With the 2022 FIFA World Cup around the corner, now is a good time to check out the latest Qatar 2022 team stats and give you our World Cup predictions.
The next four weeks in Qatar will be special as the world’s best national teams compete for soccer’s biggest prize.
In this in-depth World Cup betting preview, we take a look at the players to watch out for in Qatar and track down the best World Cup Golden Ball odds.
FIFA World Cup Preview
Thirty-two teams are set to go head-to-head in the 22nd running of the FIFA World Cup. This is the biggest sporting competition on the planet, and this year’s unique tournament in Qatar promises to be memorable.
Before a ball has been kicked in anger, the usual suspects are the pre-tournament favorites. Brazil, the record World Cup winners, are once again the outright favorites to lift the trophy.
England, who reached the UEFA Euro 2020 final last year, are among the fancied teams alongside fellow European nations:
- France
- Spain
- Germany
Argentina have also been tipped to do well in Western Asia.
The tournament begins this weekend when hosts Qatar face Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium. The following day:
- England
- United States
- Wales
Get their World Cup schedules underway.
The Three Lions play Iran at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, while the Stars and Stripes take on the Dragons at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
The top footballers in the world are looking to put on a show in Asia, but who will be the best player of the tournament in Qatar?
The main candidates are below – check out the latest World Cup Golden Ball odds and predictions.
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Candidates
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe heads to Qatar as the bookies’ favorite to run out FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner.
The Paris Saint-Germain ace is enjoying another fine season in France’s top tier, netting 12 times to sit at the summit of the scoring charts in Ligue 1.
Despite being just 23, Mbappe is incredibly experienced at an international level, already racking up almost 60 appearances for his national side.
In Russia four years ago, the forward won the FIFA World Cup Young Player Award and was on the scoresheet in the final.
Mbappe is the Golden Ball favorite at +950, and the PSG hitman is certainly one to watch out for in Qatar.
Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema has had his issues with the France national team over the years, but the Real Madrid striker is back in the team and looks hungrier than ever.
Benzema had an outstanding year for Real last term, firing his side to La Liga and UEFA Champions League glory.
The 34-year-old is unplayable on his day, and France’s front two of Benzema and Mbappe will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with in Qatar.
With this likely to be Benzema’s last World Cup, the current Ballon d’Or holder will be looking to go out with a bang. The attacker is priced at +1000 to win the best player accolade.
Lionel Messi
Despite being regarded as the best player to have ever lived, Lionel Messi has yet to win the World Cup. At the tender age of 35, time is running out for Messi to lift soccer’s ultimate prize.
Messi, who is priced at +1000, still has a lot to offer, and the PSG superstar could light up the World Cup at any given time. Can Messi fire his nation to glory and win the World Cup Golden Ball in Qatar?
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is having another brilliant season for Manchester City in the Premier League. De Bruyne has won a hatful of trophies during his time with the Citizens, but his Belgium team have yet to live up to their hype.
On his day, De Bruyne can unlock any defence with his precision passing and eye for goal. Right now, the Man City man is the fourth favorite to win the Golden Ball at +1400.
Harry Kane
If England are to go far in a major tournament once again, skipper Harry Kane will have to be at his best. The Three Lions striker was the top scorer at the last World Cup in Russia and was named in the All-Star and Dream Teams.
Kane remains England’s main man, and only Man City’s Erling Haaland has netted more Premier League goals than Tottenham Hotspur’s No. 10 this season.
Kane is available at the tempting odds of +1300 to take home the Golden Ball award.
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Odds & Prediction
Fans from all over the world are getting their World Cup predictions in as the eagerly anticipated tournament edges closer and closer. The world champions will be crowned a week before Christmas.
The world’s elite lock horns in Qatar on a busy World Cup schedule, but who will be the standout player to upset the World Cup Golden Ball odds?
Look no further than France’s Mbappe. The PSG striker heads to the World Cup as the favorite to win the Golden Ball, and his stats over the past few years show exactly why.
Les Bleus have been tipped to go far in Qatar, and Mbappe is our pick to win the World Cup Golden Ball.
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