World Cup 2022 Preview

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar kicks off this week and it's going to be tournament like no other. It will be taking in winter instead of the summer and it's in a country with a controversial human rights record. But we'll still get to see the best players in the world on the biggest stage which is what this tournament is all about.

In this preview I've done little fact file on each team which includes how far I think they'll go, their strongest line ups and who their most important player will be.

GROUP A

QATAR

MANAGER: Felix Sanchez

FIFA RANKING: 50

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 0

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: N/A

Qatar are the only side making their World Cup debut at this tournament and it happened to be at the tournament they were hosting. There has been a lot of controversy about them hosting this World Cup but players will be more focused on their football rather than the issues off the pitch.

KEY PLAYER: Hassan Al-Haydos

Position: Midfielder

Club: Al-Sadd

Al-Haydos is the captain of the team and one of the most experienced players in their team. He plays in deeper role these days but is still effective in that position as he can control play in midfield as well as push up the pitch to get goals.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They'll want to make the most of being in their first ever World Cup and especially as they're the hosts. But with a lack of well known quality in their side, they don't stand much of a chance.

ECUADOR

MANAGER: Gustavo Alfaro

FIFA RANKING: 44

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 3

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Last 16 - 2006

Ecuador never go far at the World Cup as they've never had the quality of the better sides. They'll again be underdogs this time round as they're in a tricky group but they'll try and stay in games as they're difficult to beat and can cause problems on the counter.

KEY PLAYER: Angel Mena

Position: Winger

Club: Leon

He is getting on at 34 but Mena will still be Ecuador's main man going into this World Cup. He comes up with crucial moments when his team need him to and he'll need to do that in this tournament if Ecuador are to qualify.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They have some good players in their team but none of them are considered to be top quality. They never go far at this tournament and because of that they'll be going home early.

SENEGAL

MANAGER: Aliou Cisse

FIFA RANKING: 18

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 2

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Quarter Finals - 2002

The AFCON champions will fancy themselves to repeat their exploits from 2002 as they have a number of top quality individuals within their team. They'll be one of the favourites to qualify from this group and their success at AFCON back in February will give them confidence that they can surprise some of the big teams like they did back in 2002.

KEY PLAYER: Kalidou Koulibaly

Position: Centre Back

Club: Chelsea

Koulibaly has been one of the best defenders in Europe for the last few years because of his strength and reading of the game. He may not have found his best form at Chelsea yet but he's still up there with the best defenders around because of his ability to snuff out danger and time tackles well.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They have some top quality players who are among the best players in their positions. They'll have enough to get out of the group but equalling their exploits from 2022 is a tough ask.

HOLLAND

MANAGER: Louis Van Gaal

FIFA RANKING: 8

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 10

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Runners Up x3 - 1974, 1978 and 2010

The Dutch are one of the most unluckiest sides in World Cup history in that they've reached the final on three occasions but didn't win any of them. They came 3rd the last time they took part in this tournament back in 2014 where they had current boss Louis Van Gaal in charge. Going that far might be a tough ask for them as they have some questions to answer over their team selection. But with some top quality players in their side, we shouldn't underestimate them.

KEY PLAYER: Virgil Van Dijk

Position: Centre Back

Club: Liverpool

The Dutch skipper missed the Euro's last year through injury and having available for this tournament is a much needed boost. He hasn't had his best season with Liverpool this year but when he's on it, he's right up there with the best defenders in the world because of his reading of the game and positioning.

PREDICTION: Quarter Finals

They have good squad filled with top quality players both young and experienced. With that and an experienced manager in charge who was with them last time they were in this tournament, they could go far.

GROUP B

ENGLAND

MANAGER: Gareth Southgate

FIFA RANKING: 5

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 14

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Winners - 1966

England go into this World Cup off the back of a poor Nations League qualifying campaign where they were relegated having finished bottom of their group. This might lower expectations for them at this tournament which could be used to their advantage. But after reaching the semi finals in Russia four years ago and the final of the Euro's last year, the three lions will surely want to go one better this time round.

