The 2022 World Cup has just kicked off in Qatar. One of 32 countries will walk away world champions.
Some nations, of course, have more chance than others; some 26-man squads enter the tournament with more injury and availability concerns as well.
But most teams in it will name strong starting outfits, despite plenty of questions still to be answered.
This is a deep dive into the predicted starting 11 for every nation competing in Qatar.
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GROUP A
QATAR, ECUADOR, SENEGAL, NETHERLANDS
Qatar (5-3-2)
Starting 11- Al Sheeb, Ahmed, Hassan, Khoukhi, Al Rawi, Miguel, Al Haidos, Boudiaf, Hatem, Ali, Afif
The host country comes into the tournament as the weakest nation but that won’t deter them from competing hard in their group. Captain Hasan Al-Haidos will lead the midfield, having made 169 appearances for the national side over the course of 15 years. He will be joined by Karim Boudiaf and Abdulaziz Hatem.
The attack will be made up of two players in Akram Afif and Almoez Ali. Playing over a combined 170 games, they have gone on to score 68 between them for Qatar. Ali leads the duo in goals adding 42 to his name.
Qatar will play five defenders in the World Cup, utilising the 5-3-2 formation. Homam Ahmed and Pedro Miguel, otherwise known as Ro-Ro, will play as wing-backs. Originally from Portugal, Miguel began his career in the Benfica youth system before moving to play in Qatar where he has gained citizenship. The three centre-backs will consist of Abdelkarim Hassan, Boualem Khoukhi and Bassam Al-Rawi. Saad Al-Sheeb will round out the hosting nation squad in goals.
Assim Madibo and Mohammed Muntari should be watched closely as they try and move toward the starting team. Although currently aligned as a substitute, the two players may get the opportunity to start in front of their home fans.
Ecuador (4-3-3)
Starting 11- Dominguez, Estupinan, Torres, Hincapie, Preciado, Caicedo, Mendez, Gruezo, Mena, Estrada, Valencia
Ecuador comes into the World Cup with expectations of getting into the Round of 16. As Qatar will more than likely finish last in the group and Netherlands will finish first, they will fight it out against Senegal to advance. 35-year-old Alexander Dominguez will have goalkeeping duties, whilst defenders Felix Torres and Piero Hincapie will try to make sure the ball doesn’t go near their keeper. They will be joined by one of the best young left-back prospects in Pervis Estupinan and Angelo Preciado at right-back.
The midfield will be made up of Premier League starter Moises Caicedo, Sebas Mendez from the MLS in America and Carlos Gruezo from the Bundesliga. The three players will be the soul of the Ecuadorian team. If they are to advance past Senegal, their midfield will be heavily relied on. At only 21 Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion is looking to make a name for himself on the big stage.
Captain Enner Valencia will lead the attack and will play alongside Angel Mena and Michael Estrada. Mena and Estrada are coming from Liga MX in Mexico. Known for its fast style of play they will be accustomed to launching a counter-attack giving the opposing defenders no time to get the right positioning.
Netherlands (3-2-4-1)
Starting 11- Pasveer, De Ligt, Van Dijk, De Vrij, Blind, Koopmeiners, De Jong, Dumfries, Gakpo, Depay, Bergwijn
The 2010 World Cup runners-up will start their tournament campaign in a 3-2-4-1 formation. Liverpool star Virgil Van Dijk will lead the defence playing in the middle with Stefan De Vrij and Matthijs De Ligt on either side. Playing as wing-back Daley Blind (left) and Denzel Dumfries (right) will run up and down along the sidelines. Blind can easily slot into one of the centre-back positions if the three players advance up the field.
Their star player from Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong, has solidified his spot in one of the midfield positions. The other slot is still yet to be decided and could either go to Eredivisie stars Teun Koopmeiners, Xavi Simons, or Steven Berghuis. The most likely player to start on the team will be defensive midfielder Koopmeiners.
The attacking trio will consist of Cody Gakpo at CAM and Memphis Depay and Steven Bergwijn as strikers. Gakpo has been the best player in the Eredivisie league heading into the World Cup and is looking to continue his good form. Depay will be the go-to option for the Netherlands while Bergwijn will provide an alternate attacking option. Veteran Remko Pasveer will round out the squad in goals with Justin Bijlow providing backup duties.
The remaining players in the squad who may get called upon to start, include Nathan Ake in defence, Xavi Simons in the midfield, and young Club Brugge prospect Noa Lang in the forwards.
Senegal (4-3-3)
Starting 11- Mendy, Ciss, Koulibaly, Diallo, Ballo-Toure, Mendy, Gueye, Sarr, Mane, Dia, Sarr
Despite recent injuries to their star players, they have all bounced back and are ready to play for their home country. Chelsea goalkeeper Eduardo Mendy will have the job of trying to keep the ball from opposition players. However, Mendy will be given help from his fellow countryman defenders. Kalidou Koulibaly will not only captain the side but will provide leadership and experience to his other defenders. Abdou Diallo will join him in the middle of the ground, whilst Pathe Ciss and Fode Ballo-Toure will play outside them as full-backs.
Eyeing his 100th appearance for Senegal, Idrossa Gueye will play as a central defensive midfielder. While Pape Matar Sarr and Nampalys Mendy will look to move up and down the field as box-to-box midfielders. All coming from the Premier League they will be used to the quick style of play and can mount counter-attacks with ease for their forwards.
Currently out with an injury, Sadio Mane is expected to return for their opening match and lead them out of the group stage. The star player has guided the national team to success over the years and the World Cup will be no different. Helping him will be Ismaila Sarr on the other wing and Boulaye Dia as a striker.
