With the biggest sporting event in the world kicking off in November this year, there are some things that everyone should know. What is hyped up to be the best World Cup to date will be taking place in Qatar, and for the first time ever, in the winter. 32 of the world’s best teams will compete for the most prestigious trophy in the sporting world with a thrilling, action-packed tournament. For those not familiar with the format of the World Cup, 32 teams are split into eight groups of four. These groups are decided by a draw (but more on that later). From there, it is pretty simple: each team plays each team in their group once, and the top two advance to the 16 team knockout tournament. Over the course of this article, I will cover the key elements that make the World Cup special: the teams, groups, and players, and maybe most importantly, the match ball. 

The Match Ball 

Every four years, Adidas creates a new match ball for the World Cup, and this year is no exception. These match balls usually end up as iconic memoirs for their respective World Cups, with even a glimpse of the ball invoking all the emotions of that tournament. In 2010, Adidas produced the Jabulani for the World Cup in South Africa, one of the most controversial and memorable match balls ever. The ball moved unpredictably in the air due to its smooth design—almost like a beach ball—causing some glorious goals and many memories. Suffice it to say, the match ball affects the World Cup. So what about this year? Adidas has gone back to its roots, using 20 panels rather than six on the 2018 Telstar. The 2022 Al Rihla –which translates to “The Journey” – should not cause too much controversy as Adidas has opted for a design that is conventional and safe. 

Love it or hate it, the ball will be iconic. The design certainly isn’t for everyone, but the Al Rihla will be the symbol of one of the most important World Cups in history. Every World Cup needs its own match ball, and I’m excited to see what goals the Al Rihla will bring this winter. 

The Players, Teams, and Draw 

With almost all the teams decided for the 2022 World Cup (although some playoffs still need to be played), the draw on the first of April decided the groups. I will be taking a look at each group, noting standout teams and players. But before anything, it is important to mention that each of these teams has gone through a grueling multi-year qualification process, so even making it to the tournament is a big deal. 

 Group A 

Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, and the Netherlands make up Group A. The host of the tournament is always placed in Group A and plays the first match of the tournament. Many have claimed this to be a favorable group for the Netherlands, the powerhouse of this group, which features stout defender and captain Virgil Van Dijk, midfield maestro Frenkie De Jong, and playmaker Memphis Depay. All of these players, and many more, in the Holland squad, have shown their pedigree in their respective European leagues and will look to show out for the Netherlands in Qatar. While Holland may be the favorites, Senegal is not far behind—the reigning AFCON champions have an experienced squad with some of the Premier League’s finest players: prolific forward Sadio Mane and Chelsea’s shot-stopper Edouard Mendy. Their high-powered attack will prove to be a handful for the defenses of any team they will face. Ecuador and Qatar should not be overlooked. Ecuador qualified in a strong CONMEBOL qualifying group featuring some of the tournament favorites, and Qatar will look to impress in front of a home crowd. 

Predictions: 1. Netherlands 2. Senegal 3. Ecuador 4. Qatar. 

Group B 

If there is any group to pay attention to, it’s this one. England, USA, Iran, and the winner of the European Playoff (Wales, Scotland, or Ukraine). As much as I don’t want to admit it, England are clear favorites in this group; the Euro 2020 runners-up will look to fulfill the prophecy of “Football’s coming home,” now more than ever with no Italy there to stop them. Complete forward Harry Kane, young talent Phil Foden, and superstar Jude Bellingham will look to bring the World Cup back to England. Now onto the USA. Powered by youth talent, Gregg Berhalter will look to harness the energy of our young squad to show the world that the USA shouldn’t be a laughing stock in the footballing world. After missing out on the 2018 World Cup, our boys will be buzzing to get to Qatar. Led by Pennsylvania’s finest Christian Pulisic, Texas boy Weston McKennie, and Barcelona wingback Sergino Dest, the USA has no excuses to not perform. This is an exciting time for football (soccer) in the United States. Iran topped their group in qualifying and will look to continue their success not too far from home in Qatar, so don’t count them out. As for the last team in the group, Wales, Scotland, and Ukraine would all make for good opponents and make this one of the better groups in the tournament. 

Predictions: 1. England 2. USA 3. European Playoff Winner 4. Iran. 

Group C 

Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland make up Group C. Another strong group features one of the tournament favorites, Argentina. Reigning Copa America Champions Argentina will look to put their stamp on the world stage and provide a fitting send-off to one of the best players to ever grace the game: Lionel Messi. The seven-time Balon d’Or winner would love to end his shining career with a World Cup victory, having been so close in 2014. Argentina’s quality doesn’t end with Messi, Premier League star Emiliano Martinez stands between the posts, and  Atletico Madrid workhorse Rodrigo De Paul runs the midfield. Saudi Arabia topped their AFC qualifying group and are no strangers to appearances in the World Cup, so don’t overlook their impact on this group. After qualifying through a European Play-off, Poland will look to rely on the form of FC Bayern man Robert Lewandowski, arguably the world’s best number nine at the moment. If Lewandowski can make an impact on this tournament, Poland could be looking at a deep run into the knockout stages. Rounding out the group is Mexico with not their best squad historically. Nevertheless, Mexico always produces some results in the World Cup, and Qatar should be no different. Overall a strong group with an interesting battle for second. 

Predictions: 1. Argentina 2. Poland 3. Saudi Arabia 4. Mexico. 