KEY PLAYER: Harry Kane

Position: Striker

Club: Tottenham

After winning the golden boot at the last World Cup in Russia four years ago, Kane will surely have his eyes on another one this year. England's hopes will rest on the shoulders of their skipper who is also after Wayne Rooney's all-time goal record.

PREDICTION: Semi Finals

They're not in great form going into this tournament but Southgate should still get things right after two successful tournaments under his management. With a good and united squad on paper, they could go for it again.

IRAN

MANAGER: Carlos Quieroz

FIFA RANKING: 20

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 5

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Group Stage x5 - 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014 and 2018

Iran don't have a great record at the World Cup as they go out at the group stage whenever they take part. They'll be a tough team to break down as that is how they set up plus they have a proven goal scorer in Mehdi Taremi in their side. But they don't have the quality in their side that the other sides have which is why they'll be underdogs here.

KEY PLAYER: Mehdi Taremi

Position: Striker

Club: Porto

Taremi has proven himself as a top goal scorer in recent years with Porto both in the Portuguese Liga and the Champions League. He scores all types of goals and if Iran are to have a better chance this time round, they'll need him to deliver the goals.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They've never made it out the group stage at this tournament plus they don't have the quality that at least two of the teams in their group have. Because of this they'll be going home early.

USA

MANAGER: Gregg Berhalter

FIFA RANKING: 16

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 9

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Semi Finals - 1930

The USA have brought through some exciting young players since missing out on the last World Cup and the majority of them are in the development stage of their career. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie have been at the forefront of that over the last few years and will both be key for them at this World Cup. They're building an exciting team for the future and they'll want to show the potential they have.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They've never made it out the group stage at this tournament plus they also don't have the quality that at least two of the teams in their group have. Because of that they'll be going home early.

KEY PLAYER: Christian Pulisic

Position: Winger

Club: Chelsea

He may not play much for Chelsea but for his country, Pulisic is the main man. He's scored many crucial goals for them over the last few years and particularly during qualifying. If the USA are to go far at this World Cup, they'll need their Captain America to deliver the goods once again.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They've got some exciting young players in their squad which is a good sign for them moving forward. They won't go far but they should still have enough to get out the group because of the quality they have in their squad.

WALES

MANAGER: Rob Page

FIFA RANKING: 19

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 1

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Quarter Finals - 1958

It's been 64 years since Wales' last and only appearance at a World Cup finals and it's good to finally have them here. Some of their players deserve the chance to play here and especially Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale who have both been key to their story over the last decade or so. With this being their first World Cup in a long time, they might go into it in a similar way that they went into the Euro's back in 2016.

KEY PLAYER: Gareth Bale

Position: Forward

Club: Los Angeles

Bale will have officially completed the lot when he steps out for his country at this World Cup having represented them at two Euro's and won multiple Champions League's at Real Madrid. Wales' hopes will rest of their talismanic skipper who will want to end his international career on a high with this likely to be his last chapter with them.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They have some good and experienced players in their squad but not all of them are playing at a high level. As they're in a tough group alongside that, I'm afraid they're going to fall short.

GROUP C

ARGENTINA

MANAGER: Lionel Scaloni

FIFA RANKING: 3

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 17

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Winners x2 - 1978 and 1986

Argentina go into this World Cup in much better shape than they did in Russia four years ago. There is a structure behind the team that wasn't there before and they're also one of the in-form teams which will make them one of the favourites. A lot will rest on Messi who will be determined to finally get his hands on the famous trophy after winning the Copa America last year and the Finalissima in the summer. That alongside the fact that this will probably be his final World Cup.

KEY PLAYER: Lionel Messi

Position: Forward

Club: PSG

He may be getting on a bit at 35 but Messi still has the ability the change the outcome of a game with his brilliance on the ball. Argentina's hopes will rest on their talismanic skipper who is desperate to finally win this tournament so he can put himself up there as an Argentina legend alongside Diego Maradona.

PREDICTION: Semi Finals

They're one of the in-form teams going into this tournament having not lost a game for nearly three years. With Messi still around and some good players around him, they coudl go far.

SAUDI ARABIA

MANAGER: Herve Renard

FIFA RANKING: 51

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 5

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Last 16 - 1994

Saudi Arabia aren't really a country associated with the World Cup as they never go far when they take part and have only reached it on 5 occasions. They'll be massive underdogs again at this tournament as there are many better teams plus they're also one of the lowest ranked sides.

