It seems weird to be saying this in November, but the World Cup is only a couple of weeks away!
All the usual favourites will be in Qatar to try and get there hands on sport's biggest prize.
But today, we're looking at the underdogs looking to cause a few upsets.
Not all of these teams will be in the running to go all the way, but they will be looking to make history.
#10 - Qatar
Like previous hosts, Qatar automatically qualified for this year's tournament. Whilst there is a lot of debate over the hosting decision
off the pitch, the rankings suggest an early exit for the only debut nation.
However, the same was said about Russia in 2018, who ended up impressing in the group stages and even managed to get past Spain in the knockout stages. Home advantage always seems to have a big impact on the biggest stage, and Qatar will be hoping that trend continues.
#9 - Serbia
From a World Cup debutant to a nation that has been there since the start. Serbia have had it rough in recent cycles, with the nation failing to make it out of the group stages since 1998.
But with the likes of Dušan Vlahović, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Filip Kostić, and an in-form Aleksandar Mitrović, the Eagles are looking to break out of the group this time around. Apart from heavy favourites Brazil, their group looks more favourable than most, giving them the best opportunity to progress.
#8 Uruguay
If I had made a list like this for the last decade of World Cups, Uruguay would have been included every time. They always seem to be the surprise package during the tournament, with 2010 being a highlight for the South American nation.
Qatar looks to be the last hurrah for national heroes Diego Godin, Luis Suárez, and Edinson Cavani. I can imagine they are chomping at the bit -maybe literally- to bow out on a high. Underestimate them at your own risk!
#7 - Canada
Out of all of the teams that are set to participate in this year's tournament, Canada are the ones that I most unsure of what to expect. After decades of obscurity, the Maple Leafs have burst into life to qualify for their first World Cup since 1986.
Their recent rise is down to star players like Jonathan David, Junior Hoilett, and Alphonso Davies. They're in a tough group, but I'm excited to finally watch the Canadian national team in action.
#6 - Wales
Now onto my beloved Wales! I'm not trying to be biased here - I promise - but it's difficult to count out the Dragons. After recent appearances at the Euros, Wales have taken the next step for the first time since 1958.
As perhaps the last stand for heroes like Bale and Ramsey, the Welsh team will be looking for the magic of 2016 in Qatar. Unfortunately, Wales are in one of the toughest groups, meaning our aging stars may struggle this time around.
#5 - USA
After being the surprise package in 2014, the USMNT have been on a bit of a rollercoaster. Since failing to qualify for Russia, the Stars & Stripes bounced back to win the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League, as well as the Gold Cup.
The emergence of world-class prospects like Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Christian Pulisic makes them a dark horse. All I know is that Wales vs USA will be one of the biggest games during the group stages.
#4 - Denmark
The surprise package of Euro 2020, Denmark made it all the way to the semi-finals. Many presumed that the devastating Christian Eriksen incident had caused the team to rally and defy expectations, but their recent performances in the Nations League suggest otherwise.
Talisman Christian Eriksen is thankfully back to full health, and he'll hoping to replicate the success of Euro 2020, along with the help of key names such as Kasper Schmeichel, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Thomas Delaney.
#3 - Senegal
We're now moving on to the serious contenders, starting off with the best African team right now. Current African champions Senegal appeared in the last World Cup, but just missed out on the knockout stages.
But with their success in recent years, the Lions of Teranga are hoping to make it to the latter stages this year. World-class talent like Sadio Mané, Édouard Mendy, and Kalidou Koulibaly will be giving it their all to be the first African side to reach the semi-finals, and perhaps even lift the trophy.
#2 - Portugal
With one of the best players of all-time in their ranks, Portugal are by no means an underdog to win in Qatar. However, most people would put a few teams in front of them. A similar thing was said before Euro 2016, and look what happened there!
Qatar 2022 is probably Ronaldo's last chance to get his hands on the one major trophy that has alluded him in his career so far, and tip the balance of the GOAT conversation in his favour.
# 1 - Argentina
At the top spot, we have the 2014 runners-up, and the nation that has the other GOAT within their squad. Argentina have suffered plenty of heartbreak in the past decade, but Messi & co finally broke the curse in last year's Copa América.
In what could be his last throw -or kick- at the dice, one of the greatest talents to ever grace a pitch is looking to honour the late Diego Maradona by bringing the trophy he won so many years ago back to Buenos Aires.
Commentaires