Trying to get a shot in the starting team will be young Marseille forward Bamba Dieny, whilst fellow Ligue 1 players Krepin Diatta and Pape Gueye will be looking to be selected in the starting team.
GROUP B
ENGLAND, IR IRAN, USA, WALES
England (4-2-3-1)
Starting 11- Pickford, Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Alexander-Arnold, Bellingham, Rice, Sterling, Foden, Mount
England is desperate to bring the World Cup trophy home. In each tournament, fans are convinced England has the team to do it. And this time it could well be different. Everton goal-stopper Jordan Pickford will be given the starting spot nudging out in-form Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale. John Stones and Harry Maguire will compete as the two centre-backs in front of Pickford. Due to a plethora of full-back options, England may change up combinations every game but Trent Alexander-Arnold is a lock at right back and the other spot should go to Kieran Trippier who has had a sensation year with Newcastle United.
As Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips are slowly recovering from the injuries they had before the World Cup, youngster Jude Bellingham will get an opportunity to start in the team. He will partner Declan Rice, who has been effective as a defensive midfielder ever since joining the national side. Bellingham will play a box-to-box midfield role, while Rice will stay to assist the defenders.
The 2018 World Cup leading goal-scorer Harry Kane will once again be a part of the starting team as a striker. He will be joined by Chelsea duo Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount. While Phil Foden will play a centre forward/central attacking midfield role. As all four players are good scoring options, England won’t have to be completely dependent on Kane to score all the goals in this campaign.
England’s depth means plenty of players will be contending for a spot in the starting team. The most likely to appear as starters include Kyle Walker as a full-back, Bukayo Saka as an attacking midfielder and Kalvin Phillips as a box-to-box midfielder once he recovers fully from his injuries.
IR Iran (4-1-4-1)
Starting 11- Beiranvand, Hajsafi, Khalilzadeh, Kanani, Moharrami, Ezatolahi, Taremi, Amiri, Jahanbakhsh, Ghlozadeh, Azmoun
Iran will play in the unusual formation of 4-1-4-1 during the World Cup. With the unique formation, they will only have one attacker at the top. This job will be given to No.20 Sardar Azmoun. Azmoun edges out veteran Karim Ansarifard for the striker starting spot. In only 65 appearances for the national side, the Bayer Leverkusen player has netted 41 goals.
Iran has a diverse midfield with plenty of players to choose from. With six midfielders, they will play one as a central defensive midfielder, two as central midfielders and two on the wing. Saeid Ezatolahi will play as a CDM and control the ball movement during the attack. Vahid Amiri and Alireza Jahanbakhsh will join him as central midfielders. Jahanbakhsh will more than likely find himself in the opposition box, he is known for being an attacking midfielder who is not afraid to shoot. The wingers will be made up of Mehdi Taremi, who normally plays as a striker and Ali Gholizadeh.
Experienced 30-year-old Alirez Beiranvand will put on the gloves to start with Amir Abedzadeh hot on his tail. Already having 121 caps to his name, captain Ehsan Hajsafi will begin his World Cup campaign as a left-back. He can easily play every position and might move around the defence during the tournament. On the other side of the field, Sadegh Moharrami will have the tough job of right-back. Playing in the middle of the defence will be Shojae Khalilzadeh and Hossein Kanani.
As Iran has the tendency to make major drastic changes to their team, anyone in the squad could become a starting team player. This also means the starters will have to fight for their spot in every opportunity they get given.
USA (4-3-3)
Starting 11- Turner, Robinson, Ream, Zimmerman, Dest, McKennie, Adams, Musah, Pulisic, Ferreira, Reyna
The United States is coming into the World Cup with a very promising young team. In what has been described as their best national team to date, they are considered one of the underdogs to go far in the tournament. Arsenal’s Matt Turner will take the reigns in goal ahead of veteran Sean Johnson. Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman will start as the two centre-backs in defence. Former Barcelona player Sergino Dest who now plays with AC Milan will play up and down the right side as a full-back and Antonee Robinson will do the same on the left.
Having been signed by Leeds United this season, Tyler Adams has played impressive football in the midfield. He will be accompanied by 19-year-old Yunus Musah and Weston McKennie. At such a young age, Musah will be watched closely by clubs during the World Cup. While McKennie has shown he is a versatile midfielder and can play of a variety of different roles.
Jesus Ferreria will start as a striker for the United States. So far to date, he has scored seven goals in 15 appearances. Christian Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna will take the starting spots on both sides of the wing. Pulisic is the go-to man for the US, being their best player. He will need to have a good World Cup campaign if they are to go far.
The United States has lots of players who will be eying a spot in the starting team. Having started in the qualifiers, Timothy Weah, the son of legendary George Weah, is looking to start as a striker. DeAndre Yedlin and Brenden Aaronson are two other players who could start.
Wales (3-4-2-1)
Starting 11- Hennessey, Davies, Rodon, Mepham, Williams, Ramsey, Ampadu, Roberts, James, Johnson, Bale
Wales is coming into the World Cup having just made it out of the European qualifiers. Reliable veteran Wayne Hennessey will keep his spot in goals. Since they use a 3-4-2-1 formation, the centre-backs will have to be disciplined not to move forward. Joe Rondon will take the central position in defence, with Tottenham left-back Ben Davies slotting into a more centralised role. Chris Mepham from Bournemouth will join them as the third centre-back.
Connor Roberts and Neco Williams will play as the two wing-backs. Williams will be a player to keep an eye on. The 21-year-old has started to fulfil the potential that he had whilst playing at Liverpool. Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu will take the central midfielder spots. Ramsey has become one of Wales’s best players over the year and will compete hard for the ball. Ampadau will play as a defensive midfielder having played as a defender and midfielder for Spezia.