KEY PLAYER: Salem Al Dawsari

Position: Winger

Club: Al-Hilal

The captain is Saudi's most capped player with 71 appearances and is also a player who can pick out a pass and cause defenders problems with his pace. He scored 18 goals for Al-Hilal in the Saudi league last season and will need to repeat those exploits here if Saudi are to stand a chance.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They haven't got the quality that the other sides in their group have which makes them massive underdogs in this group. Because of this they're going to be heading home early.

MEXICO

MANAGER: Gerardo Martino

FIFA RANKING: 13

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 16

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Quarter Finals x2 - 1970 and 1986

Mexico are that team who always have enough to qualify from the group but never go beyond the last 16. They've failed to go beyond the round of 16 at the last seven World Cup's and it's possible that they're going to fall at the same hurdle again this time round. They have some top players in their squad like Hirving Lozano but the majority of their players are ageing.

KEY PLAYER: Hirving Lozano

Position: Winger

Club: Napoli

Lozano has been a key player for Mexico since the last World Cup and will go into this one as their go to player. He can both score and create goals with both feet and he'll need to do that if Mexico are to do well. Especially as he's their only serious goal threat.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They've always had enough to get out the group but not enough to seriously go far. I can see that repeating itself again this year as they definitely have the quality to qualify but not to go beyond the round of 16.

POLAND

MANAGER: Czeslaw Michniewicz

FIFA RANKING: 26

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 8

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: 3rd Place x2 - 1974 and 1982

Poland haven't done as well as they would've liked to in recent tournaments and the reason for that is probably because they're over reliant on Robert Lewandowski. Having a striker of that calibre in your side will always give you chance but you need the other players around him need to step up as well. They do have a decent squad of players and some of them need to step up if their marksman is having an off day.

KEY PLAYER: Robert Lewandowski

Position: Striker

Club: Barcelona

Lewandowski hasn't really delivered at major tournaments during his international career and it's probably because he has the weight of the nation on his shoulders. There is no one as deadly in the box as him when he's at his best and if the Poles are to give this tournament a good shot, they need their marksman in form.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They've disappointed at major tournaments in recent years and I can see that happening against at this one. They do have a top class striker in their ranks but I can see them over rely on him like they have done in recent years on the big stage.

GROUP D

FRANCE

MANAGER: Didier Deschamps

FIFA RANKING: 4

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 15

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Winners x2 - 1998 and 2018

The defending champions will be looking to both defend their crown and avoid being hit by the winners curse. The last three winners of the World Cup in Italy (2006), Spain (2010) and Germany (2014) all went out at the group stage the following World Cup and France should focus on that first before thinking about defending their crown. Especially with one or two key players missing through injury.

KEY PLAYER: Kylian Mbappe

Position: Forward

Club: PSG

Mbappe was the best young player at the last World Cup and will go into this one as France's go-to man. His blistering pace and ability to score goals is a nightmare for any defender in world football and it's what has made him one of the best in the world. He's set to be France's main man for many years as he's still very young.

PREDICTION: Quarter Finals

They haven't been the same team since they won it four years ago plus they're missing a couple of key players through injury. But with some good young players in their squad, they should still get out the group and avoid the dreaded winners curse.

AUSTRALIA

MANAGER: Graham Arnold

FIFA RANKING: 38

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 5

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Last 16 - 2006

The Aussies always qualify for the World Cup but never really give it a good shot. They have had one or two good players over the years like Tim Cahill but they haven't always delivered as a team. Their squad on paper doesn't look great when you look at it as it doesn't have any real stars like it used to over a decade ago.

KEY PLAYER: Aaron Mooy

Position: Midfielder

Club: Celtic

He might not be a regular for Celtic but for Australia Mooy is the main man. He gives the midfield lots of energy and can also offer a goal threat which is a major plus for the Aussies. They'll need him to provide both if they're to give themselves a good chance at this tournament because of how important he is to the team.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They never go far at this tournament as they never have enough quality to do so. As they're in another tough group alongside their lack of quality, it's going to end with the same outcome again.

