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At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Didier Deschamps’ France emerged on top, beating Croatia in the final. In 2022, the top teams in the world would try their best to dethrone them, giving it their all on the pitches in Qatar.
Every football-playing nation harbor the dream of lifting the coveted World Cup. They train for years, play numerous matches to have a shot at gold.
The five nations on our list today have already weathered the initial storm by qualifying from their respective European Qualifying groups. These five teams are certified contenders for next year’s showpiece, and they look eager to get the show on the road.
Here are the top five European nations that have booked their places at the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup:
#5 Belgium
The number one team in the FIFA rankings, Belgium, were placed in Group E alongside Wales, Czech Republic, Estonia, and Belarus. Truth be told, the Red Devils never looked like missing the World Cup, and they have driven the point home in style.
In their seven 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, Belgium came out on top on six occasions. They slipped up only once, settling for a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in March.
Committed as they are, Belgium made it a point to turn it around in the reverse fixture and managed to do it rather effortlessly.
Belgium cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over the Czech Republic at home, with Eden Hazard running the show for the hosts.
Their biggest win of the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers came against Belarus in March. The Euro semi-finalists managed to register an emphatic 8-0 win over their lowly opponents.
Belgium will play their final game against Wales on Tuesday.
#4 England
In 2018, England managed to make it into the semi-finals of the World Cup. They were bested by finalists Croatia on penalties and went on to lose their third-place match to Belgium. The World Cup did not “come home” that year, but their performances were certainly encouraging.
In the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, England picked up 26 points in 10 matches, qualifying ahead of second-placed Poland. The Three Lions were in imperious form throughout the World Cup Qualifying campaign, bagging eight wins in 10 games.
Their biggest win came on matchday 10, when they registered a crushing 10-0 win in San Marino.
England striker and captain Harry Kane was the undisputed star of his team’s World Cup Qualifying campaign, netting 12 goals in eight appearances.
#3 Spain
2010 World Cup winners Spain have not been at their imperious best in recent international tournaments. They were thrown out of the 2018 World Cup by hosts Russia in the Round of 16 stage and were knocked out by Italy at Euro 2020. The Spaniards do not look and play like the all-conquering side of 2010, but they are not to be taken lightly.
Under Luis Enrique, Spain have found some sort of rhythm; they are not playing without purpose anymore. There is coherence in their play, intent in their movements.
Spain currently have a neat blend of youth and experience, which could help them do wonders at the 2022 World Cup.
La Roja topped their 2022 World Cup Qualifying Group B ahead of second-placed Sweden. Unlike most of the teams on this list, Spain were not unbeaten, losing 2-1 to Sweden in September.
However, their 19-point haul in eight matches was more than sufficient to condemn Sweden to second place and secure World Cup qualification.
#2 Germany
Four-time World Cup winners Germany are a force to be reckoned with in international football. Under Joachim Low, they conquered the world in 2014, beating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final.
The Germans lost their footing in the 2018 World Cup and 2020 Euros, but former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick has brought back the groove.
Under Flick, Germany have been ruthless and hungrier than ever. They press considerably higher, tend to win possession, and are quick to hit on the break. Flick’s Germany enjoyed a stellar 2022 World Cup Qualification campaign, picking up nine wins in 10 matches.
Their only loss surprisingly came against North Macedonia, who finished nine points behind them in Group J.
#1 France
2018 World Cup winners France are the team to beat at the grand showpiece in Qatar next year. The defending champions arguably possess the most technically adept squad in world football right now and are capable of beating any team on their day.
France, who beat Croatia 4-2 in the final to win the World Cup in 2018, underperformed at 2020 Euro. Their star-studded team looked on course for a routine win when Switzerland came from behind to level the game. Ultimately, Switzerland ousted France on penalties.
France’s squad depth automatically makes them favorites, but Deschamps has to be wary of complacency. Les Bleues have shown hints of complacency in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers as well, drawing three of their seven fixtures.
Four wins in the remaining four fixtures assured qualification, but France would not be satisfied with their performances.
The holders, who have picked up 15 points from seven matches so far, will play their final 2022 World Cup Qualifier against Finland on Tuesday.
