AP – A last chance for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Kylian Mbappé back on the biggest stage of all. Brazil bidding for a record-extending sixth title.
One of the most eagerly anticipated World Cups in memory is just around the corner in Qatar.
Thirty-two teams, 64 matches, 28 days. The first World Cup in the Middle East. The tournament starts on November 21 and the final is set for December 18.
Here’s a few things to watch.
TOP TEAMS
Brazil (number one in FIFA ranking). Neymar, Vinícius Jr and the rest of the flair-filled Selecao are peaking at the right time.
Belgium (number two). The “Golden Generation” is gradually breaking up but there’s still Kevin De Bruyne leading the Belgian charge.
Argentina (number three). No World Cup title since the days of Diego Maradona. This will be the first World Cup since his death in 2020 and Argentina is improving, with Messi still at its core.
France (number four). The defending champions. Still the country with the most depth to its squad. Now with Mbappé and Karim Benzema leading the attack.
England (number five). Semifinalist at the 2018 World Cup, finalist at the 2021 European Championship.
BIG STARS
Lionel Messi, Argentina. The seven-time world player of the year might have been saving his 35-year-old legs for one last push at a World Cup winner’s medal that would solidify him as football’s greatest player.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal. He has won the European Championship but the 37-year-old leading scorer in men’s international football hasn’t played in a World Cup final. Kylian Mbappé, France. The star of the last World Cup at the age of 19. The speedy striker could match Brazil great Pelé in being a champion at his first two World Cups.
Neymar, Brazil. Increasingly overshadowed by Mbappé and Messi at Paris Saint-Germain, still the main man for Brazil.
MUST-SEE GAMES
Senegal vs Netherlands, November 21. The first match of the tournament. With Sadio Mané and Virgil van Dijk on the field, it’s an interesting one, too.
Argentina vs Mexico, November 26. The first of the big continental rivalries, with Messi potentially sealing Argentina’s spot in the last 16.
Spain vs Germany, November 27. Surely there can’t have been many bigger group-stage matches than this at a World Cup? Two recent champions, two giants of football.