DENMARK

MANAGER: Kasper Hjulmand

FIFA RANKING: 10

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 5

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Quarter Finals - 1998

Some people have Denmark down as their dark horses and I can understand why after reaching the semi finals of the Euro's last year. They did that without their best player in Christian Eriksen who is back over a year after his cardiac arrest at that very tournament. The Danes look strong in almost every position and with Eriksen back in their midfield, they might surprise one or two teams.

KEY PLAYER: Christian Eriksen

Position: Midfielder

Club: Man United

Not many people thought that Eriksen would be at this World Cup after what happened to him at the Euro's yet here he is ready to lead Denmark out at another tournament. He's still got that ability to pick out a pass from anywhere on the pitch due to his vision and can still control the flow of a game from midfield with his creativity. He's still the same player he always has been right throughout his career.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They'll have enough quality to get out the group but not to reach the latter stages. Their performance at the Euro's last year will give them confidence but doing that on the world stage will be even more challenging.

TUNISIA

MANAGER: Jalel Kadri

FIFA RANKING: 30

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 5

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Group Stage x 5 - 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2018

Not much is expected of Tunisia going into any World Cup as they're always put in a tough group. They've gone out at the group stage every time they've taken part in this tournament and again they find themselves in another tough group. There are a number of good players in their team but the team itself doesn't have the quality of some of the others taking part in this tournament.

KEY PLAYER: Wahbi Khazri

Position: Forward

Club: Montpellier

Khazri has carried Tunisia for a number of years now and is likely to again at this tournament. He's got plenty of skills up his sleeves and has the ability to shoot from almost anywhere in the opposition half. Tunisia are to stand any chance at this World Cup, they'll need him on form and on top of his game.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They've never made it out the group stage at this tournament as they're always in a tough group. As they're in another tough group this time round, the same outcome is likely to take place again.

GROUP E

SPAIN

MANAGER: Luis Enrique

FIFA RANKING: 7

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 15

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Winners - 2010

Spain were a team in transition during the Euro's and will be again going into this World Cup. I was very surprised that they left both David De Gea and Thiago out of their squad for this tournament as I was very much expecting both of them to be included. But they still have some talented young players included in the likes of Pedri, Gavi and Ansu Fati who will all be key players for them in the future.

KEY PLAYER: Pedri

Position: Midfielder

Club: Barcelona

Pedri was the best young player at the Euro's last year and is already looking like a top player at the age of 19. He's got a bit of both Xavi and Andres Iniesta in him in that he's a brilliant passer like Xavi and has ability to drive forward with the ball like Iniesta. He's shown this many times both for Spain and Barcelona.

PREDICTION: Quarter Finals

They're currently a team in transition so we shouldn't expect them to go very far. But they should still win the group as they have some good young players in their squad and enough quality to achieve that.

COSTA RICA

MANAGER: Luis Fernando Suarez

FIFA RANKING: 31

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 5

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Quarter Finals - 2014

Costa Rica go into every World Cup as underdogs as they're always placed in a tough group and are never given much of a chance. This year will be the same as they're again in a difficult group and not many people will be giving them much of a chance. They did surprise everyone at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil by winning their group and reaching the Quarter Finals beating Italy and Uruguay on their way. But repeating that feat will look very unlikely.

KEY PLAYER: Joel Campbell

Position: Winger

Club: Leon

The Former Arsenal player has been a key player for Costa Rica right throughout his career by making many crucial contributions when his team need him to. His goal return may not be the best but he can still offer a goal threat with his pace and runs in behind.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They have an ageing squad with the majority of their players reaching the latter stages of their careers. As they're also in a tough group, I think they're going to go home early.

GERMANY

MANAGER: Hansi Flick

FIFA RANKING: 11

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 19

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Winners x4 - 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014

Germany are a team in transition going into this World Cup with it being their first tournament under Hansi Flick who is building a team to return to the heights they were once at. Flick will know the set up of the national team having been Joachim Lowe's assistant for 8 years and he'll also play an attacking style of football like we saw during his time at Bayern Munich. A lot will be expected of the Germans as they have very high standards but their expectations may be slightly lower than usual.

