The run-up to the 2022 World Cup may not have the same kind of pomp as usual. It’s a World Cup that has been shrouded in controversy, scandal, scrutiny and tragedy, and it’s taking place smack in the middle of the European club seasons, with players featuring for their clubs as little as six days prior to the start of the tournament. Nevertheless, it is a World Cup, and the biggest prize in international men’s soccer is on the line in Qatar.
It’s the last 32-team edition of the competition, with expansion to 48 due for the 2026 World Cup that will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. And while size of the field and the format may be familiar and commonplace, given all of the unusual elements in play, the next few weeks could be filled with some unexpected twists, unlikely runs and surprise early departures.
Take a closer look at each group and team with our profiles picking out the top players and games to watch and assessing the outlooks and expectations for every side featuring in Qatar (teams listed in alphabetical order by group, not predicted order of finish; squad lists are subject to change due to injury replacements that are able to be called in within 24 hours of a team’s first game):
