As 2022 comes to a close, the holiday season approaches with a spark of international football, on the biggest worldwide stage, the World Cup.

    According to CBS Sports, Sunday, Nov. 20 kicks off the battle for the title of international football. The kick-off between Qatar and Ecuador signals the first page of a story that will be told forever as 32 teams compete to bring home the title for their countries. With this kick-off on the horizon fans, coaches, and players’ excitement brews.

   “We believe we have a talented group, a strong team spirit, and one that is ready to compete. We are extremely proud and honored to represent the United States and appreciate all the amazing support from our fans in Qatar,”  USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter said.

   According to ESPN, as late November approaches the countries who qualified for the 2022 World Cup announced the squads they will bring. With the idea of the teams that will compete, experts calculated the odds for each country to bring the title back to their country. In rankings including BetMGM, Martin Green (Sportsline soccer insider) and many other sources put Brazil’s odds to win ahead of the others by a large margin. Brazil is the most successful country in this competition’s long history with five titles just ahead of Germany and Italy with four titles each.

   “Brazil were not far off four years ago, when they were unlucky to lose to Belgium in the quarterfinals. They are a better side now and will take some stopping. Since their 2002 World Cup win, every campaign has ended after they met European opposition in the knockout phase. How will they cope with the European challenge this time? They are justified favorites,” ESPN journalist Tim Vickery said.

   The World Cup starts with eight groups of four teams named groups A-H. Each team will play the other three teams one time until two teams advance to the Round of 16 based on the number of points earned through their three games. Each group has a clear favorite to win the group but as with every World Cup, there will be many shocks and upsets. However, in order A-H, the predicted group toppers are the Netherlands, Argentina, Germany, Brazil, England, France, Belgium, and Portugal. 

   “Ever since Brazil won its record fifth title in 2002, it has become the UEFA invitational, with Italy, Spain, Germany, and France claiming the subsequent World Cup titles in succession. There’s no shortage of European contenders this time around,” Sports Illustrated writer Andrew Gallestum said.

   After they missed the 2018 World Cup, the USMNT qualified for the 2022 World Cup and is the youngest team with an average age of 25 years old. They were placed in Group B with Iran, England, and Wales. Most experts say that USA will advance into the Round of 16 in second place behind England, however, many also predict Iran will move on. The USA team has a lot of pressure on their backs. If they finish second they will likely play Netherlands or Senegal. The team looks to be led by star players Christian Pulisic from Chelsea and Brenden Aaronson from Leeds.

   “Tim Ream’s inclusion should be enough to steady the United States defense and see them through the group but there are still concerns around an attack that needed some help to score three goals in three games. It’s a narrow margin but defeating Iran on the final day of matches is just enough to see the United States through to the next round,” CBS sports staff said.

     Come November 20 the pen hits the paper and the novel of another World Cup starts joy and sadness will be brought to the fans of the 32 competing countries. Look out for Brazil and Argentina to dominate with teams like former champions France, Germany, and Portugal to contest for the crown of international football.