It has taken 12 years of planning but the first ever World Cup in the Middle East is ready to go!

In a country roughly the same size as Connecticut, the controversial hosts of the 2022 World Cup, Qatar are ready to step onto the world stage. In this preview we won’t be discussing the human rights controversies but we do recommend listening to The Guardian Football Weekly Podcast in particular part 3 to understand the context of this World Cup.

In terms of the soccer, a World Cup in a searingly hot country, in the middle of the normal season has not gone over too well with most of the football…sorry, soccer, the soccer community but now its here, it is time to get excited for a truly unique tournament!

We will be breaking down each team by their group, giving you an overview of the teams, coaches, players to watch, expectations and even some Aston Villa propaganda.

Without further adieu…

Group A

Qatar – Hosts

Expectation: Won’t Qualify From Group

Qatar will soon be competing in their first ever World Cup, but that does not mean the hosts will settle for the title of honorary participants. Spanish coach Felix Sanchez then followed the academy graduates on their journey, coaching them first in the Qatar youth teams and then the Olympic squad before finally taking over the senior side in 2017. This group of players is considered to be one of Al Annabi’s strongest ever.

Head Coach

Felix Sanchez

Having been recruited from Barcelona’s La Masia Academy to work at the newly setup Aspire Academy in Qatar back in 2006, Sanchez was identified as the man to develop and lead a generation of youngsters from the academy to form the core of the side that will make history for the Arab nation.

Star Player

Almoez Ali

He is the only player in the world who has scored in three different continental championships, and is currently Qatar’s third highest all-time goal scorer, having registered 39 goals to date – close on the heels of all-time top scorer Mansour Muftah, who has 44 goals to his name.

Ecuador

Expectation: Round of 16

Very much the surprise package in South American qualifying, Ecuador look more than capable of making their mark at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Boasting a squad that is packed full of promising talents, Gustavo Alfaro’s charges exceeded all expectations to land one of the automatic tickets to the Qatar showpiece ahead of other nations that, on paper at least, appeared to possess greater talent.

That campaign brought a number of historic moments, including a maiden away triumph over Chile, as the Ecuadorians

Head Coach

Gustavo Alfaro

Alfaro has coached some big teams in Argentina such as Boca Juniors and Tigre. Won 11 of his 32 games in charge of Ecuador. One of the first decisions the Argentine coach made was to instill Moises, who had already secured his big move to Europe after bursting onto the scene , as his main man in the engine room. Ecuador proved to be the surprise package in qualifying thanks to their well-drilled system that allowed their up-&-coming stars to shine

Star Player

Moises Caicedo

Caicedo is an essential cog in the Ecuador machine, with virtually everything going through him, both in attack and defence. After starting out as a central midfielder, he became a box-to-box player with much to offer in defence thanks to his impressive work rate and fitness, though he also has the vision to create in the final third and the drive to get in the box and score. Alfaro gave Caicedo his backing during his first year at Brighton, which was full of ups and downs.

Senegal

Expectation: Won’t Qualify From Group

The reigning African champions, Senegal have what it takes to impress in Qatar. Knocked out in the first round at Russia 2018, the Lions of Teranga have one ambition: to outdo the legendary side that reached the quarter-finals at Korea/Japan 2002.

Twenty years on from that heady achievement, the FIFA World Cup is back on Asian soil, which may well be a positive sign for superstitious Senegal fans who believe the current crop is the best they have had.

At least one Senegalese player has been involved in a UEFA Champions League final squad every year since 2018: Sadio Mane four years ago and again in 2019 and 2022 with Liverpool, the Paris Saint-Germain pair of Idrissa Gana Gueye and Abdou Diallo in 2020 and Edouard Mendy in 2021 for Chelsea.

Head Coach

Aliou Cisse

Made his name as a player in the 2002 World Cup in Japan & South Korea. He played for PSG before earning a big move to the Premier League after the 2002 WC like countryman El Hadji Diouf (who moved to Liverpool) Cisse moved to Birmingham City (boo!)

As a coach He has qualified for the 2018 World Cup but were knocked out at the group stage on the Fair Play laws finishing with the same record as Australia but a worse disciplinary record, a WC first!

Star Player

Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane is viewed as the most technically gifted player in the Senegal XI. Recently named African Footballer of the Year for the second time, the Bayern Munich attacker was part of the Liverpool team that reached the final of the UEFA Champions League in May. Mane is in a rush to be fit for the World Cup due to an injury he received the week before in the Bundesliga, underlining what a big problem a mid season World Cup can cause for players and teams with 0 time to recover.

Netherlands

Expectation: Quarter Final

Historically thought of as a part of the FIFA World Cup™ furniture, the Dutch found themselves on the outside looking in during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.

But the band is back together for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™led by Louis van Gaal, the same man who guided the Oranje to a third-placed finish at Brazil 2014. While there will be a handful of returning characters from that memorable run, Van Gaal’s squad will be made of largely of players who have never experienced a World Cup before. Van Gaal’s side will be heading to Qatar 2022 as one of the in-form teams following a six-match unbeaten run in the UEFA Nations League this year, which included doubles over Belgium and Wales. The last time the Dutch experienced defeat was all the way back on 27 June 2021, when Czech Republic ousted them in the round of 16 at UEFA EURO 2020.

Head Coach

Louis Van Gaal

The former Barcelona and Manchester United manager has won nearly everything the game has to offer on the club scene. In another spell with his country he will be looking for major honors for the first time.

Sadly Van Gaal is suffering horrendously with a very aggressive form of cancer and is doing tremendously to get his team and himself this far. This is due to be one of the biggest subplots of the tournament.

The Dutch boast an array of really top soccer players and should be pushing close to the quarters with some luck maybe beyond!

Star Player

Frenkie DeJong

De Jong is now set to perform on the biggest stage of all. A ball-retention and pass god, the Gorinchem native would be a perfect fit for the Dutch ‘Total Football’ of the 1970s or the Spanish tika-taka of in and around South Africa 2010, while he’s been likened to Franz Beckenbauer and his now-coach at Barcelona.

“With his skill, vision and passing he could be a new Xavi,” said Marc Overmars. Xavi himself recently showered his No21 in praise: “He’s spectacular with the ball at his feet. He’s strong, keeps possession, has incredible vision and can play the killer pass and split defences.”

Group B

England

Expectation: Quarter Final

Former winners (1966) and the “Home of football” (Disputed by historians) are one of the favorites to win the trophy. England have had a very good recent record in major tournaments with a semi final in 2018 WC and finalists of Euro 2020 (held in 2021 due to Covid). England has the strongest league and most watched league in the world and has been developing a raft of very good, technical players in the last 10 years after developing DNA, removing the drills and physical focus of training at youth levels to technical and tactical, games based approaches.

