Vikrant Shekhawat : Nov 20, 2022, 03:03 PM
Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022: The FIFA World Cup 2022 will officially start in Qatar from 20 November. While everyone is thinking about which teams are the favorites and which team will be the dark horse, there will be some surprises in the mega-event. Defending champions France are among the favorites again after their triumph in 2018, but all eyes will be on December 18 to see who will lift the trophy.This team is a strong contender for the titleBrazil, the powerhouse football team of South America, is the most favorite in the World Cup. The five-time winner is currently boasting a formidable force alongside Neymar, Vinicius Júnior and Alisson. However, they have not tasted victory in the World Cup since 2002. The Neymar-led side will open their campaign against Serbia on 24 November before facing Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G.Last year Brazil got the last defeatThe most successful nation in the World Cup, Brazil is one of the favorites to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, with 14 wins, three draws and no losses during their qualifying campaign. Last July, Brazil lost to Argentina in the final of the Copa America at Rio's Maracana Stadium. Brazil have an abundance of versatile attacking options and Richardson or Gabriel Jesus are better centre-forwards.All eyes on the Belgian teamBelgium, ranked second in the World Football Rankings, went through the qualifying stage unbeaten in eight matches and topped their group with a goal difference of 19. Roberto Martínez, now in his seventh year as the team's head coach, favors a 3–4–2–1 formation with strikers Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard. In defence, he will rely on the experienced duo of Jan Watrenhagen and Toby Alderweireld, while pairing up with star goalkeeper Thibaut Courreis.Argentina is a two-time championTwo-time champions Argentina will open their campaign against Saudi Arabia on November 22, after which they will also face Mexico and Poland in Group C. Brazil, France and England will be the biggest obstacles to Argentina's hopes of ending a 36-year FIFA World Cup title drought in Qatar. Messi said in an interview with the South American Football Confederation, 'If I have to put some above others, I think Brazil, France and England are a little above the rest. But the World Cup is so difficult and so complicated that anything can happen.