What is called by most, the biggest sporting event in the world is finally back!  On November 20th, the 2022 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off  in Qatar.  For most of the competing countries, this World Cup is one of the most anticipated of all time.

The two GOATS playing in their last-ever World Cup.  Can the USA compete after an eight year hiatus?  Will France repeat as champions?

First things first. We’ll talk about the Groups and the format of this World Cup. Each team will play three matches against group members decided from a drawing that was held live in 2021. After those matches, the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. This is win or go home from that point forward. The World Cup starts with 32 teams, then cuts down to 16, then 8, then 4, then 2, and finally the Champion of the World is crowned. 

In Group A the hosts Qatar will match up with Ecuador, The Netherlands, and Senegal. In Group B your USMNT will play with rivals England, Iran, and Wales. Group C consists of arguably the best player of all time Lionel Messi and Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland. Group D holds the reigning World Champs France, along with Denmark, Tunisia, and Australia. Group E might be the Group of Death with two top 10 teams in the World in Germany and Spain, along with Japan and Costa Rica. Group F holds our northern brothers Canada, Belgium, Morrocco, and Croatia. Brazil and Neymar highlight group G, as they will face Serbia, Switzerland, and Cameroon. And finally Group H consists of the other arguable goat in Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portuguese side. They will face Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea. 

Now, let’s talk about the intangibles.  Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the two best players of all time, play in possibly their last world cup. None of them have the prestigious trophy as Messi was the closest to getting it. Argentina lost to Germany in the 2014 World Cup Final 1-0 after a devastating goal in the 116’ minute of extra time. Can Messi or Ronaldo capture the trophy? Will France repeat after a dominating 2018 performance that left them lifting the trophy for the second time in history. Will there be a new winner of the world cup this year? Only eight countries have ever won it. 

The World Cup in years past has been the crown jewel of sporting events. Will this one live up to the hype? My prediction… Yes it will, as the world will stand still for 90+ minutes and watch Ronaldo and Messi go at it for all the glory. 

(Picture Credit to Fantasy Football Scout)