Gareth Southgate – The former Aston Villa and Crystal Palace defender is arguably England’s second best manager (after Sir Alf Ramsey, who won the cup in 1966). England has come under scrutiny lately due to his slow and defensive minded approach despite generational attacking talents like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish being available, Southgate often plays with 6/7 defensively minded players in a 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1. In recent competitions it is the most boring team that often wins the trophy. England fit this bill. Managing games and relying on a moment of magic may be key for Kane and co.

Head Coach

Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate – The former Aston Villa and Crystal Palace defender is arguably England’s second best manager (after Sir Alf Ramsey, who won the cup in 1966). Southgate has come under scrutiny lately due to his slow and defensive minded approach despite generational attacking talents like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish being available.

Star Player

Harry Kane

Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur – Goal machine Harry Kane has been a staple of this England team for a long time, to the point other strikers in the team are very aware of the very little game time they may get because of his dominance on the field and in front of goal. The England captain will no doubt be essential to any ambitions of lifting the trophy again and if team selection is right ought to have a dearth of opportunities. But that’s a big if.

Wales

Expectation: 50/50 Shot To Qualify 2nd

Arguably the winners of best and most passionate national anthem, Wales is a tiny country of just 3.1 million people (<10% of the size of California). Welsh soccer has been rejuvenated in the last decade starting with the late great Gary Speed and recently qualifying for back to back European Championships. Despite soccer being its second sport behind Rugby, Wales do have a history of developing great players such as Ian Rush, Mark Hughes, Ryan Giggs and in recent years stars like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. A mix of older stalwart stars and promising young and inexperienced players Wales could be fun to watch.

Head Coach

Robert Page

Rob Page took the Welsh job under unusual circumstances from Ryan Giggs. Despite this has excelled with the team and will look to build a squad around LAFC superstar Gareth Bale with youngsters like Dan James (Fulham), Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams
(Nottingham Forrest). There is a feeling the biggest test for Page will be games against USA and Iran with any points against favorites England counted as a bonus.

Star Player

Gareth Bale

“Wales, Golf Madrid, in that order”. Superstar Gareth Bale ended his exceptional stint at Real Madrid in controversy, despite numerous Champions League victories, things in Madrid finished sour with execs and fans. However, for Wales Bale is a monster. Captain, all-time record goalscorer and so much more besides, Bale remains Wales’ undisputed talisman. It also says everything that this five-time UEFA Champions League winner and three-time FIFA Club World Cup champion tends to save his best and most influential performances for when he’s wearing a red shirt.

United States Of America

Expectation: 50/50 Shot To Qualify 2nd

One of the 2026 World Cup hosts has been placed in a competitive but “qualifiable” group. Games against Iran and Wales will be crucial. With the most technically gifted team the USMNT have gathered with stars like Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie and Brenden Aaronson. Always combative and physical this team is slightly different if coach Gregg Berhalter can get the most from this relatively young team. Taking games to lesser teams may not be their “cup of tea” and are most likely to cause an upset against England on Black Friday.

Head Coach

Greg Berhalter

Gregg Berhalter – The former Columbus Crew (Ohio) is under some pressure to get this generation of soccer players to perform to potential. Bumbling through qualifying hasn’t helped the pressure on the former LA Galaxy player. This is the coaches 4th year in charge and will be looking to at least qualify for the knockout stages. The game vs England will stand out as the big game, but games against Wales and Iran will ultimately settle the US’s fate in the group. However there is no doubt of the volume of talent on the field for the team from front to back and ought to qualify.

Star Player

Christian Pulisic

Soccer’s most expensive American player has the pressure of the country resting on his shoulders – according to recent ad campaigns with Volkswagen – is undoubtedly the best soccer player to come from the US. Despite struggling to nail down a first team place consistently since his move to Chelsea from perennial Bundesliga runners up Borussia Dortmund, Pulisic has the talent to single handedly win games for the US when on form and allowed the freedom to play.

Iran

Expectation: Won’t Qualify From Group

In Russia 2018, Iran picked up four points from what had previously been deemed an impossible group, featuring 2010 world champions Spain and a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal.
A lucky deflection off Diego Costa and a trademark Ricardo Quaresma outside-of-the-boot strike from long range ended up being the only two goals conceded by Carlos Queiroz’s men in their three games.

However, a 1-0 opening win against Morocco and a point collected against his native Portugal was not enough for Queiroz to create history for Iran as they finished third.

Just two months before kick-off in Doha, Queiroz is back to take care of unfinished business in Iran and is targeting a historic first round-of-16 qualification after five unsuccessful attempts is the target. There is a definite feeling of déjà vu, with Iran drawn in Group B for the second time in a row, participating in the FIFA World Cup under the same manager for the third successive edition and facing a rematch against USA that will add to the sense of nostalgia for those old enough to recall the sides’ first encounter at France 1998

Head Coach

Carlos Queiroz

The former Portugal head coach and assistant to Manchester United Legend Sir Alex Ferguson is renowned for his defensive and stodgy football. Iran rarely concedes goals but rarely scores either. A potential banana skin for any of their opponents in a competitive group. England may have too much strength for them but can cause problems for Wales and the USA with their rigid systems and defiance to concede installed by the coach.

Star Player

Alireza Beiranvand

Four years ago, Alireza Beiranvand became one of the household names of Russia 2018 when he saved a penalty kick from Portugal ace Cristiano Ronaldo, the highlight of three heroic matches in which Team Melli conceded just two goals in arguably the most difficult group of the tournament.

With the right physique to take on aerial challenges and a knack for saving penalties as well as agile reflexes in one-on-one situations, Beiranvand is a reliable asset at the back for Team Melli, but in a stage where they will have to sit deep and counter against the likes of England, Wales and the USA, the 30-year-old’s famed ability to throw a long ball will come in handy in launching swift counter-attacks.

Group C

Argentina

Expectation: Semi Final

Messi. Literally all you need to know… Lionel Messi

We joke of course, Argentina is one of the competition’s most successful and dramatic teams. Always displaying acts of brilliance, controversy and frustration its a shock they havent won more than 2 and haven’t won the trophy since 1986. The soccer crazed nation has had some unbelievable talents throughout history like Deigo Maradonna and Lionel Messi and are one of the favorites again this year being lead by Messi, Angel Di Maria and Emiliano Martinez (shameless Aston Villa plug)

The 2021 Copa America win, secured on Brazilian soil at the Estadio Maracana, fired the dreams of a country that has but one objective on its mind: lifting a third World Cup Trophy. With Lionel Messi still leading the way in what will be his fifth and, quite possibly, last world finals appearance, there are many reasons why La Albiceleste are contenders for the most prized piece of silverware in the game.