The Wales forward line looks dangerous. After being unable to find game time at Real Madrid, Gareth Bale moved to Tottenham and then to the MLS in America. Here, he guided Los Angeles to win the MLS Cup, scoring in the final minute of the game. Although he is considered one of the greatest wingers of his generation, Bale will play as a striker. He always seems to perform well in the Welsh colour and the World Cup will be no different. Joining him will be Daniel James and Brennan Johnson in the centre-forward role.
Issuing a challenge to start in the team will be Swansea City’s Joe Allen, Fulham’s Harry Wilson and experienced Chris Gunter who has appeared over 100 different times for the national team. Due to the inexperience of the starters, their experience in big games may provide coach Rob Page with another option.
GROUP C
ARGENTINA, SAUDI ARABIA, MEXICO, POLAND
Argentina (4-3-3)
Starting 11- Martinez, Acuna, Martinez, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Dybala, Parades, Di Maria, Martinez, Messi
Emiliano Martinez will lead the team from the back of the field. He has had a tremendous year for Aston Villa and has taken the starting keeper role from Geronimo Rulli. Assisting him to keep the ball away from the net will be centre-backs Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Otamendi. Filling out the remaining back line will be Marcos Acuna and Nicolas Tagliafico. Both are known for playing on either side of the field and can even play in the midfield.
Coming back from injury, Paulo Dybala will play as a central attacking midfielder. On either side of him will be Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul. Out of the three, Paredes will play mainly as a defensive midfielder and won’t burst up forward into the attack.
Recognised as one of the greatest players to ever lace up their boots, Lionel Messi will play in his converted right-wing spot. Angel Di Maria will play on the left, while Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez will continue his role as a striker. The attacking trio will be an important part of Argentina’s success in the tournament. Each one is valuable doing their different roles and will need to build on their chemistry with one another.
Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez is unlucky not to make the starting team and will continue to push for a starting spot. Enzo Fernandez and Cristian Romero are two other players who may start for Argentina throughout the World Cup.
Saudi Arabia (4-2-3-1)
Starting 11- Al-Owais, Al Dawsari, Al Bulaihi, Al Amri, Al Ghanam, Kanno, Al-Malki, Al-Dawsari, Al-Faraj, Al-Najei, Al-Buraikan
Saudi Arabia will be one of the few countries that will be used to the weather and the condition in Qatar. Aiming to get out of the group stage, this will be their best chance, having already adjusted to the harsh temperatures. Mohammed Al-Owais will step into the goal for the 43rd time in his national career. The defence will consist of two players from each Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. Nasser Al-Dawsari and Ali Al-Bulaihi will represent Al-Hilal, while Sultan Al-Ghannam and Abdulelah Al-Amri will represent Al-Nassr.
The Saudi midfield will have two defensive-minded players and three players who won’t shy away from attacking. Mohamed Kanno and Abdulellah Al-Malki will utilise their defensive skills. The remaining midfield spot will be given to attackers, Nasser Al-Dawsari, No.10 Salen Al-Dawsari and captain Salman Al-Faraj.
The lone forward for the side will be Firas Al-Buraikan. Wearing the famed No.9 uniform, he has made 26 appearances so far in his career. This includes adding six goals to his name. The young player is looking to cement his spot in the Saudi team while many of his comrades start retiring soon.
As the squad is made up of players from only four different Saudi Professional League clubs, no matter who starts they will have good chemistry with the rest of the players. Nawaf Al-Abed and Yasser Al-Shahrani are the most likely to appear as starters.
Mexico (4-3-3)
Starting 11- Ochoa, Gallardo, Vasquez, Moreno, Alvarez, Guardado, Herrera, Gutierrez, Vega, Jimenez, Lozano
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and midfielder Andres Guardado will play in their fifth World Cup this tournament, having debuted in 2006 at Germany. The two veterans will both appear in the starting team. Joining Guardado in the midfield will be Hector Herrera who has recently moved to the MLS after playing in the LaLiga and Erick Gutierrez who plays for PSV.
The attacking trio will be comprised of Raul Jimenez as the lone striker up top, and Hirving Lozano and Alexis Vega on the wings. The wingers will have their work cut out for them as they will need to move into the centre of the field and provide another option instead of Jimenez. In his 95 games for Mexico, Jimenez has managed to score 29 goals for them.
The defence will include Jesus Gallardo at left-back, Kevin Alvarez at right-back and Johan Vasquez and Hector Moreno in the middle. Apart from Vasquez, each player has appeared at least 50 times for the national team and is accustomed to tough challenges from the opposing players.
Two players that could also appear in the starting team are Orbelin Penda from AEK Athens who has played 50 games for the national team and Carlos Rodriguez who will look to join and earn the right to start for the team.
Poland (4-2-3-1)
Starting 11- Szczesny, Bereszynski, Benarek, Glik, Cash, Zielinski, Krychowiak, Frankowski, Milik, Grosick, Lewandowski
Having just qualified for the World Cup, Poland is hoping to escape the group stage along with Argentina. To do so they will need to not rely solely on the performances of former Champions League winner and now Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski; playing as the central and lone striker. However, behind him will be three attacking midfielders in Przemyslaw Frankowski, Arkadiusz Milik, and Kamil Grosicki. These three players need to not only provide Lewandowski with good opportunities but also fire on goal with precision.
The remaining midfield will be made up of Napoli star Piotr Zielinski and 94-game veteran Grzegorz Krychowiak. Although technically playing as defensive midfielders, they will have to play a range of vital roles. This could include moving up the pitch towards the attacking box or moving down and helping the defenders.
