Could we see a brand-new World Cup winner at Qatar 2022?
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Across the 21 editions of the FIFA Men’s World Cup, eight teams have lifted the famous trophy. Can a different country secure the silverware in Qatar this year?
With five titles to their name, Brazil have won the tournament on more occasions than anyone else – triumphing in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.
Germany (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014) and Italy (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006) have both won four World Cups, while Argentina (1978, 1986), France (1998, 2018) and Uruguay (1930, 1950) have each won two.
England’s sole World Cup triumph came back in 1966, before Spain clinched their first and only crown in 2010. There has not been a new winner since then.
Of course, other nations have come close over the years. The Netherlands have lost a record three World Cup finals, while the Czech Republic, Hungary, Sweden and Croatia have also fallen at the last hurdle.
Let’s take a look at the countries that could put their name on the World Cup trophy for the very first time later this year.
• Portugal
Portugal’s best finish at a World Cup was third back in 1966. Since then, they achieved a fourth-place finish in 2006 but failed to make it past the round of 16 in each of the past three tournaments.
The Euro 2016 champions boast a frightening array of talent, spearheaded by the ageless Cristiano Ronaldo. Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Jota and Ruben Dias make Portugal a genuine World Cup contender.
• Belgium
There is a sense that Belgium’s golden generation is coming to an end. Still, the Red Devils have more than enough quality to challenger for the silverware in Qatar.
Roberto Martinez’s side finished third in Russia four years ago. Granted, is past his best Eden Hazard. But players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku have got what it takes to fire their nation to glory.
• Senegal
If an African country is going to challenge for the trophy in Qatar, then it feels like Senegal will be the team to do it. Fresh from clinching their first-ever AFCON title, the Lions of Teranga will be eager to show what they can do on the world stage.
With Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy between the sticks, Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly in defence, PSG’s Idrissa Gueye dominating the midfield, and Liverpool’s Sadio Mane in attack, Senegal are strong in every department.
• Denmark
Denmark’s best World Cup finish came in 1998, when they reached the quarter-finals in France. In their other four World Cup appearances, they failed to make is past the last 16.
Fast-forward to today – Denmark boasts a host of star players. Having reached the semi-finals at last year’s European Championship, they could be the surprise package at Qatar 2022.
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