Head Coach

Lionel Scaloni

Scaloni brought about the generational change that La Albiceleste needed and earned the confidence of players and coaching staff alike. Given a short-term contract that ran until the 2019 Copa America, he impressed his employers by guiding Argentina to the semi-finals, where they were knocked out by eventual champions Brazil. That campaign provided the foundation for what came next.

In came Emiliano Martinez between the posts, while Cristian Romero was given the chance to cement his position in the centre of defence and Leandro Paredes was converted into a reliable central midfielder. Up front, Lautaro Martinez has shown his skills as a finisher and Angel Di Maria has been restored to the fold as a proven matchwinner. All have turned out to be inspired choices.

Star Player

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi – PSG – The World Cup marks the last major title for Messi to add to his outrageous collection. Despite a rocky first season at PSG Lionel Messi is now showing fantastic form coming into the tournament. A leader on and off the field for the time, a religious figure at home in Argentina the boy from the streets of Rosario will have an undoubted fire in the belly to bring the trophy back, capping off an unrivaled career and marking himself as the world greatest ever player.

Saudi Arabia

Expectation: Won’t Qualify From Group

The controversial middle eastern country are becoming World Cup regulars in their 6th appearance. Saudi Arabia will travel to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ intent on matching their best performance in the competition: qualification for the last 16 in the USA 28 years ago.

The Green Falcons have undergone a major transformation since appearing at Russia 2018, with a new coaching team in place and several fresh faces having broken into the side.

Head Coach

Herve Renard

Head coach Herve Renard led Morocco in Russia four years ago and has experience to help this team in a very tough group for them. The french coach has a huge list of clubs and countries he has coached for and will be looking for his underdogs to cause some upsets to qualify for the round of 16

Star Player

Firas Al-Buraikan

Head coach Renard has complete faith in the up-and-coming star, with the Frenchman handing the youngster his first senior cap at the tender age of 19. The stats, however, speak for themselves. Al-Buraikan scored 11 goals, ahead of rivals Salem Al-Dosari and Hattan Bahabri who grabbed nine and seven goals respectively.

Mexico

Expectation: 50/50 with Poland to qualify 2nd

Another one of the 2026 World Cup hosts and the most dominant Central/North American country in terms of qualifications and successes at the World Cup, Mexico will have eyes on that second place and qualification to the knockout round with favorites Argentina. Despite failing to perform to the expectations of the fans and the football media, Mexico still managed to place second in the eight-team final qualifying round behind Canada. Given that outcome and the fact that El Tri won the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2019 and finished runners-up in the competition last year, you could be forgiven for thinking that the criticism that has been coming their way is unfair, even if they failed to fulfil all their potential on the road to Qatar 2022.

Head Coach

Tata Martino

Gerardo “Tata” Martino – From the same town as superstar Lionel Messi, Tata Martino has had a long and successful club career as player and coach.The former Atlanta United and Barcelona manager will be looking to qualify from the group with his compatriots Argentina. His Atlanta defeated the Portland Timbers in the MLS Cup, winning their first league title in Martino’s last match with the club

History has repeated itself in Mexico’s World Cup campaigns, with good group-phase showings being followed by successive last-16 exits. Their first task will be to claim one of the top two spots in the group, which will not be easy given the quality of the opposition. Clear that hurdle and they will have the chance to put their unwanted record to bed against one of the two qualifiers from Group D.

Star Player

Hirving Lozano

Hirving Lozano – In what is now an aging squad and an unfit Raul Jiminez, Napoli’s Chucky Lozano is the main hope for Mexico. Fantastic attacking qualities and in his prime at 27 in a very exciting Napoli team who top the Italian league undefeated so far. Although he would like to se more game time Lozano could be one of the most ready players to attack the tournament seeing fewer minutes than others and avoiding injury before the tournament too. He will be key in what lookslike a straight shootout between Mexico and Poland.

Poland

Expectation: 50/50 Shot With Mexico

After a disappointing showing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, where Poland’s tournament came to a premature end after the group stage, superstar Robert Lewandowski and his team-mates are ready to go again and deliver a stronger performance at this year’s edition.

With 20 points from ten games in UEFA qualification Group I, the Polish team looked very well drilled on the road to Qatar 2022. Yet because group rivals England performed better to take top spot by the end of the campaign, Poland were forced to take the scenic route via a play-off match against Sweden.

With players like Lewandowski, Matt Cash (another shameless Villa plug) and an array of solid players from europes top leagues Poland may just have an edge over Mexico

Head Coach

Czeslaw Michniewicz

Kadri is a manager who is known for his love of attacking football, so it comes as no surprise that he adopts a 4-3-3 formation. He is only able to implement this ethos, however, due to a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal.

It could be argued, however, that his biggest asset is his unparalleled knowledge about Tunisian football. Prior to becoming national coach, he worked for nearly 20 years in the Tunisian league, as well as various other Arab leagues.

Star Player

Robert Lewandowski

This extraordinary box-to-box midfielder is a vital defensive cog in the midfield. He has an uncanny ability to intercept and win second balls, as well as snuff out attacks.

At a young age, he chose to represent Tunisia over France, and now has 48 international caps to his name. He will be vital in the Tunisian midfield, when pitted against the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Christian Eriksen, Paul Pogba and Eduardo Camavinga, among others.

Group D

France

Expectation: Semi Final

“Allez Le Bleu” will ringing round towns and cities of France for the current holder of the trophy. With a highly talented young crop of players emerging like Real Madrid’s Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni the loss of Paul Pogba may be overlooked (and a possible blessing in disguise given Pogba’s form and injury record recently). Another contender for the competition’s best national anthem the French will be looking to retain their title. They are in a seemingly straightforward group but the one thing we know about the French is their ability to implode before a major tournament. They will either win it again or the players will strike again before they kick off as in 2010 in South Africa.

With Karim Benzema fresh from his Ballon D’or (worlds best player) and champions league wins France have the fire power necessary to go very far and win the competition. Kyllian MBappe, Hugo Lloris from Tottenham and Antoine Griezmann in particular need to show up to drag this team to reach their ambition.