KEY PLAYER: Joshua Kimmich

Position: Midfielder

Club Bayern Munich

Kimmich was a right back when he first broke into the German team and has since then evolved into a top class central midfielder. He's got all the tools to play that position as he's got an excellent range of passing, lots of energy and can dictate play in midfield. This makes him the perfect replacement for Toni Kroos.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They're currently a team in transition and are also lacking an out an out goal scorer. They should get out the group as they have a good enough squad to do so plus they can also be a good team to watch on their day.

JAPAN

MANAGER: Hajime Moriyasu

FIFA RANKING: 24

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 6

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Last 16 x3 - 2002, 2010 and 2018

Japan's World Cup record isn't actually that bad for an Asian country as they've made it out the group three times. They've been in tough groups on most of those occasions and yet they still managed to qualify from their respective group on three occasions. They're in another tough group again this year but their chances of making the knockout stages will be tougher this time round.

KEY PLAYER: Takumi Minamino

Position: Winger

Club: Monaco

The former Liverpool player is someone who will score big goals when his team need him to and he certainly did that during qualifying and during his final season at Anfield in the cup competitions. He scored 9 goals during Japan's qualifying campaign and he'll need to show that sort of form if they're to progress from this group.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They have been a surprise package on this stage in recent years but I can't see them being that team this year. They're in a tough group and they don't have the quality of players that the big teams in their group have.

GROUP F

BELGIUM

MANAGER: Roberto Martinez

FIFA RANKING: 2

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 13

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: 3rd Place - 2018

This has to the final chance for Belgium's golden generation to win a major tournament with the majority of their players getting on a bit. 11 of their players are over the age of 30 with some of them unlikely to in another major finals. The Euro's last year was a big opportunity missed as most of their players were in their prime making it their best chance to win something. But having missed out on that, this World Cup is all or nothing for their golden generation.

KEY PLAYER: Kevin De Bruyne

Position: Midfielder

Club: Man City

De Bruyne has been one of the best midfielders on the planet for a while now because of his ability to control games from midfield and pick out any kind of pass from almost anywhere on the pitch. Not many players have the ability he does and if Belgium are to win this tournament, they'll need KDB at his brilliant best.

PREDICTION: Runners Up

This is no doubt the last chance for their golden generation to win something with most of them reaching the end of their international careers. There is a lot of talent in their squad but I can see them fall short again.

CANADA

MANAGER: John Herdman

FIFA RANKING: 41

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 1

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Group Stage - 1986

It's been 36 years since Canada's last and only appearance at a World Cup finals and their fans will surely be looking forward to the occasion. They haven't had an opportunity like this for a number of years and the players will just go out there and enjoy the occasion as they may not get another opportunity like this. This was their best opportunity to qualify for the World Cup as they have one or two stars playing in top European leagues in Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. Those two will be key for them at this World Cup.

KEY PLAYER: Alphonso Davies

Position: Winger

Club: Bayern Munich

Davies plays in a more advanced position for his country than he does for Bayern where he plays at left back. His pace is a nightmare for any opposing full back to deal with whenever he comes charging down the left flank and at the age of 22 he's set to be an important player for Canada for many years.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They don't have a lot of tournament experience with it being their first major in a number of years. They do have some good players but with their lack of tournament experience at this level, they'll be going home early.

MOROCCO

MANAGER: Walid Regragui

FIFA RANKING: 22

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 5

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Last 16 - 1986

Morocco will be one of the underdogs in this group with Canada as their team isn't as stacked with quality as the other two. They do have some good individuals who are playing at high levels but their team overall is not as blessed with quality than most of the teams at this tournament.

KEY PLAYER: Achraf Hakimi

Position: Right Back

Club: PSG

Hakimi is one of the best full backs around as he's effective both offensively and defensively. He loves to bomb forward and help his team out going forward with the pace he has whilst defensively he's always in the right place at the right time. He'll be key to how Morocco play with his energy and pace down the right flank.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They have some good players in their squad but their overall team doesn't have the quality that the big two teams have. Because of this I think they'll go home early.

