fourth place.
Penalty frustration returned in the Euros in 2021. Gianluigi Donnarumma saved two and Marcus Rashford missed another, causing England to miss out on a first major trophy in over 50 years. England can rest somewhat easier knowing it got past Germany in the Euros, and Italy failed to qualify.
With depth across the field everywhere except for perhaps center-back, England should be among the contenders to lift another World Cup trophy.
3) Brazil
The most successful country when it comes to the World Cup looks poised for another run. Brazil stormed through CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. Neymar finished second in goals scored as Brazil did not lose a single game.
With Neymar looking strong, it is encouraging for fans of the Seleção to know that Vinicius is having a breakout season at Real Madrid. Similarly, Fabinho, Gabriel Jesus and others provide essential depth during the World Cup. In 2018, Belgium outclassed Brazil in the quarterfinals, making it two-consecutive World Cups where Brazil went out in disappointing fashion.
Now, Brazil enters at No. 1 in the FIFA World Rankings, if that carries any importance. As of late April 2022, Brazil is undefeated since losing in the Copa America Final to rivals Argentina.
4) Argentina
Argentina is another team to go through CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying without a loss. It is also the last side to beat Brazil.
This is Lionel Messi’s final World Cup. It is his last dance, if you will. After coming so close in 2014, Argentina never truly looked like a nation capable of threatening for another World Cup. However, with Messi’s first international trophy secured for the Abiceleste, there is some pressure alleviated from his shoulders. Argentina lacks some of the depth or star power of a country like France or England. However, any team with Lionel Messi can compete.
A poor group stage performance put Argentina behind the eight-ball, leading into a round of 16 loss against France. In that game, Argentina looked like a threatening side. However, France was simply too much. With a simple enough group, Argentina should reach the knockout stages. It will come down to Messi’s performance on the biggest stage for the last time for Argentina to have any chance.
5) Belgium
It feels strange to continually call Belgium a dark horse team. On one hand, Belgium never won a major trophy. The Belgians earned bronze in Russia, and finished second to West Germany in the 1980 European Championship. Those are the nation’s best finishes at major tournaments.
However, Belgium’s best dominated the club landscape for the past decade. Players like Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne earned world-class designations for years. Yet, despite linking up well, Belgium seemed to struggle in one game, causing early exits from tournaments.
This year, the Red Devils bring another strong squad to Qatar. It all comes down to fitness and form. Eden Hazard never looked like the player that dominated the Premier League since transferring to Real Madrid. Kevin De Bruyne has injury problems now and then. Romelu Lukaku seems void of confidence in some games. Youri Tielemans shows incredible talent, just missing some consistency.
If this golden generation of Belgium can put it together for what could be one last ride, there is no reason to think it cannot win its first major trophy. However, the window is rapidly closing for manager Roberto Martinez.
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Jerry Falzarano
July 17, 2022 at 5:47 pm
I think it shaping up to be a Brazil vs Argentina final. I think they are both in form and it maybe South America turn. I think Spain will go far and keep an eye on Denmark
Andrew Muchunu
June 21, 2022 at 7:28 am
I always sense when Germany is going to win & without any doubt,this is their year! Neuer,Hoffman,Havertz, Raum & Kimmich will be outstanding & one of them will be voted player of the tournament.
Yespage
June 6, 2022 at 10:07 am
Predictions are really tough this year given when the World Cup is being held, mid-season.
Gabriel Manthola Prince
June 6, 2022 at 4:50 am
I think many people commenting have forgotten that this is not about teams which have been great in the past this is all about present and I’m sure Argentina is winning as far as they’re the best current professionals
jason
April 22, 2022 at 1:38 pm
I think Brazil will win the World Cup this year. Any team that surprises and makes a overacheiving run in the Worl Cup (Croatia in 18, Bulgria in 94 type teams) will probably meet their end to Brazil in the semi finals or final.
Gabriel Manthola Prince
June 6, 2022 at 4:53 am
If Argentina could definitely defeat Brazil how do you think 🤔 that brezil could win this I’m the winner will be Argentina
Nicolas
June 9, 2022 at 6:19 pm
Who writes this????? Argentina is a favorite and will always be a top contender……Messi or no Messi, Maradona or without Maradona…..A world Futbol power will always be a fútbol power
Facts!
April 22, 2022 at 10:22 am
England? lol. Their record in WC 2018 was 3 wins, 3 draws , 2 losses. Most underwhelming semifinalist in history. They’re given home adventage multiple times in recent Euro, still couldnt win their second major thropy. Homecooked WC 66 remains their only notable achievement.
France is clearly no.1 fav, Spain also looking good, Brazil and Argentina aswell since they’re both win the last 2 Copa America and both has been unbeaten throughout qualifier .Germany can never be written out given their WC history.
Tony
April 22, 2022 at 12:51 pm
I am English and I agree with Facts!
England are too defensive under Southgate and he ALLWAYS plays his fav players regardless of form .In the 2018 WC semi-final vs Croatia he left Kane (His fav player of the lot) on even though he was so tired he could not run and left a fit Vardy on the bench until the 112 minute to try and get an equalizer. Always plays it safe and never goes for it in games that mean something.
Bubbles
June 5, 2022 at 10:44 pm
Totally agree with you on England being the most overrated team on the planet. But you made a mistake, 3 wins 3 draws and 2 losses isnt correct.It equals 8 and the max possible number of games is 7, England tied only once, round of 16 vs Colombia.
Buckles
April 22, 2022 at 1:25 pm
Agree with Facts! England better hope they don’t lose to the US bc it is entirely possible.
Zulkarnine
May 28, 2022 at 1:34 am
I totally agree with you 😂 I think the writer of this blog is from UK😂 I am laughing seeing England in 2nd position 🤣
Respect to your comment from 🇧🇩 BANGLADESH
Gabriel Manthola Prince
June 6, 2022 at 4:57 am
I’m sure the writer should change england to Spain
Mercator
June 21, 2022 at 11:32 am
Factos! England should be no where near this list, and as much as I love Belgium realistically they shouldn’t be on here either. Spain and Germany disrespected – insane to have a most likely to win list and not have Germany in the top 5!
Leo
April 22, 2022 at 9:07 am
Agree with all of the candidates. I would only switch Argentina and England order.
Pete
April 21, 2022 at 11:37 pm
Genau (Absolutely)! Germany is absolutely a contender, and can smoke any of these teams on the day, now that Jogi Bear is out of the picture.
Buckles
April 22, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Germany is definitely a dangerous team. Would never count them out. This may be Brazil or Argentina’s cup. I’m hoping for big things from the US.
Angela Junger
April 21, 2022 at 8:34 pm
….. ahem— DEUTSCHLAND!!!! Will take it all…. I’m “the OMA” who
Has been to 6 World Cups & seen many talented teams crumble (Germany incl)…. Player to player die Mannschaft has it all including HANSI FLICK…. Best coach to guide die MANNSCHAFT TO VICTORY AGAIN 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻😎
Bryan
July 17, 2022 at 8:16 am
Germany are the best and l believe in hansi flick its Germany time to win the cup