In defence will be Poland national team mainstay Kamil Glik and Aston Villa’s Jan Bednarek. Their experience will be used during games when the pressure is high. They can calm the situation and change the tempo of the match. The full-backs will be Matty Cash and Bartosz Bereszynski. Juventus first-choice keeper Wojciech Szczesny will play in goals for Poland for the 67th time.
Having started in most of the games in the lead-up due to Lewandowski’s absence, Krzysztof Piatek may fill a starting position in some capacity. Fellow forward Karol Swiderski may also start and will come into the team for Milik and Grosick.
GROUP D
FRANCE, AUSTRALIA, DENMARK, TUNISIA
France (3-4-1-2)
Starting 11- Lloris, Hernandez, Varane, Kounde, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Pavard, Griezmann, Benzema, Mbappe
The reigning World Cup winners are coming into the tournament with one of the best attacks. With a plethora of options to choose from Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and PSG star Kylian Mbappe will secure their spots as strikers. Assisting them in a high midfield role will be Antoine Griezmann. If they can connect well with each other, all three will be able to score a large number of goals.
France will feature a very different midfield compared to the 2018 World Cup final. As N’golo Kante and Paul Pogba stay-at-home nursing injuries, it is time for the younger players to step up. This will allow Real Madrid duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga to slot into their spots and fill the void.
As they will play in the formation of 3-4-1-2, Theo Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard will play a variety of different roles as wing-backs. Spreading the defence means Didier Deschamps will have to rely on his three centre-backs. Theo’s brother Lucas will fill one of the spots alongside former Team of the Year award winner Raphael Varane. Jules Kounde will fill the last spot, having had a good season at Barcelona leading them to first in the LaLiga. The goalkeeping duties will be filled by experienced World Cup winner Hugo Lloris.
Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot is unlucky to miss a spot in the starting team and will be red-hot on the tails of the two starting midfielders. The same can be said for Ousmane Dembele in the forwards and Premier League young guns William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate in defence.
Australia (4-3-3)
Starting 11- Ryan, Behich, Souttar, Degenek, Karaic, Irvine, Mooy, Hrustic, Mabil, Boyle, Leckie
Despite Andrew Redmayne’s heroics against Peru to qualify Australia for the World Cup, Matt Ryan will suit up in goals. He will also lead the Socceroos as captain of the team. Aziz Behich and Fran Karacic will play as the full-backs and can be equally as dangerous in both defence and attack. The prized centre-back roles will go to Harry Souttar and Milos Degenek, who is one of the more experienced members of the team.
The three midfielders that will control the movement of the ball for Australia will be Ajdin Hrustic, Aaron Mooy, and Jackson Irvine. Having all played in overseas competitions they are accustomed to playing against tough opposition. If Australia is to make it out of the group stage, these players will be relied on heavily to start the attack and make sure the opposition doesn’t get into their attacking half.
After recently moving to Spain to play with Cadiz, Awer Mabil will fit perfectly into the team on the wing. On the other side, the right-wing duties will go to Matthew Leckie, who has made 73 appearances for the national side. Rounding up the forwards will be Martin Boyle as a striker. The Hibernian player will have to contend with Jamie Maclaren and Mitchell Duke, having not yet cemented his spot.
Defender Nathan Atkinson, midfielder Riley McGree and forward Mitchell Duke are three players who may be seen in the starting team. In a tough group, alongside Denmark and France, each player will have to be ready to fit into the starting team.
Denmark (3-4-1-2)
Starting 11- Schmeichel, Anderson, Kjaer, Christenen, Kristense, Hojberg, Delaney, Wass, Braithwaite, Eriksen, Dolberg
Having saved numerous amount of goals during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Kasper Schmeichel will take the gloves once again. Captain Simon Kjaer will lead the defence from the middle. Having already played 121 times for the national team, he is no stranger to playing under pressure. New Barcelona recruit Andreas Christensen will join his captain along with Joachim Anderson from Crystal Palace.
After joining Leeds United, Rasmus Kristensen has earnt his spot in the side. Predominantly playing as a right-back, he will have to shift to the left as Daniel Wass comes into the team. Both members will play as wing-backs and will deliver perfect crosses to the forwards.
Thomas Delaney and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will play as the two defensive midfielders allowing Christian Eriksen and Martin Braithwaite to play up the field. Each of the four players has shown they can excel at the highest level and will be looking to get Denmark to the end of the tournament. They will need to provide striker Kasper Dolberg with nicely played-balls and give him the opportunity to slot the ball into the back of the net.
Yussuf Poulsen is a good shout to come into the team as a starter for Kasper Dolberg. While Mikkel Damsgaard and Joakim Maehle may be used as starters in the midfielder and defence respectively.
Tunisia (4-3-3)
Starting 11- Dahmen, Abdi, Talbi, Ifa, Drager, Sassi, Skhiri, Laidouni, Msakni, Khenissi, Slimane
Tunisia has been put into a tough group alongside Denmark, France and Australia. However the World Cup is known for delivering upsets, and Tunisia is hoping they can deliver an upset in a few of their games. Aymen Dahmen will play as the starting goalkeeper taking the reigns from 38-year-old Aymen Mathlouthi. The defending line will be the same as most of their international games, with no real changes to the squad. Montassar Talbi and Bilel Ifa will fill the centre-back positions, with Mohamed Drager and Ali Abdi taking the full-back positions.
In a 4-3-3 formation, Tunisia will play with three midfielders with each of them having their own use. Ferjani Sassi will be apart of the team having played in Qatar with Al-Arabi. Used to the conditions he won’t find it difficult to adjust like other players in the tournament. Ellyes Skiri from FC Koln and Aissa Laidouni from Hungary will take the other two midfield spots.