CROATIA

MANAGER: Zlatko Dalic

FIFA RANKING: 12

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 5

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Runners Up - 2018

Croatia surprised many people with their run to the final in Russia four years ago but repeating that feat this time round will be tough. They still have Luka Modric around to pull the strings in midfield at the age of 37 and the energy of Mateo Kovacic alongside him, but the team itself is getting on a bit. Most of their players are over the age of 30 and this tournament is likely to mark the end of an era.

KEY PLAYER: Luka Modric

Position: Midfielder

Club: Real Madrid

He may be getting on a bit but Modric still has the vision and ability to control games from midfield at the grand age of 37. The former Ballon d'or winner will again be Croatia's go to man at this World Cup like he has been for several years and he'll again be crucial to far far they go.

PREDICTION: Last 16

Repeating their exploits from four years ago will be a tough act to follow as they have an ageing squad and some of the players they had back then have moved on. They'll get out the group but I don't think they'll go very far.

GROUP G

BRAZIL

MANAGER: Tite

FIFA RANKING: 1

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 21

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Winners x5 - 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002

Brazil are one of the favourites going into any World Cup due to the history they have in the with it. They've disappointed in this tournament since their last triumph but this year they should fare a bit better. Their squad is arguably the strongest out of all the teams taking part with the depth it has and they go into the tournament in great form. They have some exciting young players in their squad and some good experienced ones to which will give them a good balance.

KEY PLAYER: Neymar

Position: Forward

Club: PSG

Neymar will again be Brazil's talisman going into this World Cup which is likely to be his final tournament with the national team. If that is the case he'll want to end his international career on a high by leading his side to no.6 so he can put himself amongst the greats who have worn the yellow shirt.

PREDICTION: Winners

Their strength in depth is very strong with the options they have and particularly in forward areas. With this and some good young players in their squad, they could finally bring home no.6.

SERBIA

MANAGER: Dragan Stojkovic

FIFA RANKING: 21

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 12

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: 4th Place - 1962

Serbia have been listed as one of the dark horses at this World Cup and understandably so given the attacking quality they have. Dusan Tadic has taken his game to anther level since he's been at Ajax whilst their front two of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic are both out and out goal scorers. They've been known for having good defensive players in the past like Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Vidic and Nemanja Matic. But now they have some quality attacking players who are capable of scoring a handful of goals.

KEY PLAYER: Aleksandar Mitrovic

Position: Striker

Club: Fulham

Mitrovic will be the main man for Serbia at this tournament because of how important he is to the team. His goals were crucial to Serbia qualifying for this tournament and if he can carry both his club and international form in these finals, Serbia have a great chance of getting out this group.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They've got a lot of goals in their team with the players they have up top in Mitrovic and Vlahovic as well as Tadic in behind them. With a solid defence and a well balanced midfield, they should make it out the group.

SWITZERLAND

MANAGER: Murat Yakin

FIFA RANKING: 15

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 11

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Quarter Finals x2 - 1934 and 1938

Switzerland have been that team in recent tournaments who always qualify and make it out the group which is the minimal expectation them and has been for a log time. They're never expected to reach the Quarter Finals and beyond as there are better teams who reach that stage and they're not a side who are blessed with world class quality. They're a solid team defensively as that is how they set themselves up but going forward they don't score many goals.

KEY PLAYER: Xherdan Shaqiri

Position: Winger:

Club: Chicago Fire

He can be an in and out player at times but when he's one it, Shaqiri can be an absolute handful. He's been the Swiss' go to player for a number of years now as he's the only player in their team who can provide a moment of magic when needed and he's certainly going to be needed to do that at this tournament if the Swiss are to give themselves a chance.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They've got a lot of experience in their side which is always crucial going into any major tournament. But they haven't got a lot of goals in their team. Because of this I can see them fall short of the knockout stages.

CAMEROON

MANAGER: Rigobert Song

FIFA RANKING: 43

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 7

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Quarter Finals - 1990

Cameroon will be massive underdogs in this group as they don't have the calibre of players that the other three have. Their recent record at World Cup's is poor as they've gone out at the group stage in their last five appearances at this tournament. With this being possibly their toughest ever group at these finals, making it out the group this time round will be very challenging.