A strong chance that with their favorable bracket draw Les Bleus will be marching into the final for a potential repeat of 1998 WC final with Brazil

Head Coach

Didier Deschamps

Appointed coach ten years ago, Didier Deschamps is as pragmatic as they come. As he has said on many occasions, he does not have a system set in stone and prefers to adapt to the attributes of his players. “Every system is good,” he told FIFA+. “What matters is how you use them.”

“Didier likes to see a lot of intensity in matches,” explained Stephan. “He’s not a coach who wants possession for possession’s sake. He also wants there to be a direct link with the attack, so transitions are important.”

Star Player

Karim Benzema

There are a bunch of stars like Mbappe to choose from in this French team but it is difficult to look beyond Ballon D’or winner Karim Benzema as Frances key man. He has been phenomenal in the last year in particular for Real Madrid in big games on their Champions League run last season.

Benzema has been lethal in front of goal but his build up work and work for the team should not go unnoticed, he is no mere tap in merchant.

Australia

Expectation: Won’t Qualify From Group

G’Day mate! The lads from down under are back again! When Australia qualified for Germany 2006, it was just the second FIFA World Cup™ of their history – and their first in over 30 years. Now, with the Socceroos heading to a fifth consecutive global finals, you might imagine that this is being celebrated as the continuation of a golden era.

But there is not, in truth, a huge amount of hope or excitement invested in the team heading to Qatar. Most Australia fans didn’t expect to be in this position earlier this year, and plenty at that stage were even calling for the team’s coach to be removed from his position. Graham Arnold is made of stern stuff, though, and his vow – that the out-of-form Socceroos would “get the job done” in June’s Doha play-offs – was borne out by narrow, hard-fought wins over United Arab Emirates and Peru. It would be wrong, though, to suggest that the grit shown in those play-offs has sparked a surge in self-belief among Socceroos fans. With a team that lacks in the star names of years gone by, and a record of failing to win any of their six matches at the last two World Cups, those supporters will approach Qatar 2022 with modest hopes and low expectations.

Head Coach

Graham Arnold

Given that his squad is not brimming with dazzling individual talent, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Australia coach has opted for a style that can best be described as functional.

Arnold’s Socceroos are not a team that seeks to monopolise possession and they are highly unlikely to lead Qatar 2022 in goalscoring and chance creation. Nor, despite their coach’s early suggestions that he would like to base his Australia team on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, do they tend to press aggressively, high in the opposition half

Star Player

Aaron Moy

A midfield mainstay for much of the past decade, Mooy’s continued importance was reinforced during those World Cup play-offs.

He arrived in Doha having not played a competitive game in four months, with his only preparation some individual sessions with Australia’s former strength and conditioning coach. But while this might have pointed to a substitute’s role, and Mooy bringing his experience in the latter stages, he ended up starting and seeing out both matches, playing all 120 minutes against Peru before stepping up to slot home a penalty. “What that kid did is just amazing,” said an admiring Arnold afterwards.

Denmark

Expectation: Round of 16

I think we are all excited to see Christian Eriksen return to the international scene following his heart attack on the field in 2021. Since Eriksen has recovered, joining premier league team Brentford and is now a regular for Manchester United. Regardless of Denmark’s performance, this narrative will dominate. Denmark’s football history has been defined by two teams. One of them caused a sensation by winning the UEFA EURO 1992, while the other was thumped 5-1 by Spain and dumped out at the last 16 of the 1986 FIFA World Cup. The fact that the latter continues to command more affection might raise a few eyebrows. But this is a nation in which the achievement of that determined, functional ’92 side is balanced against the flamboyance of their ostensibly less successful predecessors.

Head Coach

Kasper Hjulmand

As the Denmark coach himself has been quick to point out, there wasn’t much broken in need of fixing when he first took charge. Predecessor Age Hareide had, after all, led the team to two major tournaments and had strung together a 34-match unbeaten run.

The Denmark coach also brings an invaluable human touch to his role. Never was this more in evidence than in the wake of his star playmaker’s health emergency at EURO 2020, when he struck the perfect tone with his players and the wider public. As Joakim Maehle, his free-scoring full-back, said at the time: “He is a good coach and now a friend for us too.”

Star Player

Christian Eriksen

Simon Kjaer might be Denmark’s skipper, and an inspirational one at that, but Eriksen has been described by the team’s coach as “our captain in the rhythm of the game, the reading of the game and the feeling of a match”. “His eyes see everything,” added Hjulmand. “That’s how he leads. He is the heart and rhythm of this team.” In truth, Eriksen has been Denmark’s key player for the best part of a decade, and was their undisputed star when the team qualified for – and participated in – the 2018 World Cup. With 38 goals, he is both the current’s team’s leading marksman and its most potent creative force.

Tunisia

Expectation: Won’t Qualify From Group

The current Tunisian squad is a completely different proposition to that of Russia 2018. The Carthage Eagles have become a totally different outfit under the tutelage of a new-look technical leadership team.

Tunisia are looking in good shape and have won plaudits for a string of impressive performances in recent friendlies against tough opposition. Expectations are high for Qatar.

Head Coach

Jalel Kadri

Star Player

Ellyes Skhir

This extraordinary box-to-box midfielder is a vital defensive cog in the midfield. He has an uncanny ability to intercept and win second balls, as well as snuff out attacks.

Group E

Spain

Expectation: Semi Final

The sun is shining again for a team with renewed belief. After two FIFA World Cup cycles that served up more than their fair share of frustration, controversy and disappointment, Luis Enrique has got Spain back on track as they bid to bring back the glory years of 2008 to 2012.

After promising performances at the three continental tournaments they have appeared in since their last-16 elimination at Russia 2018, La Roja are hoping to figure strongly again at Qatar 2022. Though many are resisting the urge to bracket them among the main contenders, the men in red are intent on lifting the Trophy again and have some very good reasons for setting their objectives so high.

Head Coach

Luis Enrique

Tired of all the controversy and debate surrounding his team, Luis Enrique sought to “put things in context” by tweeting a table comparing their performances with those of nine other European teams across four competitions.

It showed that Spain were the only ones to finish in the top four every time. An obsessive coach with a keen eye for detail, Luis Enrique uses results to counter the arguments of the critics of his tenure, one in which he has restored the fortunes of the national team”

Star Player

Pedri

The veteran Sergio Busquets might be the captain of the side, but Pedri, who turns 20 on 25 November, is its heartbeat and has already established himself as one of the best players in the world.

His ascent has been dizzyingly fast and has given hope to his club, Barcelona, at a time when they have been struggling to come to terms with the departure of Lionel Messi. Having starred at Las Palmas at the start of his career, Pedri quickly won over the Camp Nou faithful and now has the world at his feet.