Tunisia will have three attackers during the World Cup games. Youssef Msakni will captain the side from the left-wing and comes into the World Cup with 88 international caps to his name, Taha Yassine Khenissi will play as a striker, while the other wing spot will be compiled of 21-year-old Anis Ben Slimane. Although young he has already played 25 games for Tunisia.
GROUP E
SPAIN, COSTA RICA, GERMANY, JAPAN
Spain (4-3-3)
Starting 11- Simon, Alba, Garcia, Laporte, Carvajal, Pedri, Busquets, Gavi, Fati, Morata, Torres
Electing to pick a younger squad Spain is looking to repeat their 2010 World Cup heroics. Unai Simon will have the job as goal-keeper with Luis Enrique deciding not to take David de Gea to Qatar. By picking a younger squad, Spain will be without legends, Gerald Pique and Sergio Ramos. This will allow the younger players to stand up. Eric Garcia and Aymeric Laporte will slot right into these positions. Dani Carvajal will once again play as the right-back but will be the only Real Madrid player in the starting team. Jordi Alba will continue his national career as a left-back.
The midfield will be made up of three Barcelona players. Captain Sergio Busquets will play in the centre and control the game with his composure and passing. Young guns Pedri and Gavi will take the other two spots. Even though they are young they are currently in the conversation for the best midfielders in the world.
Due to Barcelona’s good year in the LaLiga, Enrique will go with Ferran Torress at right wing and teammate Ansu Fati at left-wing. Alvaro Morato will come back into the national team and play as the out-and-out striker. Each player can find the goal with ease and will be difficult to defend against the opposition.
Spain will have many players who can make it into the starting team. The most likely is Dani Olmo to play as a centre-forward, Marco Asensio as a winger to replace the two Barcelona players and Koke in the midfield. No matter who is chosen expect Spain to go far in the tournament.
Costa Rica (4-2-3-1)
Starting 11- Navas, Matarrita, Calvo, Vargas, Fuller, Borges, Tejeda, Zamora, Ruiz, Torres, Campbell
Costa Rica may have a tough time advancing out of the group stage but they will give it their best go. Led by goalkeeper Keylor Navas, you can ensure they will put up a fight in every game during the group stage. Helping Navas keep the ball away from the net will be defenders Ronald Matarrita, Francisco Calvo, Juan Pablo Vargas and Keysher Fuller. Matarrita and Fuller will be the full-backs, while Calvo and Vargas will play as the starting centre-backs.
155-game veteran Celso Borges and 146-game captain Bryan Ruiz will keep their roles in the midfield. The experience will be invaluable in the close games, especially with the time winding down to full-time. Yeltsin Tejeda will play as a box-to-box midfielder and will be seen covering the whole pitch. Young players Alvaro Zamora and Gerson Torres will fill the remaining spot in the midfielders as attackers.
The only striker spot will go to Joel Campbell. Playing nearly 120 games for Costa Rica, he has scored 25 international goals. He has been all around the world playing in different leagues which included a stint in England at Arsenal. Apart from Navas, he is the most valuable player in the Costa Rican set-up.
Germany (4-3-2-1)
Starting 11- Neuer, Raum, Sule, Rüdiger, Klostermann, Kimmich, Goretzka, Musiala, Muller, Sane, Havertz
The 2014 World Cup winners are coming into this years tournament with revenge on their mind after unceremoniously being knocked out in the group stage at Russia. Manuel Neuer, the best goalkeeper in the Bundesliga will once again take to the pitch. He is hoping to make up for a disappointing last World Cup campaign. As Jerome Boateng and Matts Hummels are now not in the squad it is time for some other players to shine. New Real Madrid transfer Antonio Rudiger and Niklas Sule will start as the two centre-backs. While Lukas Klostermann and David Ruam will finally get an opportunity to play on the World Cup stage.
Their midfield will consist of two elite defensive midfielders from Bayern Munich. Joshua Kimmich will play on the left with Leon Goretzka on the right. Both players have become the heart and soul of Germany. Thomas Muller will appear in another World Cup as he looks to win the Golden Boot for a second time. He will be accompanied by Bayern teammate Jamal Musiala who is the best young player to watch and Leroy Sane who can accelerate in an instant.
Kai Havertz will play as a striker on paper but will play more like a centre-forward. He is in the exact same position when with Chelsea, but moves into the midfield. Having no outright striker means Germany can play a more controlled game of football.
Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan may be a shoo-in for the starting team. He is no stranger to the big stage having played 63 different times for Germany. In defence, Matthis Ginter will provide another option for the full-back position.
Japan (4-2-3-1)
Starting 11- Schmidt, Nakayama, Yoshida, Tomiyasu, Sakai, Morita, Endo, Ito, Kamada, Kubo, Maeda
Japan has a formidable squad going into the World Cup. Passing through the Asia World Cup qualifiers with ease, Japan is looking to take their talents up against the rest of the world and this is the best opportunity for them. Despite being the least capped goalkeeper, Daniel Schmidt is predicted to take the reigns of the keeper. The defence will be made up of current and former Premier League players. Captain Maya Yoshida and Arsenal player Takehiro Tomiyasu will be the last line of defence for Japan. Yuta Nakayama and Hiroki Sakai will play in the two full-back positions
The midfield will consist of three attacking and two defending midfielders. Hidemasa Morita and Bundesliga star Wataru Endo will play as the two defensive midfielders. In contrast, young prospect Takefusa Kubo will play in attack. The 21-year-old has had a sensational season in the LaLiga with Real Sociedad living up to his full potential. Junya Ito and Daichi Kamada will take the other two attacking midfield roles.
