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A final likelihood for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Kylian Mbappé again on the largest stage of all. Brazil bidding for a record-extending sixth title.
Probably the most eagerly anticipated World Cups in reminiscence — as a lot for off-the-field causes as these on it — is simply across the nook in Qatar.
Thirty-two groups, 64 matches, 29 days. The primary World Cup within the Center East.
The event begins on Nov. 20 and the ultimate is about for Dec. 18.
Right here’s just a few issues to look at when the event will get going within the smallest nation ever to host a World Cup, the place some followers might be staying in floating resorts after they head over to soak up the video games:
TOP TEAMS
Brazil (No. 1 in FIFA rating). Neymar, Vinícius Júnior and the remainder of the flair-filled Selecao are peaking on the proper time. Is a primary World Cup title since 2002 on the horizon?
Belgium (No. 2). The “Golden Era” is steadily breaking apart however there’s nonetheless Kevin De Bruyne main the Belgian cost.
Argentina (No. 3). No World Cup title for the reason that days of the nice Diego Maradona. This would be the first World Cup since his dying in November 2020 and Argentina is bettering, with Messi nonetheless at its core.
France (No. 4). The defending champions. Nonetheless the nation with essentially the most depth to its squad, regardless of a rising harm record. Now with Mbappé AND Karim Benzema main the assault. No staff has retained its World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.
England (No. 5). The staff has hit a foul patch of type — winless in six video games — however has a robust monitor report in latest main tournaments. England was a semifinalist on the World Cup in 2018 and a finalist on the European Championship in 2021.
Learn up on all 32 groups who might be taking part in within the World Cup.
BIG STARS
Lionel Messi, Argentina. The seven-time world participant of the 12 months might need been saving his 35-year-old legs for one final push at a World Cup winner’s medal that, to many, would solidify him as soccer’s best participant. He’s in stellar type for Paris Saint-Germain in the intervening time.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal. He has gained the European Championship however the main scorer in males’s worldwide soccer hasn’t performed in a World Cup last, not to mention gained one. He’s 37 years outdated now and not first selection at Manchester United — so take advantage of him when you can.
Kylian Mbappé, France. The star of the final World Cup on the age of 19 and he’s solely getting higher. The speedy striker might match Brazil nice Pelé in being a champion at his first two World Cups.
Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium. Broadly considered the world’s greatest midfielder, his driving runs are among the many greatest sights in soccer. Belgium simply has to hope he arrives wholesome.
Neymar, Brazil. Typically overshadowed by Mbappé and Messi at Paris Saint-Germain, nonetheless the primary man for Brazil. Be careful for methods and flicks, and a few histrionics, too.
HOW IT WORKS
Prepare for a feast of soccer. There are eight teams of 4 groups, with the highest two advancing to the 16-team knockout stage.
There might be 4 video games back-to-back per day — sure, 4! — for a lot of the first two units of group video games, then simultaneous kickoffs for the final two video games in every group.
There’ll be no break for the knockout stage, which begins the day after the group stage ends. The primary day with out soccer comes on Dec. 7 — the seventeenth day of competitors.
MUST-SEE GAMES
Qatar vs. Ecuador, Nov. 20. The primary match of the event and at all times a date to save lots of on the calendar.
Argentina vs. Mexico, Nov. 26. The primary of the massive continental rivalries within the group stage, with Messi doubtlessly sealing his and Argentina’s spot within the final 16.
Spain vs. Germany, Nov. 27. Absolutely there can’t have been many larger group-stage matches than this at a World Cup? Two latest champions, two giants of European and world soccer.
Iran vs. United States, Nov. 29. It has been labeled as “The Mom of All Video games Half II.” Identical to on the World Cup in 1998, the 2 international locations will meet within the group stage in a politically charged matchup. Diplomatic relations have but to be restored between the nations since being severed in 1980.
Ghana vs. Uruguay, Dec. 2. Anybody keep in mind the night time of July 2, 2010? Within the final minute of additional time in a World Cup quarterfinal match between Uruguay and Ghana, Luis Suarez intentionally stopped the ball along with his hand on the goalline, obtained despatched off, just for Ghana to overlook the penalty and lose in a shootout as Suarez celebrated on the sideline. Revenge can be candy for Ghana.
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