Costa Rica

Expectation: Won’t Qualify From Group

Surprise quarter-finalists at Brazil 2014 and present at Russia 2018, Costa Rica looked down and out in the final stage of Concacaf qualifying for Qatar 2022. There seemed to be no way back for Los Ticos after defeat to Canada in November 2021. Yet, with their legendary never-say-die attitude, they somehow upped their performance to record six wins in their last seven matches and snatch the intercontinental play-off place from Panama.

Luis Fernando Suarez’s side then travelled to Qatar to take on New Zealand in a rescheduled winner-takes-all game, which they began in the best possible fashion with an early goal from national icon Joel Campbell. Los Ticos clung on to that slender lead, withstanding everything the New Zealanders had to throw at them to book a third successive World Cup slot.

Head Coach

Luis Fernando Suarez

The 62-year-old Colombian is set to fulfil an obsession of his by coaching at his third World Cup. The man responsible for Ecuador’s historic run to the last 16 at Germany 2006 and for taking Honduras to their third world finals, at Brazil 2014, Suarez engineered a very unlikely Costa Rican comeback in the second half of the Concacaf qualifiers for Qatar 2022. Just when it looked as if his tenure would end in sudden failure, he made the right calls to inspire a successful late charge.

Star Player

Keylor Navas

Regarded as one of the finest exponents of his trade in the world, the captain is the leader of the Costa Rican pack. With no obvious flaws in his game, he is the complete goalkeeper and is strong in every department. Given his ability to pull off impossible save after impossible save, Navas is a talismanic presence for Costa Rica. He showed his character in helping to turn around their flagging qualifying campaign and will now look to defy the world’s leading strikers at another World Cup.

Germany

Expectation: Quarter Finals

“You must be 11 friends.”

This is what Sepp Herberger told the German national team ahead of the 1954 FIFA World Cup™ final against Hungary in Switzerland. Now a well-known saying in Germany, it could scarcely be more descriptive of the team’s achievements, and strikes at the very heart of German football: team spirit, fighting spirit and togetherness have characterized generations of players who have been extraordinarily successful in major competitions.

The team’s quality, as well as their difficulties in finishing and maintaining their mentality throughout the 90 minutes was evident during Qatar 2022 qualifying and in the UEFA Nations League. That makes it all the more exciting to see whether Germany will transition into a tournament team – as is customary – or whether they will fail to live up to their own expectations

Head Coach

Hansi Flick

Flick has stayed true to the German football’s characteristics incorporating possession-based football and an eye-catching style, all while adding his own personal touch that fans admired during his time at the helm of Bayern Munich.

Germany’s game is still all about possession and control, while Flick places particular value on flexibility in all positions in order to put the opposition under pressure as early as possible. As such it will be crucial that players help out in all areas so that they can nip any opposition counter-attacks in the bud. Furthermore, Flick and his team will need to work on improving the precision of their final ball and their finishing if they are to achieve the minimum objective of reaching the semi-finals.

Star Player

Jamal Musiala

Jamal Musiala is the jewel in the crown of German football. The 19-year-old was born in Germany but grew up for the most part in England, which is why he represented both countries at youth level before being faced with an important decision: who to play for at senior level? Both nations courted the then 17-year-old, who, much to Germany’s joy and England’s despair, chose the country of his birth. That is not the only reason why he is so popular among fans and the German Football Association; his humble manner, determination and footballing qualities are equally compelling.

Japan

Expectation: Won’t Qualify From Group

Having made steady progress as one of Asia’s footballing powerhouses in recent years, Japan will be hoping to hit new heights in Qatar. Yet fan optimism surrounding the team’s seamless qualification was somewhat dampened when the Samurai Blue landed in a very difficult group in the draw.

Awaiting them in Group E are former FIFA World Cup™ winners Germany and Spain, with Costa Rica filling the remaining slot following their win in the inter-confederation play-offs.

Japan’s main aim will be to get to the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. And while even surviving the group stage will be no easy task, the team and fans remain upbeat and are relishing the opportunity to test themselves against the top teams on the world stage.

Most of the squad now are playing in Europe and competing at the highest level against quality opposition. And if they can develop into a more complete and effective team, their opponents could be in for a few surprises.

Head Coach

Hajime Moriyasu

Moriyasu’s illustrious coaching career began in the J. League at Sanfrecce Hiroshima. After becoming their coach in 2012, he went on to win three titles in six years. He alternated between 4-3-3 and 5-4-1 systems at Hiroshima, and his team took a possession-based approach, looking to exploit space in order to progress the ball.

Since becoming the national team coach, he has switched to a 4-2-3-1, which morphs into more of a 4-4-2 when out of possession, with the No10 pushing up to join the front line. However, unlike his Hiroshima days, his team can sometimes lack ideas in attack, leaving them reliant on the quality of individuals to eke out chances.

Star Player

Takumi Minamino

Since the team’s maiden World Cup appearance at France ‘98, their fans have come to expect displays of attacking talent. Takumi Minamino fits this mould perfectly and will be looking to follow in the footsteps of players like Hidetoshi Nakata, Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa. The 27-year-old is expected to wear the No10 shirt in Qatar and will be central to Moriyasu’s plans after scoring ten goals in the Asian qualifiers, equalling Yuya Osako’s all-time record. At Liverpool, he struggled to compete with some of the best attackers in the world, but he was a more than reliable back-up option for Jurgen Klopp’s side. In the 2021/22 season, he received considerable praise for the role he played in helping Liverpool to two domestic cup titles. Competing in Ligue 1 this season, where he continues his tireless running at Monaco, his growing experience at the top level

Group F

Belgium

Expectation: Round of 16

One of the birthplaces of Nanosoccer, the Belgium national team have hit new heights since Roberto Martinez took up the reins in August 2016 and harbour high hopes ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

The historic third-place showing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ has only served to further whet Belgian appetites and the Europeans have clear designs on lifting their maiden World Cup crown on Arab soil.

In their quest for glory, Belgium will look to the national-team aces who shine brightly week in, week out for their club sides, including the likes of Thibaut Courtois, who captured the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League crown with Real Madrid and was named The Best FIFA Goalkeeper in 2018; Manchester City icon and four-time English Premier League champion, Kevin De Bruyne; adidas Silver Ball winner at the 2018 tournament in Russia, Eden Hazard; and Romelu Lukaku, who landed the adidas Bronze Boot last time round.