In a 4-3-2-1 formation, Daizen Maeda will play in the position of the lone forward. Playing for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership he helped advance them to qualify for the Champions League last season. At age 25, he has rejuvenated his career at Celtic and has only played eight international appearances. He is looking to add to his one goal for Japan.
GROUP F
BELGIUM, CANADA, MOROCCO, CROATIA
Belgium (3-4-3)
Starting 11- Courtois, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Dendoncker, Hazard, Witsel, De Bruyne, Meunier, Hazard, Lukaku, Mertens
Belgium is always considered one of the favourites but has continually failed to live up to their expectations. This year may be the year for the Belgium players and fans. Mainstay Thibaut Courtois will once again start as the goalkeeper and will have former Tottenham teammates Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld as the two centre-backs. In a 3-4-3 formation, Leander Dendoncker will fill the remaining centre-back position.
Borussia Dortmund teammates Thorgan Hazard and Thomas Meunier will play on the wing but can transition to defence if need be. In the middle of the park, Kevin De Bruyne will play an attacking midfield while Axel Witsel will play a more defending role. This creates the two players to rely on one another, especially in counter-attacks like they showed in 2018 in Russia.
Captain Eden Hazard will take one of the forward spots and play on the left. Unfortunately, he hasn’t had the best form at the club level since joining Real Madrid from Chelsea. But, for the national team, his form comes right back and provides striker Romelu Lukaku with good opportunities to score. 35-year-old Dries Mertens has once again made the squad and will play as a starter. Even as he gets older he can still deliver constant pressure on the opposing defenders.
As Belgium has one of the best squads on paper, many players could make the starting team, replacing some of the players. The most likely is Arthur Theate in defence, Hans Vanaken in the midfield and Charles De Ketelaere in the forwards.
Canada (4-3-2-1)
Starting 11- Borjan, Miller, Adekugbe, Vitoria, Johnston, Osorio, Hutchinson, Laryea, Davies, David, Larin
Canada is one of the most underrated countries in the world but is slowly gaining recognition after beating the United States several times during the CONCACAF qualifiers for the World Cup. A big part of their wins was the combination of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. Playing as a left-back at the club level with Bayern Munich, Davies has become a forward with the national team. He will play at CAM supplying strikers David and Cyle Larin with good through balls.
Captain Aitba Hutchinson is back in the Canadian jersey and needs two more appearances to play 100 games with the national team. He will be joined by Jonathan Osorio and Richie Laryea. Just like Davies, Laryea’s normal position is as a defender but will have to transition to the midfield due to Canada’s lack of success in these positions.
Sam Adekugbe and Steven Vitoria will lead the defence in the centre while Kamal Miller and Alistair Johnston will help out-wide. These options are a big reason for Canada’s success and these players will be relied upon up heavily to perform well at the World Cup.
Apart from the players above who will be a part of the starting team, No.10 Junior Hoilet is the best squad member to make a case to start. The Reading superstar has played 50 games for the national team in the midfield.
Croatia (4-3-3)
Starting 11- Livakovic, Barisic, Gvardiol, Lovren, Juranovic, Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric, Perisic, Kramartic, Vlasic
The 2018 World Cup runners-up are looking to go one better this tournament as they eye the iconic World Cup trophy. However, they produce a very new team with most of their 2018 squad retiring or currently not in good form. Former Ballon d’Or Luka Modric will once again play a vital role in the midfield. This time he will be with Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic who will play a defensive role.
Continuing with defence, the self-proclaimed best centre-back in the world, Dejan Lovren is back in the side having reclaimed his spot for the national team. 20-year-old Josko Gvardiol will take the other spot with lots of eyes on the young future star. Borna Barisic and Josip Juranovic will play as the full-backs. Normally hated rivals in the Scottish Premiership, they will put all that behind them for the World Cup.
Ivan Perisic will once again start on the left, as Nikola Vlasic finally gets his turn to start on the right. The former CSKA Moscow attacker’s versatility is the main reason for his selection into the starting team. He can play in the midfield, wing or striker. With the retirement of Mandzukic, Andrej Kramaric will start in the team with the No.9 jersey. Rounding up the team is Dominik Livakovic from Dinamo Zagreb in goals.
Mislav Orsic is looking to replace Vlasic in the squad and may do as the tournament progresses. The same can be said for 2018 World Cup final starter Domagoj Vida, who is looking to take out any of the four defenders in the starting team.
Morocco (4-3-3)
Starting 11- Bono, Mazraoui, Saiss, Aguerd, Hakimi, Sabiri, Amrabat, Amallah, Boufal, En-Nesyri, Ziyech
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou will lead Morocco’s strongest side to play in a World Cup from the goalkeeper position. His defenders in front of him will consist of the captain Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd. The full-backs have become the most talked about players not only in the lead-up to the tournament but since their debut for the national side. PSG’s Achraf Hakimi will fill the right-back spot while Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui will play as left-back.
The midfield will be made up of three players as Morocco will rock up in the 4-3-3 formation. Attacking midfielder Abdelhamid Sabiri will play on the left and mix it up with the attackers, getting forward when he is able to. Sofyan Amrabat and Selim Amallah will join him as the remaining starting midfielders. Both being aged in their mid-20s they have just started to hit their footballing prime.
The forwards will consist of Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal on the wing, with Ziyech on the right and Boufal on the left. With them playing on the edges of the field it will give Youssef En-Nesyri more time to get free in space as the striker.
Contending for a starting spot in the team will be Abderrazak Hamdallah, who has started to regress after fantastic performances in the last three years, and Anass Zaroury who has yet to make his national team debut but is contracted with Burnely from the Premier League.
