Qatar is preparing to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and all football enthusiasts are excited about the prospect of the most prestigious world football tournament. All eyes are on the best player in every team that will feature in the tournament.
Different nations across the five continents have representatives who would battle it out for the prize of being the best footballing nation in the world.
Here is a breakdown of all the 32 nations that would take part in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the best player in each of the teams.
Argentina – Lionel Messi
Argentina is the current COPA America champion, and Messi was instrumental in them lifting this elusive trophy. The only elusive title in this legends’ cabinet is the World Cup, and this might be the final opportunity for Messi to correct this. With the array of players Argentina possesses, Messi who is currently the best player in the team can be optimistic that he can win the World Cup.
Australia – Matthew Ryan
The Real Sociedad shot-stopper had to bring his A game for his country to make it to the World Cup. Ryan’s heroics in the shoot-out against Peru, which cemented their place in the competition in Qatar, make him one to watch out for in this team, and is inarguably the team’s best player.
Belgium – Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne has become a star player both for his club, Manchester City, and the Belgian national team. De Bruyne’s ability to read the game and his eye for a killer pass is already a trademark of his skills. Kevin is also a goal threat and one to watch in this tournament as his team’s best player.
Brazil – Neymar
Neymar will be leading the line for the Brazilian national team in Qatar. With the number of stars that the Samba Boys are parading, it would not come as a surprise if they went all the way in the tournament.
Cameroon – André Onana
The Cameroonian shot-stopper, despite serving an extensive ban for doping, is still the main man to watch out for the Indomitable Lions in the Qatar showpiece. The goalkeeper will look to build on its African Nations Cup heroics.
Canada – Alphonso Davies
The Bayern Munich left-back is the most prominent name when the Canadian National Team comes to mind. Davies’ exploits in the Bundesliga have seen his stock rise in global football. He is now touted as one of the best wing-backs in the game.
Costa Rica – Keylor Navas
Keylor Navas is another goalkeeper that features in our list. Having had an illustrious career and winning titles all through his club career, this would be an opportunity for him to strive to immortalise himself in the nation’s colour.
Croatia – Luka Modric
Modric is a football icon and, like fine wine, he has gotten better with age. Luka Modric is not slowing down, and as the captain of his national side, he will look to marshal his countrymen to victory in Qatar.
Denmark – Christian Eriksen
For Christian Eriksen to still be playing at the highest level is nothing short of a miracle. Eriksen collapsed on the pitch during Denmark’s game against Finland in the Euro championship. Many feared that it was the end of his illustrious career, but the Dane has proved doubters wrong.
Ecuador – Moises Caicedo
Moises Caicedo is the standout player for Ecuador. The central midfielder, who plays for Brighton but spent last season in Belgium, would champion his country’s cause.
England – Harry Kane
Kane has always been spectacular on international duties with the Lions. Having matured into a world-class striker, the England captain will look to lead by example in the World Cup.
France – Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe has put an end to the speculation surrounding where his allegiance lies at the club level. PSG are fortunate to retain the services of this young explosive forward and his country, France, can’t wait to see him deliver the World Cup which they last lifted on home soil.
Germany – Joshua Kimmich
Kimmich at the heart of the midfield is the engine room at both his club, Bayern, and his country Germany. Much has been said about the famous German Machine, but no player better represents such a saying than Joshua Kimmich.
Ghana – Inaki Williams
Inaki Williams has finalized his documentation, switching loyalties and deciding to represent the Black Stars of Ghana, despite having represented Spain. Much is expected of the Bilbao attacker.
Iran – Sardar Azmoun
Sardar Azmoun is a centre forward that plays for Bayer Leverkusen. He would be the talisman who would lead the Iranians to the World Cup.
Japan – Daichi Kamada
Daichi Kamada is the standout player for the Japanese National Team. The 25-year-old central midfielder currently plies his trade in the Bundesliga with Frankfurt.
Mexico – Hirving Lozano
Lozano might not have had the best of seasons with Napoli, but he remains integral to the way the Mexico national team plays. Hirving Lozano would be the star player for the North American side.
Morocco – Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi is an exciting attack-minded fullback in the world. Currently playing for PSG, this Atlas Lions star player will be looking to make a difference for the North African nation.
Netherlands – Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk would lead the Netherlands team seeking dominance in Qatar. With an assured wall at the back in van Dijk, the attackers in the team would run rampant.
Poland – Robert Lewandoski
Lewandoski, the new Barcelona player, can be considered the best central striker in the game. Having not won any honours with his national team, the stage is clear to correct that.
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is a household name in the football world. Winning the World Cup would be the last and most coveted team honour that has eluded the Portuguese attacker in his illustrious footballing career.
Qatar – Akram Afif
Akram Afif is the hope of the host nation. Having had a stint in La Liga, the left-sided winger would look to be the difference for the Maroons.
Saudi Arabia – Salem Al-Dawsari
Al-Dawsari is an experienced veteran who would look to lead the Saudi team at the world cup. Armed with pace and tactical ability it would be wise not to underestimate this team from Asia.
Senegal – Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane has had a huge impact on the Senegal team, on and off the pitch. With the new Bayern start leading the Teranga Lions, much will be expected of this strong West African side.
Serbia – Filip Kostic
The Serbian team has a lot of interesting talents in attack, but the stand-out player for the team has to be Filip Kostic. The left-sided player would look to lead by example and beat all expectations in the coming tournament.
South Korea – Son Heung Min
When the South Korean national team is mentioned, the first name that comes to mind is the Spurs attacker, Son Heung Min.
The Taegeuk Warriors’ captain would seek to lead from the very front by contributing the blistering pace and eye-catching goals that we have come to know him for.
Spain – Pedri
Pedri is a teenager who is already conquering the football world. Spain will be relying on the Barcelona central midfielder to guide them in Qatar.
Switzerland – Yann Sommer
Yann Sommer is another goalkeeper that features on our list. It might come as a surprise that Yann is picked, but his contribution at the club level is not too frowned upon.
Tunisia – Wahbi Khazri
Khazri is the star man for Tunisia. The central forward has a rich experience after playing across Europe for over a decade.
United States – Christian Pulisic
Pulisic was once a shy identity, but he is now known as Captain America. This shows how important he is to the American national team.
Uruguay – Federico Valverde
Valverde might go relatively under the radar at the European Champions-Real Madrid. This does not do justice to his massive contribution that largely goes unnoticed.
Wales – Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale was once touted as one of the best players in the world, and this earned him a move to Real Madrid. After a decade, his stocks have drastically reduced, but he would still be the go-to man for the Dragons.
