The FIFA World Cup takes place this autumn, between 20 November and 18 December. The 22nd World Cup tournament is the first to be held outside of May, June, or July, thanks to the hot weather in the host nation.
The tournament has been dogged by controversy since Qatar was announced as the host nation more than a decade ago.
In an attempt to switch the focus of discussions in the run-up to kick-off, FIFA recently sent a strong message to all competing nations. The sport’s governing body asks those playing to prevent football from being “dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists”.
Instead, countries were urged to “focus on the football”.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the teams competing in the tournament this year, and Fingerprint Financial Planning’s all-important predictions!
When, where, and who?
When: 20 November to 18 December 2022
Where: Qatar – Eight stadiums will host games, across five cities, including Qatar’s capital Doha
Who: 32 teams, including the host nation Qatar, favourites Brazil, and home nations England and Wales (the latter playing in only their second-ever World Cup).
Did you know? Stéphanie Frappart, Salima Mukansanga, and Yoshimi Yamashita (from France, Rwanda, and Japan, respectively) will be the first females to officiate at a men’s World Cup. They will be joined by three female assistant referees.
A closer look at the favourites
Brazil
Five-time World Cup winners Brazil arrive after a 15-game unbeaten run in World Cup group games. They last lifted the trophy in 2002 and are the bookies’ favourites this time around.
Failing to take the top prize would result in their longest dry spell between wins (24 years) since their first win in 1958.
Head coach Tite named nine forwards in his 26-man squad, alongside Dani Alves. If he plays, the 39-year-old defender will become the oldest player ever to play for Brazil in World Cup.
Player to watch: Neymar
France
The 2018 winners will be looking to lift the curse of title defenders. Four of the last five defending champions have failed to make it out of their group.
France will be without stars like Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, but 23-year-old Kylian Mbappe has been named in the 26-man squad. Mbappe scored four times in Russia, becoming the first teenager since Pele to score in a World Cup final.
Player to watch: Kylian Mbappe
Argentina
Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina side won the 2021 Copa America so confidence will be high. That being said, the current squad is far from the best that Argentina has brought to a World Cup finals.
This tournament will mark Messi’s last World Cup, giving their star player an extra incentive to lift his team deep into the knockout stages.
Player to watch: Lionel Messi
What are England’s chances?
England are among the top five favourites to lift the trophy, though this might seem flattering to some, based on recent form.
Group B sees England up against the USA, Iran, and Wales.
England will see the USA as their biggest threat but the nothing-to-lose fearlessness of Wales – in only their second-ever World Cup – means they will demand respect.
England and Wales found themselves in the same group back in Euro 2016. On that occasion, it took a Daniel Sturridge injury-time goal to secure a 2-1 win, after Wales drew first blood. Wales went on to top the group.
England captain, and Golden Boot winner at the 2018 tournament, Harry Kane will be looking to break Wayne Rooney’s national team scoring record. He will also be hoping to secure a second World Cup top-scorer prize.
Gareth Southgate has led his side to at least the semi-finals in both major competitions in charge. He will be hoping to make it “third-time lucky” in Qatar this autumn.
Player to watch: Harry Kane
Qatar controversies
Allegations of bribery and corruption have abounded since Qatar’s winning bid was announced back in 2010.
As the tournament nears, the country’s record on human rights has been under increasing scrutiny. The pay and conditions for migrant workers have been a particular issue, as have the country’s laws on homosexuality.
The Guardian reported in February 2021 that 6,500 workers have died during the last decade as Qatar sought to ready itself for the event. This has included erecting seven new stadiums, a new airport, and improving infrastructure.
Qatar’s laws on homosexuality have also come under the spotlight. Same-sex relationships are illegal in the country, where legal punishments can include fines, jail, and death by stoning.
The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has insisted that “everyone is welcome”. The UK home secretary, James Cleverly, stated in October that LGBT football fans should be “respectful of the host nation” and show “a little bit of flex and compromise”.