GROUP G
BRAZIL, SERBIA, SWITZERLAND, CAMEROON
Brazil (4-2-3-1)
Starting 11- Alisson, Telles, Silva, Marquinhos, Alves, Casemiro, Fabinho, Neymar, Paqueta, Vini Jr., Jesus
Brazil head into the World Cup as the odds-on favourites to win the tournament. Producing the best-attacking team in the World Cup, they have a plethora of players to choose from to play as starters. Gabriel Jesus will lead the attack in the forward line. Having a great season to date, he has earnt his spot over the other forwards in the team like Richarlison.
Continuing their attacking style of play, Neymar, Lucas Paqueta and Vini Jr., will all play in the position of a central attacking midfielder. However, all players tend to also convert into wingers when they are playing. With their attacking style of play, Brazil will look to Premier League duo Casemiro and Fabinho to run the defense in the midfield. This option allows Brazil to not concede as many goals as last time.
They produce two of the top five keepers in the world but unfortunately only one of them will get to play. Liverpool’s Alisson will get the nod of club rival Ederson who plays for Machester City. Dani Alves will once again appear in the Brazilian outfit as a right-back and so will captain Thiago Silva. After Marcelo no longer being in the national team, Alex Telles will finally get to start in a World Cup game. Silva’s former partner at PSG, Marquinhos will get the last position in defence.
Due to the large depth in Brazil’s squad, there are many players who could get chosen to play in the starting team. The most likely options for coach Tite is to bring in Eder Militao as centre-back, Fred into the midfield and Raphinha into the forwards.
Cameroon (4-4-2)
Starting 11- Onana, Ebosse, Castelletto, Nkoulou, Fai, Ekambi, Anguissa, Gouet, Mbeumo, Choupo-Moting, Aboubakar
Cameroon has a solid squad with a range of experienced and younger players. The national team have a good shot to make it far in the tournament but it all depends on whether all their players can perform at the same time. The main feature of the team is their attacking duo in Bayern Munich forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and captain Vincent Aboubakar.
In the 4-4-2 formation, Cameroon will have two wider players and two in the middle. The central positions will go to Napoli midfielders Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Samuel Gouet. Normally playing as a striker, Lyon’s Karl Toko Ekambi will have to transition into a wide-position winger. It may take some time for him to adjust but there is no doubt he will deliver. The other wing spot will go to Bryan Mbeumo who has had a good season to date with Brentford.
After returning from his one-year ban for taking illicit substances, Andre Onana has tried to rekindle his form at Inter Milan. It has taken some time for him to regain his prime form but he will start for Cameroon. The starting defenders include two younger players combined with two older experienced veterans. Nicolas Nkoulou and Collins Fai will deliver experience, whereas Jean-Charles Castelletto and Enzo Ebosse are hoping to learn from them and top their mentor’s performances.
Serbia (3-5-1-1)
Starting 11- Rajkovic, Velkovic, Nastasic, Mitrovic, Kostic, Milinkovic-Savic, Gudez, Lukic, Lazovic, Tadic, Vlahovic
Serbia is one of the few teams to start games in a 3-back formation. Their unique formation of 3-5-1-1 will hopefully give them the edge over their competition. Predrag Rajkovic will start in the gloves ahead of fellow LaLiga keeper Marko Dmitrovic. The three centre-back roles will be given to Milos Veljkovic, Stefan Mitrovic and Matija Nastasic who has played in England, Germany, Italy and now Spain.
The weird formation will give them the opportunity to select five midfielders in the team. Filip Kostic will play on the left-hand side of the field, and Darko Lazaovic will be opposite him. In the middle of the park will be Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, central defensive midfielder Nemanja Guddelj and Sasa Lukic. Out of these five players, the one to watch is Milinkovic-Savic.
Due to this formation, Serbia will play a centre-forward and a striker. Duslan Tadic will play under Juventus forward Dusan Vlahov. Tadic brings a wealth of experience while Vlahovic inserts new blood into the team and a different style of attacking play/ Together they will cause much trouble for the opposing defenders.
Forward Aleksandar Mitrovic and Luke Jovoc are the most unlucky to miss out on a spot in the starting team. However, they won’t come in as a starter unless injuries occur to players in the squad.
Switzerland (4-2-3-1)
Starting 11- Sommer, Rodriguez, Akanji, Schar, Widmer, Zakaria, Xhaka, Okafor, Sow, Shaqiri, Embolo
The Swiss national team will play a very attacking style of play. This is due to the players they have selected for the squad and the 11 players that will be starting. Breel Embolo will be their first-choice striker having already played 59 times for the national team. While at the other end of the pitch will be ball-stopper Yans Sommer, who is the best goalkeeper in the Bundesliga behind Manuel Neuer.
The defence line will be made up of Manuel Akanji and Fabian Schar as centre-backs and Ricardo Rodriguez and Silvan Widmer as the two full-backs. Having joined Manchester City, Akanji has failed to cement a spot in the team, this is a great opportunity to showcase his talents. Schar, however, has had a great season with Newcastle United, solidifying them near the top of the table.
Captain Granit Xhaka will play as a defensive midfielder, along with Chelsea’s Denis Zakaria. With two capable players in these positions, it will allow their three attacking midfielders to not worry about rushing back to help their defenders. Xherdan Shaqiri will take one of the spots. The remaining two have been up in the air during the lead-up to the tournament but will go to Noah Okafor and Djibril Sow. Both will be invaluable in attack and have shown their talent at their respective club teams.
Nico Elvedi is unlucky to miss the starting team and will be hot on the heels of the defenders. While having appeared 89 times and scored 25 goals for Switzerland, Haris Seferovic will provide another striker option, if Embolo is struggling throughout the tournament.