Head Coach

Roberto Martinez

A keen advocate of the 3-4-3 system when he occupied the hotseat at Wigan Athletic, where he already enjoyed legendary status after an impressive stint as a player, the 2013 FA Cup-winning coach has retained faith in this set-up in the Belgium dugout, where he lines up with two attacking midfielders and offers his marauding full-backs licence to push on. One feature of the Belgians’ tactical approach is to allow the opposition to come on to them before applying the press.

Star Player

Kevin De Bruyne

His right foot could find the lost city of Atlantis… Saying that his left foot could too! Kevin DeBuryne is THAT good! Belgium boast a raft of standout performers who will be out to land the adidas Golden Ball when the action gets under way in Qatar, including the aforementioned Hazard, Lukaku and Courtois, all of whom ply their trade for some of Europe’s top clubs

Canada-eh

Expectation: Won’t Qualify From Group

The last of the 2026 hosts to qualify for the competition and arguably North Americas most exciting proposition-eh! The worlds greatest hockey nation is now on the top tier for the worlds most popular sport! With players like Alphonse Davies and decades of strategic planning from foundation phases to elite levels in the womens and the mens game, Canada has earned its right to be here and will no doubt be very exciting for the country. In what will be a ridiculously tough task to qualify for the knockout stages, IF Canada can stay tight and not concede, the pace of David and Davies could turn out to be the World Cups most deadly secret (not so secret) weapons.

Head Coach

John Herdman

The 47-year-old has experimented with different formations but, if Canada’s last two friendlies are something to go on, seems to have settled on a 3-4-1-2, with Davies in a free role behind David in Larin. The system is dependent on two holding midfielders working tirelessly to protect the defence and enabling the wingbacks to support the front three.

Canada’s counter-attacking is a key component in their game, while Herdman stressed that he wants “the players to play with freedom”.

Star Player

Alphonso Davies

The call him ‘Road Runner’. He’s a human thunderbolt who intoxicates spectators and terrifies opponents in equal measure. Herdman is adamant ‘Little Canada’ have a player who would not just get into, but “walk into” any of the biggest teams on the planet.

Still just 21, Davies is already the most decorated footballer in Canadian history. Labelled a “phenomenon” by Bayern Munich team-mate Thomas Muller, he operates at left-wingback at club level but is deployed further north – “where he can hurt people most” – by Herdman

Morocco

Expectation: Won’t Qualify From Group

Morocco are gearing up for what will be their sixth FIFA World Cup™. With the appointment of Walid Regragui as the Atlas Lions’ new coach less than three months before the start of the tournament, a lot of questions remain unanswered. Despite all the upheaval, there is a palpable sense of excitement around the new coach.

Head Coach

Walid Regragui

Regragui has shown throughout his coaching career that he can be flexible with his tactics and footballing philosophy. During his most recent stint with Wydad, however, he came across as a relatively conservative coach who placed greater emphasis on results than performances.

Star Player

Achraf Hakimi

Hakimi has played a pivotal role for Morocco over the past few years and is one of the first names on the team sheet. His performances in the last Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup qualifiers highlight the integral role that the Paris Saint-Germain star fulfils.

Croatia

Expectation: Round of 16

A generation of talented Croatian players are primed for battle and intent on matching their superb showing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, albeit with a different outcome this time around. After making it all the way through to final four years ago, Zlatko Dalic’s side will be keen to achieve something special on Arab soil.

The team’s recent results certainly give the nation’s fans plenty of reason for optimism. Indeed, the UEFA Nations League win over Austria on the final matchday secured a spot in the final four of the continental competition, where they will face off against Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. Making the semi-finals of the tournament represents a significant achievement for Dalic’s troops and the coach is keen to seize the moment and take full advantage of the talented crop of technically gifted players available to him

Head Coach

Zlatko Dalic

If there is one thing you are guaranteed from Dalic’s team, besides the consistent excellence of the majestic Modric, it is the 4-3-3 formation that has brought such fine results in recent years.

Star Player

Luka Modric

If Harry Houdini was a soccer player he would be Luka Modric. He has been opening more doors for teams than the host of Deal or No Deal for over a decade. He is sensational. The pass master’s massively impressive trophy haul with Real Madrid speaks volumes of his quality, while he further enhanced his status by landing the adidas Golden Ball at Russia 2018 – an award he was quick to dedicate to his compatriots

Group G

Brazil

Expectation: Winner

FIFA/Coca-Cola Ranking leaders Brazil will be taking a much-changed line-up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, with more than half the squad that fell to Belgium in the last eight in Russia four years having been replaced.

Aside from a change in personnel, there has also be a shift in the Seleção mindset. This is a more adventurous side that has harnessed the flair and attacking skills of a clutch of exciting young forwards who left Brazil at a young age and have established themselves at some of Europe’s biggest clubs. They include Vinicius Junior, Antony, Raphinha and Rodrygo. Teenagers for the most part in 2018, when they were starting out on their careers, they are now ready to help Neymar shoulder the creative burden.

Head Coach

Tite

More Villa Propaganda, he should have taken Villa’s Douglas Luiz… But anyway. Tite is the first coach to take charge of A Seleção at two consecutive World Cups, uninterrupted, since Maria Zagallo led Brazil to Mexico 1970 and Germany 1974. Tele Santana was in the post at Spain 1982 and Mexico 1986 but vacated it in between

A Seleção have used a variety of formations since 2018, the most recent of them coming in their last-but-one friendly, against Ghana, when a 4-3-3 formation without the ball became a 3-2-5 with the ball to accommodate the team’s impressive attacking firepower

Star Player

Neymar

All of them… but probably Neymar – Though much has changed in Neymar’s life since he made his international debut in 2011, he remains a brilliantly unpredictable player who carries the hopes of millions on his shoulders.

Neymar has won virtually everything there is to win and can now count on more support than he has ever had before to collect the one piece of silverware he truly craves. While he can be expected to deliver goals and plenty of flair, he can also entertain the fans with his visionary playmaking, sublime touch and dynamic runs into the box.

Serbia

Expectation: Won’t Qualify From Group

Serbia promise to be an exciting watch. After failing to qualify for EURO 2020, the team coached by Dragan Stojkovic will now be hoping to prove its quality to the rest of the world.

Progression in Qatar will not be easy as their Group G boasts Brazil, Switzerland and Cameroon. Stojkovic’s side will have to replicate – and perhaps better – their impressive performances leading up to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. For now, according to Milinkovic-Savic in an interview with FIFA, the target is to reach the Round of 16.

Head Coach

Dragan Stojkovic

Stojkovic is a legend in international football. With 84 appearances and 15 goals for Yugoslavia between 1983 and 2001, he played at Italy 1990 and France 1998.