KEY PLAYER: Vincent Aboubakar

Position: Striker

Club: Al-Nassr

Aboubakar will be a more experienced international going into this World Cup having been a young player at his previous two in 2010 and 2014. He's had a prolific year so far having won the golden boot at AFCON and he'll need to show those goal scoring exploits here if Cameroon are to have any chance of getting out the group.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They usually disappoint when they're at this tournament and particualrly the last few times they've been here. As they're in a very tough group and the team itself lacking tournament experience at this level, I can see them struggle here.

GROUP H

PORTUGAL

MANAGER: Fernando Santos

FIFA RANKING: 9

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 7

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: 3rd Place - 1966

Portugal have had some wonderful players over the years but have rarely gone far in the World Cup. Their 4th place finish in 2006 remains their best performance since finishing 3rd in 1966 having failed to go beyond the round of 16 in their last three appearances. They relied a lot of Cristiano Ronaldo on each occasion and although they have a talented squad of players going into this one, they're probably going to rely on Ronaldo again.

KEY PLAYER: Cristiano Ronaldo

Position: Forward

Club: Man United

This tournament has to Ronaldo's last for the national team as he's now 37 and not getting any younger. He hasn't had a lot of luck at the World Cup as Portugal have often underperformed at it and he'll no doubt want a better showing from his team at this one so he can end his international career on a high.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They've been a disappointment at this tournament in recent years probably because of their reliance on Ronaldo. With their talisman reaching the end of his career, they can't rely on him for much longer.

GHANA

MANAGER: Otto Addo

FIFA RANKING: 61

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 3

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Quarter Finals - 2010

Ghana are the lowest ranked side at this World Cup which is quite surprising as they have some well known players in their squad like Thomas Partey and Andre Ayew. Being the lowest ranked side in the tournament will no doubt make them massive underdogs both in the tournament and in this group which looks pretty tough on paper. But they should give a good account of themselves as they have some good players.

KEY PLAYER: Thomas Partey

Position: Midfielder

Club: Arsenal

Partey brings a toughness and solidity to the Ghana midfield as he makes crucial interventions when his team need him to and protects the back four by sitting there and being that shield for their defence. His presence there enables the other midfielders to push up and will make Ghana a tough team defensively.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They're the lowest ranked side at this tournament despite them having some decent players. Because of that and the fact that they're in a tough group, they're going to struggle here.

URUGUAY

MANAGER: Diego Alonso

FIFA RANKING: 14

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 13

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Winners x2 - 1930 and 1950

This World Cup could mark the end of an era for Uruguay with some of their more experienced players reaching the end of their international careers. Diego Godin, Matin Caceres, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez are among that list with all of them now in their mid-30s. But they do have some good players for the future in the likes of Darwin Nunez, Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur all of whom will be set to play a key role at this World Cup.

KEY PLAYER: Luis Suarez

Position: Striker

Club: Nacional

He might not be the player he used to be but Suarez still knows where the back of the net is. His pace may not be what it used to be but his movement is still first class and is still capable of scoring any kind of goal. With this likely to be his final World Cup, he'll want to end his international career on a high.

PREDICTION: Quarter Finals

They have an ageing squad with some of their players of the age of 30. But with some good young players and a lot of experience in their squad, they should have enough to go beyond the round of 16.

SOUTH KOREA

MANAGER: Paulo Bento

FIFA RANKING: 28

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 10

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: 4th Place - 2002

Not much will be expected of South Korea at this World Cup as they're in a tough group but they do have the element of surprise in them. They shocked Germany at the last World Cup four years ago and will be hoping to do the same when they face Portugal and Uruguay who are no doubt the favourites to qualify from this group. With a player like Heung Min Son leading their attack, they always have a chance of causing a surprise.

KEY PLAYER: Heung Min Son

Position: Forward

Club: Tottenham

The Asian Cup champions will need Son at his best if they're to stand any chance at this World Cup because of the calibre of player he is. He's established himself as one of the best attacking players around over the last five or six years and his nations hopes will very much rest on him.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

A lot will depend on Son as he's the only player they have of world class quality. With a lack of quality in other areas of the field and their possible overreliance on Son, they'll be going home early.