Group D

France, Denmark, Tunisia, and the winner of the IC Playoff 1 make up Group D. The current winners of the World Cup are favorites again without a doubt, but will the winner’s curse strike again, like in the past three World Cups? The chances are slim given the squad that France has available for Qatar. Prolific goalscorer Karim Benzema, superstar Kylian Mbappe, midfield anchor N’Golo Kante, and sentinel defender Rapheal Varane, are only a few of the talented players that France have. If Didier Deschamps can get his squad right, France may be looking at another World Cup victory this winter in Qatar. Next in the group, Denmark, a dark horse of the tournament. With Christian Eriksen’s return to the pitch after his tragic cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, Denmark will have a new found spirit going into Qatar. Eriksen, Thomas Delaney and Yussuf Poulsen will strive to impress in Qatar. Look for a strong showing from the Danes this year. Tunisia will look to make it out of the group stage with only their second appearance in the World Cup in the last four tournaments. As for the IC Playoff 1 winner, it can be either UAE, Australia, or Peru. My bets are on Peru as they barely missed out on automatic qualification in the CONMEBOL. Peru would shape up to be a formidable opponent in this group. 

Predictions: 1. France 2. Denmark 3. IC Playoff 1 Winner 4. Tunisia 

Group E

What seems to be one of the candidates for the “group of death,” Group E is comprised of: Spain, IC Playoff 2 winner, Germany, and Japan. Spain will look to combine their battle proven experience with their youthful talent in Qatar. With the experienced likes of Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, and Cesar Azpilicueta, combined with the extremely promising youth prospects, Pedri, Gavi, and Ferran Torres, you will have a hard time finding a more skilled team at this year’s tournament. Costa Rica or New Zealand will fill the spot of the IC Playoff Winner 2, neither of those teams would go down easily in this group. Germany are notoriously a powerhouse on the world stage and are looking to bounce back after a disappointing tournament in Russia four years ago. Kai Havertz, Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sane, and Tomas Muller will look to shine for Germany as they will undoubtedly make their bid for the world title known. Japan are regulars in the World Cup and will come to Qatar this year with youthful firepower in Takefusa Kubo, the winger will look to provide a spark in the Japanese attack. 

Predictions: 1. Germany 2. Spain 3. Japan 4. IC Playoff 2 Winner. 

Group F

Another strong group was drawn with North American and European heavyweights, Group F is made up of Belgium, Morocco, Canada, and Croatia. Belgium are looking to capitalize on their “Golden Generation” with what is probably the group’s last major tournament. The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Dries Mertens, Eden Hazard, and Axel Witsel are the keys to Belgium’s success in Qatar. Kevin De Bruyne is one to especially look out for; if Belgium find success in the tournament, he will be in the running for the Golden Ball award in Qatar. Morocco finished off a fine qualifying campaign with a 4-1 victory over DR Congo. The PSG man, Ackraf Hakimi, will look to lead Morocco to a successful tournament this year. Canada topped the CONCACAF qualifying group and are a nation that is excited to be back at the World Cup. Look for Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David as the star men for Canada in Qatar. 2018 runner-up Croatia have a squad filled with experience, Balon d’Or winner Luka Modric and tough winger Ivan Perisic will be the key to Croatia’s success. Never count out the Croats on the big stage. 

Predictions: 1. Croatia 2. Belgium 3. Canada 4. Morocco. 

Group G

Almost identical to the group these teams had in 2018, Brazil, Switzerland, and Serbia are together once again, this time with Cameroon. Brazil, as always, are at the World Cup—they’re the only nation to be at every World Cup. Neymar Jr, Marquinhos, Allison, and company will look to advance far into the knockout stages. Switzerland are no stranger to upsets in big tournaments, most recently after knocking off reigning world champions France in the knockout stages of Euro 2020. After winning their group in qualifying, they will look to build on the momentum and get key performances out of Xherdan Shaqiri, Denis Zakaria, and Yann Sommer. Serbia, like Switzerland, topped their group in qualifying, registering six wins, two draws, and no losses in the competition. Young talent Dusan Vlahovic will look to spearhead Serbia’s attack later this winter. Cameroon will look to strikers Eric Choupo-Moting and Karl Toko Ekambi to lead their push for the knockout stages. 

Predictions: 1. Brazil 2. Serbia 3. Switzerland 4. Cameroon.

Group H 

Another contender for the “group of death” is Group H, Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea. Portugal look strong even though they had to qualify through a European playoff. Likely Cristiano Ronaldo’s last tournament, the leading scorer in football ever, yes, ever, will look to round off an illustrious career with a World Cup win. The supporting cast of Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva, are all respected players in their own right. Look for Portugal to challenge for the title in Qatar. Ghana, led by Premier League players, Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew, will look to make an impact on this strong group. Uruguay are the team for big tournaments and a dark horse in this year’s World Cup. Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez, and Federico Valverde are all in top form across the top leagues in Europe and will look to continue that form into the World Cup. South Korea came second in their group in AFC qualifying, and are eager to impress in Qatar. After barely missing out on the knockout stage in 2018, South Korea will look to be amongst the last 16 left this year. Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-Min, is the key to South Korea’s success in Qatar. 

Predictions: 1. Portugal 2. Uruguay 3. South Korea 4. Ghana. 

Final Thoughts

Lots of exciting groups that will make for an entertaining World Cup. Players will undoubtedly step up for their country on the world stage. As for individual awards, I predict that, the Golden Boot will be won by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Golden Ball will be taken home by him as well, the Golden Glove will be taken home by Emiliano Martinez of Argentina, and the Best Young Player Award will be given to Dusan Vlahovic of Serbia. While I wish these predictions had a high chance of being correct, they don’t, that is the magic of the World Cup, anything on this stage can happen. That being said though, my prediction for the winners of the tournament is between two strong teams, France and Portugal, both have the potential to lift the trophy in December, but they aren’t the only ones. First match kicks off on November 21st, 2022.