The summer break hasn’t offered much respite for the footballers, as most of them have an international commitment to fulfill ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022. With less than six months remaining, teams are already looking to arrive at their final combinations.
From the European countries, Spain, Germany, and France are the favourites, while Argentina and Brazil are strong contenders from South America. England suffered a massive setback in their World Cup preparations, after getting thrashed 4-0 by Hungary. Gareth Southgate’s job has come under scanner, but he is unlikely to be fired before the World Cup.
Moreover, England are placed in a tricky group, along with Iran, the United States, and Wales. Many teams have struggled to breach Iran’s defense in the past, while Wales, under the leadership of Gareth Bale, are more than capable of throwing a surprise.
The Analyst has devised an algorithm to predict the winner, as per which England have just over an 8 percent chance of winning the tournament.
Argentina, on the other hand, seem to have an easy route to the Round of 16, and are pooled with Saudi Arabia, Poland, and Mexico. They recently defeated Brazil in Finalissima to win their second international trophy this year, after their first Copa America triumph in ages.
This is going to be the last chance for Lionel Messi to win the elusive FIFA World Cup, and the Analyst has ranked them as the eighth favourite to lift the trophy.
France, the defending champion, emerged as a clear outlier for this year’s competition as well, with a 17.93% chance of winning the event for the second successive time. But Just below them are Brazil with a 15.73% chance in Qatar. However, Didier Deschamps’ men have failed to win their last four games.
Other than France and Brazil, Spain is the only team with a winning chance percentage of over 10%. They are placed in Group A, alongside Germany, Costa Rica, and New Zealand.
Check out the top eight nations primed to win the World Cup 2022:
1. France – 17.93%
2. Brazil – 15.73%
3. Spain – 11.53%
4. England – 8.03%
5. Belgium – 7.90%
6. Netherlands – 7.70%
7. Germany – 7.21%
8. Argentina – 6.45%
Featured Image Credit: Bein Sports
