By Tom Hargreaves

Unusually, this year’s World Cup is in winter (for the northern hemisphere), because Qatar is too hot for anyone to play sport in the summer. Specifically, 40-45 degrees! Anyone who’s played football in summer knows that it’s harder and slower, but that’s in 25-30 degree heat in Britain! So obviously FIFA decided that it would take place in November-December. Of course, this poses countless issues: it means a massive break in the middle of the European season; it means that injuries to players are much more likely, as they won’t have 3-4 weeks after the season stops to rest, like they would in the summer World Cups. However, this is what FIFA have decided.

I’m sure we’re all aware of the controversies surrounding this world cup in Qatar: the numbers of migrant workers’ deaths that supposedly took place when the magnificent stadiums for this occasion were built; and the Middle Eastern laws which often disagree with the accepted norm in many western European countries, such as a ban on people being openly LGBTQ+. Putting all the politics aside, we’re going to talk about the part people love: football.

There are so many teams contending for this year’s world cup, and the best part is, there isn’t one standout team. So I’m going to highlight some of the teams which I think have the best chance of winning the world’s biggest competition. I will also suggest some dark horses, or dangerous underdogs, who have a chance to far exceed people’s expectations.

3. England

With a completely unbiased opinion, England stand a fantastic chance of winning the Qatar World Cup. To start with they have a strong defence which is key. To quote Sir Alex Ferguson, ‘Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles’, and really emphasises the importance of maintaining a clean sheet. However, Chelsea wingback Ben Chilwell went off injured in Champions League, so Luke Shaw, the Man United player, will most likely start there for the three lions. At centre back, they have their usual starters in John Stones and Harry Maguire, but other players have improved in form, such as Everton’s Tarkowski, Roma’s Smalling, Tottenham’s Dier and Milan’s Tomori. At right back, injuries have also struck England hard, with Reece James and Kyle Walker both likely to miss the World Cup. This leaves options such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier, who are more attacking full-backs.

In the midfield, there is a multitude of upcoming talent, in both attacking and defensive areas. Starting in the defence, recent England stars Jude Bellingham and Kalvin Philips are 2 exciting prospects, but one of Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson normally start alongside them. Moving into attacking areas, more young players likely to get lots of game time include Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Bukayo Saka. Dangerous wingers also include Grealish and Rashford.

At striker, Spurs’ Harry Kane is the main man; the key discussion at the top of the field involves the back up strikers. Form players at the moment Include Ivan Toney, Calvert-Lewin and Tammy Abraham. Personally, I think the main backup should be Ivan Toney, with Abraham coming along as well.

England’s squad is promising, but do they have the recent results to back it up? In the last nations league, just thissummer, England performed terribly, leaving their group in last place, with 0 wins: 3 draws, and 3 losses. They drew twice to Germany, lost twice to Hungary, and drew one and lost one to Italy. These results don’t mean everything, but they do definitely give England something to prove. Of course, the last proper competition, Euro 2021, ended well for England, reaching the final.

In terms of their manager, Gareth Southgate, he divides opinions. Some deem him too defensive minded, and not scoring enough goals. Others would look at his previous tournament results: semi-finals of World Cup 2018, and of course the final of Euro 2021. I think England, despite poor recent form, are in there at the top.

2. Argentina

Argentina are another team that will almost definitely challenge for the World Cup trophy this year. They won the Copa America in 2021, the most recent South American tournament. They have an experienced team, but also with newer players.

Starting in defence, they have exciting full-backs such as Tagliafico, Acuna, and Montiel. However, centre back is their strong point, with an abundance of excellent players, including Martinez, Romero, Medina, Senesi, Foyth and Otamendi.

Midfield is an decent area for them as well, with De Paul, Gomez, Lo Celso, Mac Allister, and Parades. In attacking areas, they have many stars, for example Di Maria, Martinez, Dybala, Simeone, Correa, Alvarez, and of course, Lionel Messi, in what is probably his last ever World Cup.

Lionel Scaloni, the manager of Argentina, hopes to bring Messi home his trophy finally. He first came in in 2018, for the Russian World Cup; Unfortunately, they were knocked out by France in the Round of 16, after a 4-3 thriller.

1. Brazil

In my opinion, the most likely team to win the World Cup is Brazil. Brazil are the competition’s most successful team, having won the prestigious trophy in 1958, ’62, ’70, ’94, and 2002. Their iconic yellow kit, with it’s 5 stars has been worn by some of the world’s greatest players. And the current squad is no exception. Having come runners-up in the 2021 Copa America to Argentina, on their home ground, the Brazilians will have something to prove to the world, to claim their 6^th World Cup in Qatar.

Brazil are officially ranked as the best team in the world by FIFA, and they have won their last 7 games, and are unbeaten in more than 10. So let’s get into some of the amazing players that they have under their flag.

At the back, full-backs such as Lodi, Sandro, Telles, Emerson, and Danilo are likely to play, but their real strong area is at centre-back: Militao, Marquinos, Silva, and Gabriel are undoubtedly going to get game time. Brazil also have a remarkable reserve of defensive midfielders, including Casemiro, Fabinho, Fred, and Gerson. Less strong in attacking midfield maybe, but they do have Guimaraes and Coutinho available.

In attack, Brazil have it where it really counts. Especially on the wing, where Vini, Antony, Raphina, Neymar, and Rodrygo can shine. Up front, they have the options of Gabriel Jesus, Firmino, or Richarlison.

Now onto the dark horses: the team I believe have an outside chance of competing at this world cup.

Poland

I think Poland do have a chance of competing for the best spots at this world cup. Their world cup group consists of Argentina, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico, as well as themselves. I think most would agree that Argentina are out and out favourites.

Despite their competitive group in Qatar, they stand the best chance of coming second.

Starting in defence, they have premier league stars such as Bednarek and Cash, as well as Glik, Zalewski and Kiwior. In midfield, exciting players include Zielinski, grosicki, Szymanski and Zurkowski.

In attack, they have Milik as back up striker, and of course, their main man, Robert Lewandowski.

Poland aren’t the most recognizable side, but their manager Michniewicz is doing great works, and their previous match against well fought, and won.

The World Cup will be unpredictable, so I will likely be wrong, but let’s see!

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