Qatar World Cup 2022: The Wait is finally over as we are set for another mind blowing tournament which will be the first to be held in the Arab world.
The best and brightest athletes from around the world will come together for the biggest sporting event on Earth from November 20, 2022, to put on a stunning spectacle.
In this article, Futballnews has provided the power ranking of the top 10 players that will be present in Qatar using their incredible skill pool. All the players on this ranking have the hope and dream of millions of people on their shoulders as they represent clubs and especially their countries in Qatar.
For Qatar 2022, all 32 teams have selected their squad.
The FIFA World Cup serves as a showcase for the world’s top footballers, but Qatar 2022 promises to be a mixture of potential final appearances for a number of legendary stars as well as the rise of an exciting new generation of talent.
Given that Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United, will be 41 by the time the 2026 World Cup kicks in, the scenario is set for what is likely to be his final World Cup appearance.
There are 26 players available for each squad to choose from, but these are the top 10 you should pay attention to in Qatar from November 20 to December 28:
Who are the biggest stars at Qatar World Cup 2022?
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
Although Ronaldo had a difficult time at Manchester United, expectations will still be high as he competes in a record-tying fifth final in Qatar. Note that Portugal had to earn its spot in the tournament by going through the playoffs.
The 2016 European champions will once again lay a lot of emphasis on Ronaldo’s ability to direct their attack as they attempt to win their first World Cup trophy.
Lionel Messi – Argentina
The mercurial Argentine has been showcasing his skills in a deeper role at PSG, debunking talk that Messi’s abilities are dwindling.
In what he has already said will be his final World Cup appearance, all eyes will be on him as he attempts to add a World Cup to his impressive haul of individual and team honors.
Kylian Mbappe – France
Mbappe was outstanding for France when Didier Deschamps’ team won the world championship in 2018, but the PSG star has advanced to a new level in the past two years and ought to be one of the standout players for the reigning champions.
Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium
With a star-studded lineup that has routinely underperformed in recent competitions, De Bruyne will be tasked with helping Belgium finally shed their “nearly men” label in Qatar.
The Manchester City player will be determined to establish himself as the best midfielder in football, though.
Neymar – Brazil
The erratic Brazilian will continue to carry the weight of his nation’s expectations on the grandest platform in Qatar 2022.
Every time Neymar dons the uniform, a nation anticipates him, and he will be driven to help the Selecao win their first global championship since 2002. Neymar has fallen short of recent expectations with PSG and injuries haven’t helped, but he still serves as the centerpiece of the attack for the 2021 Copa America finalists.
Vinicius Jr. – Brazil
Vinicius Jr. has excelled at meeting the task of becoming a vital player for both Real Madrid and Brazil over the past two years despite the strain.
The most lethal duo in Spanish football is his connection with Karim Benzema at Real Madrid, and his elite potential might make him one of the marquee players for Qatar 2022.
Luka Modric – Croatia
Modric, 37, will be determined to lead Croatia to victory in Qatar and, despite his advancing years, he remains a match for anyone in world football.
Modric is likely to follow players like Ronaldo, Messi, and Benzema in presumably calling time on his international career after the World Cup.
Alphonso Davies – Canada
For the first time since Mexico 1986, Canada has qualified for the World Cup, and they did so without their lucky charm for the final push. Following a COVID-19 infection, Davies had myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, and was therefore ruled out.
The Bayern Munich player’s tearful response on social media after Canada was awarded a spot in Qatar demonstrated how important it is to him, and he will be eager to perform well on the largest platform.
Harry Kane – England
In order to capitalize on their Euro 2020 final loss to Italy, Gareth Southgate’s England team will be led by captain Harry Kane.
In the second half of the 2021โ2022 Premier League season, Kane gradually regained his best form, and he has begun the next season in a way that suggests he may succeed on the largest platform once more.
Robert Lewandowski – Poland
After spending so many successful years with Bayern Munich, Lewandowski was supposed to calm down a little this summer by leaving the club.
Lewangoalski continued up where he left off after moving to a new league in a different country with a retooling team, scoring 18 goals in only 19 games and dishing out four assists. For the 34-year-old, this season has been fruitful.
The most hazardous aspect of Lewy is his fluid boxing technique. He consistently picks the right spots to use his deadly finishing, which will be crucial for Poland’s chances of moving on in the World Cup.
Who are the best players not at the Qatar 2022 World Cup?
Many more well-known athletes will have to make do with watching the action from home while Messi, Neymar, Kane, and others will be traveling to the Middle East.
Jorginho, Marco Verratti, and the rest of Italy’s Euro 2020 champion teammates won’t be in Qatar as a result of the team’s shocking elimination by North Macedonia in the UEFA qualifiers.
Mohamed Salah will also be missing, as the Liverpool and Egypt star was unsuccessful in his competition with Senegal for a spot in the African region, which was a rematch of the 2022 AFCON final.
Other well-known athletes are also on the list of confirmed absentees, including Erling Haaland (Norway), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon), Naby Keita (Guinea), and Edin Dzeko (Bosnia), who all chose to remain at home after their nations were knocked out from their respective groups.
When is Qatar World Cup 2022 starting?
On Nov. 20, the World Cup’s group rounds begin, with hosts Qatar kicking off the event at the Al Bayt Stadium with their opening match against Ecuador in Group A.
The final will be held at the Lusail Stadium on December 18 in the first World Cup to be held during the winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
World Cup timetable:
- November 20: Opening Ceremony, Group A Opener (Qatar v Ecuador)
- December 2: Final Group Games
- December 3-6: Round of 16
- December 9-10: Quarterfinals
- December 13-14: Semifinals
- December 17: Third-Place Match
- December 18: Final