After hanging up his boots, ‘Piksi’ has taken on several roles within football. Besides his coaching work, he has been president of Serbia’s Football Association (FSS) and president of Red Star Belgradeh.

Star Player

Dusan Tadic

Watching him play at Southampton years ago I never thought I would have written this but… Those who believe in fate must think that this will be Dusan Tadic’s tournament. Ajax’s fabulous playmaker will be 34 on the opening day of Qatar 2022 and there are many reasons to suggest he will make his experience count.

Serbia’s captain appears to be at the peak of his powers: with six assists in eight Dutch league matches so far this season, he is again cementing himself as one of Europe’s top creators.

Switzerland

Expectation: Round of 16

Switzerland define the term “Boring… but successful” There’s a sense of deja-vu about Switzerland’s FIFA World Cup™ group in Qatar. And no wonder. Back in 2018, Die Nati were also placed with Brazil and Serbia in Group E. But despite drawing with the South Americans and beating Serbia for a last-16 place, they were then eliminated by Sweden.

The Swiss have always demanded respect: unafraid to mix it with the supposed favourites and upset the form book. In fact, their defensive excellence during the qualifiers in Group C is the main reason why European champions Italy failed to claim top spot.

One stand-out statistic underlines how the Swiss back line has long been the spine of the team. Back at the 2006 World Cup, when they lost out on penalties to Ukraine in the last 16 following a goalless draw, they became the first team to be eliminated from a World Cup without conceding a goal. A record that still stands today.

Head Coach

Murat Yakin

Former Coach Vladimir Petkovic left big shoes to fill when he vacated the Swiss hot seat in 2021, despite still being under contract. Fortunately, his replacement, Murat Yakin, proved an inspired choice. Under Yakin, Switzerland managed an exceptional World Cup qualifying campaign, remaining undefeated throughout and relegating European champions Italy to a play-off place. His team is also synonymous with a stable and compact defence, as reflected in the paucity of goals conceded. In the eight World Cup qualifiers, his side scored 15 goals and conceded only two.

Star Player

Granit Xhaka

The Arsenal captain has been in imperious form of the Premier League’s top team. With 106 caps and 12 goals earning him veteran status in the team, captain Granit Xhaka revels in a freestyle role. No surprise, then, that the Swiss national team is built around the 30-year-old midfielder. Known for leading by example and his aggression, his reputation of never shirking a challenge cements his place as a crucial cog.

Cameroon

Expectation: Won’t Qualify From Group

A lot has changed in Cameroonian football over the past few years. First, Samuel Eto’o, the country’s record goalscorer with 56, was elected to the post of President of the Cameroonian Football Federation in December 2021, with the stated aim of “giving football back to the footballers”.

In February this year, Rigobert Song, Cameroon’s former talismanic captain and record appearance holder – he gained 137 caps – took charge of the national team. His objective? Restore some pride to a nation that was absent from the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Head Coach

Rigobert Song

Forwards who crossed paths with Rigobert Song on the football pitch quickly discovered the ex-Indomitable Lions skipper was a rugged, aggressive defender, with a winning mentality, an outlook Song’s compatriots term ‘hemlé’. It is this courageous mindset the head coach wishes to instil in his players.

Star Player

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

Anguissa has been in excellent form for Napoli in the first quarter of the Serie A season, a fact noted by the man in charge of Cameroon. “Anguissa will be very useful for us in November,” said Song at the team’s recent training camp in Korea Republic.

Group H

Portugal

Expectation: Round of 16

Portugal have quality in every department and players who know what it means to win trophies on the international stage, namely UEFA EURO 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. It is for those reasons that they are capable of taking on and beating any side.

The trip to Qatar will provide the team with a chance to make peace with the fans. Joining Ronaldo on the plane will be a compelling mix of players covering several generations. Now into their 30s, Joao Moutinho and Danilo are both in the old guard, while Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo are all 28, Ruben Dias is still only 25, and Joao Felix and Vitinha are three years younger.

A long world-finals campaign would provide the perfect send-off for the veterans and also act as a springboard for the players who will take over from them and lead Portugal into the future.

Head Coach

Fernando Santos

The best is yet to come and it’ll come this year,” said a confident Fernando Santos, looking ahead to Portugal’s bid for glory in Qatar. The 67-year-old coach has good reason to be optimistic. Not only can he still count on the services of the greatest player the country has ever produced, but he also has a seemingly limitless supply of gifted new faces at his disposal.

It is thanks to that conveyor belt of talent that the man they call The Engineer has been able to revamp the side that won UEFA EURO 2016 and bring in youngsters of the calibre of Porto striker Diogo Costa, AC Milan forward Rafael Leao – both of whom are 23 – and Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes, who is three years their junior. Despite having led Portugal to the most successful era in their history, he does not have the complete backing of the fans.

Star Player

Cristiano Ronaldo

I suspect if he read what I have wrote regarding Messi he may organize another interview with Piers Morgan, however, as a talisman for Portugal and in one off games the man lives up to his fame. Despite his declining status and abilities there is still a very good footballer.

A lot will hinge on the connection between him and Man United team mate Bruno Fernandes but recent events may have added strain to what already was a much aligned relationship by the pundits

Ghana

Expectation: Won’t Qualify From Group

Ghanaian fans are celebrating again. After missing out on the FIFA World Cup in 2018, their team will be back on the biggest of stages at Qatar 2022 – even if they did take a tortuous route to get there.

After crashing out of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations at the group stage earlier this year, Ghana chose to get rid of coach Milovan Rejavac, replacing him with Otto Addo. The 47-year-old, who played for a number of years in the Bundesliga, including for Borussia Dortmund, took over the reins of a country for whom he had played 15 times and steered them to Qatar courtesy of an away-goals win over arch-rivals Nigeria in the African play-offs.

Ghana have been drawn in Group H along with Portugal, Korea Republic and Uruguay. The last of those three names will have caused more than a few Ghanaians to wince when it came out of the hat. At South Africa 2010, the Black Stars were eliminated in highly-dramatic fashion by Uruguay in the quarter-finals. Ghana therefore have a chance for revenge in what promises to be a tense showdown, particularly since they face one another in the third and final group game, when there could be plenty on the line.

