After the qualification period ended, anticipation is growing for one of the most widely anticipated World Cups in recent memory, in Qatar, both for reasons off the field and those on it.
32 teams, 64 games, and 29 days. the Middle East's first World Cup.
The competition begins on November 20 and concludes on December 18.
When the tournament begins in the smallest nation to have ever hosted a World Cup, where some supporters will be lodging in floating hotels when they travel there to watch the games, here are a few things to keep an eye out for:
BEST TEAMS
Brazil (No. 1 in FIFA ranking) (No. 1 in FIFA ranking). The flair-filled Selecao, which includes Neymar, Vinicius Junior, and the rest, is peaking just in time. Is a World Cup victory for the first time since 2002 possible?
Belgium (No. 2). (No. 2). The "Golden Generation" is progressively disbanding, but Kevin De Bruyne is still in charge of the Belgian offense.
Argentina (No. 3). (No. 3). Since the great Diego Maradona's time, there has been no World Cup victory. The first World Cup following his passing in November 2020 will be taking place, and Argentina is progressing with Messi still at its core.
France (No. 4). (No. 4). the reigning winners. Despite an increasing injury list, the nation still has the most depth in its roster. The attack is now being led by both Karim Benzema AND Mbappé. Since Brazil in 1962, no side has managed to hold onto their World Cup crown.
England (No. 5). (No. 5). The team has struggled lately, going winless in six games, but it has a solid history in recent big competitions. England reached the European Championship final in 2021 and the World Cup semifinals in 2018.
LARGE STARS
Argentina's Lionel Messi. The seven-time winner of the world player of the year award may have been preserving his 35-year-old legs for one final attempt at a World Cup championship gold that, to many, would cede his status as soccer's greatest player.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo. The top scorer in men's international soccer has won the European Championship, but he hasn't participated in or won a World Cup. Make the most of him while you can because he is currently 37 years old.
France's Kylian Mbappé. At the age of 19, he was the star of the most recent World Cup, and he is only growing better. The quick attacker might join Brazilian legend Pelé in winning his first two World Cups.
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne. His driving runs are among the most beautiful sights in soccer. He is widely regarded as the best midfielder in the world. Belgium can only hope that he shows up in good health.
Brazil's Neymar Still the primary man for Brazil despite frequently being overshadowed by Mbappé and Messi at Paris Saint-Germain. Be on the lookout for histrionics as well as gimmicks and flicks.
WHAT IT DOES
Prepare yourself for a soccer feast. The top two teams from each of the eight groups of four teams advance to the round of 16 teams.
For the majority of the first two sets of group games, there will be four games back-to-back per day — yes, four! — followed by simultaneous kickoffs for the final two games in each group.
The knockout stage, which starts the day after the group stage concludes, won't have a break. Dec. 7 — the 17th day of competition — is the first day without soccer.
ESSENTIAL GAMES
20 November: Qatar vs. Ecuador. The tournament's opening game is always important to mark on your calendar.
Mexico vs. Argentina, November 26. First of the major intercontinental rivalries to take place in the group stage, with Messi potentially securing Argentina's and his place in the round of 16.
Germany vs. Spain on November 27. There couldn't have been many World Cup group-stage games greater than this one, can there? Two soccer titans from Europe and the rest of the world, recent champions.
29 November: Iran versus. United States. The "The Mother of All Games Part II" moniker has been given to it. The two nations will play each other in a politically tense group stage matchup, much like they did at the World Cup in 1998. Since the nations' diplomatic ties were broken in 1980, they still haven't been repaired.
On December 2, Ghana will play Uruguay. Who can recall the July 2, 2010, evening? Luis Suarez purposefully stopped the ball with his hand on the goal line in the final minute of extra time of a World Cup quarterfinal game between Uruguay and Ghana, received a red card, and then watched as Ghana missed a penalty and lost in a shootout while Suarez celebrated on the sidelines. Ghana would enjoy getting even.
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