The 32 teams are divided into eight groups. The teams play three matches within their group. Teams receive 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie. The two teams with the most points in each group advance to the Round of 16, where the winners move on and the losers go home.
So which team will win the World Cup? France are defending champions and have many talented players, such as midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni and striker Kylian Mbappé.
But it’s hard to repeat. No country has won consecutive World Cups since Brazil won in 1958 and 1962.
Speaking of Brazil…the Brazilian team is ranked number 1 in the world and is packed with goalscorers led by international superstar Neymar. The South American soccer powerhouse has won five World Cups, more than any other country (Germany and Italy have won four). Count on the Brazilians to make another long run in the 2022 tournament.
However, there is a good chance that the 2022 champion will come from the European continent. Ten of the top 12 men’s teams come from Europe.
Spain stars Pedri (19) and Gavi (18) are young but could make a splash at this year’s tournament. They established themselves by playing well together for the mythical club of Barcelona.
Belgium are ranked second in the world and are possibly the best footballing nation to have never won a World Cup. The Red Devils, as they are called, are full of veteran players but could need a spark from 21-year-old midfielder Charles De Ketelaere.
And I haven’t even mentioned the traditional European football powerhouses like Germany and the Netherlands, who also have promising young players.
Not all World Cup players are young. International superstar Lionel Messi (35) of Argentina says it will be his last World Cup. That could also be the case with fellow top footballer Cristiano Ronaldo (37) from Portugal. Although they have never won a World Cup and may be slowing down, football is a game where a good kick or pass can turn a game around. Messi and Ronaldo are capable of this kind of magic.
What about the United States? The Americans missed the 2018 tournament, so they lack World Cup experience. They are also stuck in a tough group with England (number 5 in the world rankings), Wales (19) and Iran (20). The United States would consider this World Cup a success if they could finish in the top two of their group.
Thirty-two teams. Sixty-four games. All the biggest stars in world football. The World Cup is an essential sport.
Fred Bowen writes the sports opinion column for KidsPost. He is the author of 27 sports books for children, including his latest football book, “Football Trophy Mystery.”