GROUP H
PORTUGAL, GHANA, URUGUAY, KOREA REPUBLIC
Portugal
Starting 11- Costa, Mendes, Pepe, Dias, Cancelo, Neves, Carvallaho, Felix, Fernandes, Silva, Ronaldo
The main player of the team and the one to watch is Cristiano Ronaldo. After a disappointing start with Manchester United, he is looking to bounce back. In what will be his last World Cup appearance, he has been provided with a bunch of star players to bring the trophy to Portugal for the first time. Helping him in attack will be Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, and fellow club teammate Bruno Fernandes.
Reuben Neves and Willam Carvallaho will play the defensive midfielder roles. As Portugal is known more for their attack, they will have to help assist the defenders. Their role can be seen as the most important, due to their ability to control the midfield away from the opposition and re-gather the ball back.
Portugal’s defence will include a range of players of all ages. Veteran Pepe will play as one of the centre-backs. While Ruben Dias, who had a great 2021/22 Premier League season will assist him. Both players are known for their aggression and physicality and won’t back down from a challenge. The full-backs will be made up of young Nuno Mendes who will take the reigns of playing on the left side of the field, while Joao Cancelo will play on the right.
Diogo Dalot, Joao Mario, and Andre Silva are three players in the squad who could end up in the starting team. Due to the age of some of the starters, they may have the urge to come onto the game as substitutes and play in short bursts.
Ghana (4-2-3-1)
Starting 11- Ati-Zigi, Rahman, Salisu, Amartey, Lamptey, Partey, Owusu, Kudos, A. Ayew, J. Ayew, Williams
Having not found success in recent World Cups and tournaments around the world, Ghana is looking to turn this around. The aim for them is to achieve a spot in the Round of 16. Lawrence Ati-Zigi will wear the No.1 shirt, and be the primary goalie in the tournament. Premier League players Tariq Lamptey and Daniel Amartey will gain a spot in the starting defence on the right-hand side. On the left, the two defenders will be Mohammed Salisu and Babe Rahman.
Thomas Partey will be Ghana’s key player and will begin the game as a defensive midfielder. Alongside him is Elisha Owusu from KAA Gent in the Belgian Pro League. Starting as attacking midfielders will be Ajax Mohammed Kudos on the left, Jordan Ayew on the right and captain Andre Ayew in the centre.
Former Spanish international Inaki Williams aligned to play with Ghana this year. He has been a big bonus to the team. In only three appearances for Ghana, he has provided skill, accuracy and attacking prowess.
Eying a spot in the starting team is Bristol City attacker Antoine Semenyo in the forwards, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh in the midfield and Gideon Mensah in defence.
South Korea (4-4-2)
Starting 11- S. Kim, J. Kim, Y. Kim, Kwon, T. Kim, Jung, Paik, Lee, C. Kwon, H. Hwang, Son
Having caused multiple upsets at the previous World Cup in Russia, which included defeating Germany, South Korea are ready to do it again. National hero Kim Seung-Gyu will once again take the role at the back of the field after being instrumental over the course of four years. Kwon Kyung-Won and Kim Young-Gwon will have the honours of representing their country as centre-backs. While Kim Jin-Su and Kim Tae-Hwan will fill out the rest of the defence as full-backs.
Playing in the 4-4-2 formation, they will opt to choose two central midfielders with the other two playing in a wing/midfielder role. Paik Seung-Ho and Lee Jae-Sung arrive in the centre midfield position. Starting on the left and right wing, Jung Woo-Young and Kwon Chang-Hoon will slowly transition into a more central midfield role if they are needed. Jung will provide an insight into the pitch quality, as he currently plays in the Qatari Premier League with Al-Sadd.
The remaining two positions for the South Korea starting team will incorporate two strikers. Having recently returned from injury, captain Son Heung-Min will add star power to the squad. South Korea’s best player, will have to have a big impact during the games. Fellow Premier League striker Hwang Hee-Chan will join Son, creating a good attacking combination. Hwang is one of the quickest players in the tournament and he will utilise this in every game.
Eager to earn a spot in the starting team, Olympiacos forward Hwang Ul-Jo may replace Hwang if they are looking to add more experience to the starting set-up. Another player who is close to starting is goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-Woo. He has provided good saves during the World Cup qualifiers and friendly games.
Uruguay (4-4-2)
Starting 11- Muslera, Olivera, Godin, Gimenez, Araujo, De La Cruz, Valverde, Bentacur, Pellistri, Nunez, Suarez
Uruguay’s strength comes from its two players in the forwards, midfield, and defence. Their scoring will come from strikers Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez. Suarez is looking to have a big World Cup to impress potential buyers after not being re-signed by Atletico Madrid. His buddy, Nunez, has also had problems at the club level. After joining Liverpool this season, he has failed to cement his position in the starting side, this will change if has a successful campaign.
Providing the two strikers with opportunities will be central midfielders Bentacur and Valverde. Each player provides a range of skills and will have to supply the forwards with a range of different passes. Nicolas de la Cruz and Facundo Pellistri will start on either side of the pitch but will move into the centre as the game progresses over time. Pellistri is a player to watch for fans and is considered one of the best young players in the tournament.
Uruguay has a strong defence, unlike most World Cups they are in. Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez will reunite once again and build on their strong relationship from Atletico Madrid and years playing for Uruguay. Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo will take the right-back position but will play as a third centre-back. Veteran Martin Caceres, has bounds of experience from his 115 international games with Uruguay and adds to their strong defensive depth. Fernando Muslera will round out the team starting in goals.
National legend Edinson Cavani may get another opportunity to start in the forwards alongside Suarez, whilst defensive-minded midfielder Lucas Torreira and Roma’s left-back Matias Vecino could also enter the starting team.