Ghana are the surprise package in what is a very strong group. While their performances en route to the World Cup were up and down to say the least, the squad has an interesting mix of experienced and talented players capable of winning matches at this tournament. It will be up to Addo as coach to find the right blend and give the team the self-belief it needs to shake things up in Qatar. In another group Ghana could well have been a very plucky underdog but the draw has not been kind

Head Coach

Otto Addo

Otto Addo – Ghana barely squeezed through the second round of qualifying for the World Cup, and then had to face no less a challenge than Nigeria’s Super Eagles in March with a ticket to Qatar up for grabs. Addo had only taken over the coaching reins from Rajevac in the February, meaning that this was a real baptism of fire. He was already well acquainted with the squad from his role as assistant coach, but he only had a few weeks in which to prepare both himself and the team for the crucial matches against Nigeria. His task was not made any easier by the fact that he also had a number of absences to deal with in the squad.

It has already become clear that Addo will not shy away from picking youngsters, with four members of the starting line-up against Nigeria under the age of 25 and two of them still teenagers. These young and hungry players will bring fresh impetus to the team and put pressure on the more established members of the squad as they look to go as far as they can in Qatar.

Star Player

Mohammed Kudu

Kudus moved to the Dutch Eredivisie ahead of the 2020/21 season, joining Ajax and getting playing time in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. This year, he has been particularly impressive in the Champions League, scoring in all three of his team’s matches thus far, against Rangers, Liverpool and Napoli. He got an assist as well as a goal against the Glasgow club, which saw him voted as player of the match and named in the Champions League team of the week. He also has four goals in eight Eredivisie games this season.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has scored five times in 16 international appearances to date, and established himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet as far as Addo is concerned. He regularly took on leadership roles as a youth player and has the potential to be one of the stand-out players at Qatar 2022. Not for nothing is he regularly cited as one of the most talented players born in 2000.

South Korea

Expectation: 50/50 With Uruguay for second (If Son plays)

Pre November would have been second favorites maybe joint favorites to qualify form the group but the facial injury to Son will be a huge blow and another example like Mane to be hosting a World Cup mid season, the risk of losing top class players like Son has been at the top of many peoples minds with no tim efor anyone to prepare or recover. When Korea Republic reached the round of 16 at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, it was the first time they had made the tournament’s knockout phase since co-hosting it in 2002.

The latter tournament did provide a glimmer of hope, however, specifically in their final match, dubbed as ‘the miracle of Kazan’. The Taegeuk Warriors had just endured consecutive Group F defeats against Sweden and Mexico and still had to face defending champions Germany. Against all odds, however, the Asian side pulled off an unlikely 2-0 victory to restore a measure of national pride. Now, as they make their final preparations for Qatar, the team are determined to make amends for those successive disappointments and perform with distinction once again.

Head Coach

Paulo Bento

Korea Republic’s final Group D match against Portugal at the 2002 World Cup was historic, in that it saw the co-hosts advance to the round of 16 for the first time, thanks in no small part to the dismissals of Joao Pinto and Beto and a glorious goal from Park Jisung. Who would have thought then that Paulo Bento, a midfielder in that losing Portuguese side, would end up at the helm of the Taegeuk Warriors 16 years later?

In the job now for more than four years, he is the longest-serving head coach in the history of the national team. Bento, whose last game as a Portuguese international was that 2002 group game against the side he currently coaches, will ironically have to go up against his home country during the group stage in Qatar. Despite that added pressure, Bento is still aiming to lead his side into the knockout phase.

Star Player

Heungmin Son

IF fit, IF, last season’s Golden Boot in the English Premier League would hail from a small peninsula in East Asia? Son, who began his European footballing journey with Hamburg’s youth team after leaving FC Seoul, is now undisputedly Asia’s top player. The first person from the continent to win the Premier League’s Golden Boot, Son will captain his side in what will be his third World Cup.

One of the goalscorers in the aforementioned “miracle of Kazan”, Son needed some time to be comfortable playing under Bento. Predominantly deployed as a wide attacker or one of two centre forwards, Son plays a lone striker in Bento’s system. As the sole target of opposition defenders, his time on the ball decreased as did his goal tally. However, since forwards such as Hwang Uijo and Cho Guesung have emerged for the national team, Son has gradually been having more of an impact and been producing the kind of performances seen with his club Tottenham Hotspur. Now 30, Son still has impressive pace, wonderful shooting skills and a keen eye for goal.

Uruguay

Expectation: 50/50 With South Korea For 2nd Place

Uruguay are always a threat at the FIFA World Cup. With their trademark grit and determination, La Celeste are never anything less than competitive and should not be ruled out when there are trophies to be contested. Combining talent and courage, the South Americans can be relied upon to fight for every ball and to never give in.

It was that attitude, a national trait, which earned Uruguay their place at Qatar 2022. The qualifying campaign proved to be unexpectedly bumpy and led to the end of Oscar Tabarez’s long tenure as national coach, which had begun in 2006 and yielded some of the finest achievements in the country’s footballing history. The man they call El Maestro took La Celeste to the semi-finals at South Africa 2010, masterminded their 2011 Copa America triumph and also led them to Brazil 2014 and South Africa 2018. Uruguay’s meeting with Korea Republic on 24 November will be their first World Cup match in 20 years without Tabarez in charge, since Victor Pua oversaw the last match of the ill-fated Korea/Japan 2002 campaign.

Head Coach

Diego Alonso

After a long and unique playing career in which he ran out for Montevideo arch-enemies Nacional and Penarol, Alonso took up his first coaching job with Bella Vista in 2011. He then worked in Paraguay, Mexico and USA before being hastily brought in to replace Tabarez, with Uruguay’s Qatar 2022 qualification hopes on the line.

Faced with a system and a squad in need of an overhaul, Alonso made some structural changes and a few surprise call-ups, though he was careful not to do away with the old guard completely.

In steering Uruguay into calmer waters, Alonso has proved himself to be tactically versatile, modifying his system and game plan depending on the opposition and the circumstances.

Star Player

Federico Valverde

A product of the Penarol academy, Valverde is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world and a vital cog in the Real Madrid machine. The 24-year-old, who has already worn the captain’s armband for his club, is an archetypal box-to-box performer, capable of making a big impact at both ends of the pitch with his defensive work rate, intensity and eye for goal. Though perhaps not one of the biggest names in the world game, he is destined to be a star of Qatar 2022.

Such is Valverde’s versatility that he can occupy a range of midfield roles and functions: out wide in a 4-3-3, on the right in a 4-4-2, or as one of two holding midfielders. A bundle of energy, he can cover virtually every blade of grass, and though his creative game has improved, he prefers to keep it short and simple by passing and moving when linking up with his team-mates. As dependable and committed as they come, Valverde is not one to shirk a battle. He is quite simply the heart, soul and driving force of a new-look Uruguay midfield where he has struck up an effective partnership with Rodrigo Bentancur.