World Cup Prediction – Who are the Likely Winners?

Jenny Barry November 17, 2022 | 13:43

In the World Cup 2018, France became champions for the second time. The World Cup 2022 will be held in Qatar, with the first fixtures to kick off on November 20.

World Cup Predictions – Who are the Likely Winners?

Who Are the Winner of World Cup 2022. Photo: Historyofsoccer

Bookmakers are giving France a big shot at retaining the title and becoming the third ever nation to lift the trophy for the second year running. Brazil, however, have inched into position as favorites in recent weeks.

Here we take a look at predictions for the winner of the upcoming World Cup 2022.

Brazil are favorites

France were once favorites to lift the trophy for the second year running, but a recent bad run of form has seen the reigning champions slip down in the World Cup odds. Most bookies now have Brazil ahead by a fair margin of a few percent.

Brazil are a team full of superstar talent: Neymar Jr, Vinicius Jr, Coutinho, Richarlison, and Raphinha are just a few of the top players.

The side are absolute masters upfront and they also have Allison, the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, as their last line of defense at the back.

France

France were looking like the number one contenders, but a couple of key players will be missing in action. N’Golo Kante has been ruled out of action, and it’s looking unlikely Paul Pogba will be recovered in time to make a significant contribution.

Manager Didier Deschamps is already known for chopping and changing tactics, but now he’ll have to experiment with younger, less experienced players like Eduardo Camavinga to fill the gap in midfield. On the other hand, if Camavinga steps up and proves himself at international level, we could be witnessing the rise of a new star.

But the real concern for France has been their performance in the Nations League, where they claimed just one win in six matches, which included two losses to Denmark, who they happen to share a group with in the World Cup.

Don’t let that put you off too much. France are reigning champions for a reason. They have one of the best attacks and midfields in the world, along with credible defensive statistics to make for a well rounded squad.

France are still well up there, and you’d be foolish to rule them out.

France is predicted to win the World Cup

England

England had an excellent run in the World Cup 2018, losing out to Belgium in the third place playoffs. They made the Euro 2020 Final, missing out on penalties against Italy. Indeed, Gareth Southgate’s side seem to be getting closer and closer to true victory on the international stage.

That’s if they don’t crack under pressure and if fixture congestion doesn't have a negative effect on their star players.

Although showing decent form in general, England lost recent games against Belgium, France and the Netherlands. They seem to flounder against tougher opponents and they are going to come up against some of the world’s finest come the World Cup knockout stages.

England have a relatively soft group and should qualify for the Round of 16. If they top the group, they’ll likely face Senegal. Second place will land them with the Netherlands, which could spell trouble. England’s most likely opponent if they make the semi finals is France, another game that could go one way or the other.

With such a strong team, including Golden Boot contender Harry Kane, England have every chance to take it all the way this year. They will have to keep their heads about them when it comes to the matches that truly matter.

Argentina

It’s not surprising to see the likes of Brazil or France as favorites to win the World Cup. Argentina, on the other hand, sitting as fourth favorites, have come a long way in the last few years and are now one of South America’s most dominant teams.

Argentina netted only six goals in four games in the World Cup 2018 and, let down in defense and in particular by their goalkeepers, conceded nine for an average of 2.25 per game.

Since then, they have shown an epic run of form in both the Copa America and Finalissima 2022, as well as remaining undefeated in all 17 of their qualifying games. Oh, and they also have Messi. Argentina will be a struggle for any outfit, even rivals Brazil, who they defeated in the Copa America 2021 and held to a 0-0 draw in the qualifiers.

As a safe yet slightly outside bet, they could be the team to go for.

Full List of Winners at World Cup in History

List of national football teams that have won the World Cup in the history of world football. How many times have Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Germany... ...