The Early Contenders & Dark Horses Ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup

We're exactly two years out from the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. That's too early to start predicting stuff...if you're a coward.

We are not cowards at 90min.

We might have four major international tournaments to play across four continents between now and then that will tell us a lot about who has reason to be optimistic and who is actually a bit rubbish, but that isn't going to stop us diving in at the deep end and making some far-too-early predictions.

Here are some of the genuine contenders for 2022 as things stand, and a handful of the teams who might surprise us with a run into the knockout stages.

1. Spain - Contender

The team who won three consecutive major tournaments between 2008 and 2012 have fallen by the wayside somewhat in recent years. Their sub-par 2018 showing was indicative of a nation in transition and proved that their disastrous 2014 was no freak event.

All of a sudden, however, it look as as if they are on their way back. They have had mixed results under Luis Enrique, yet their Nations League defeat to Ukraine in October stands as their only loss in 20 matches.

The good performances are starting to far outweigh the poor ones and there are signs of an identity re-emerging, with the likes of Koke, Rodri and Ferran Torres picking up where Barcelona's golden generation left off.

They beat Germany 6-0 recently which just about says it all.

2. USA - Dark Horse

Men's soccer might find itself behind American football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, professional wrestling and ultimate frisbee in the US sporting pecking order, but it remains an anomaly that a nation of that sheer size has been unable to produce a competitive team for almost 100 years now.

Still, change is on the way. We're beginning to see the likes of Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Giovanni Reyna make a real mark on European football in a way that few USMNT stars have in the past, and it's truly frightening to think about where these young stars could be after another two years of top level experience.

Most will still be in their early 20s come 2022, however, so it may be a tournament too early for them to realise their potential.

3. Brazil - Contender

It looked as though Tite's time was up following another disappointing World Cup for Brazil last time out, but they have stuck by their man and are already reaping the rewards. They ended a 12-year wait for a Copa America title in 2019, and look serious about bringing that form into the international limelight.

In the absence of Neymar, we've recently seen Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison form an efficient trio, and while they lack in superstar midfielders, there is a steady base to build on - by 2022, Fabinho will be at his peak, while Casemiro will still be going strong.

Thiago Silva may not be around by then, but Marquinhos could partner either the dependable Felipe or the exciting Diego Carlos, who is yet to make his debut despite a recent call-up.

4. Norway - Dark Horse

Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, etc.

5. Italy - Contender

Ever since they were last crowned world champions in 2006, it's been difficult to know what to make of Italy. They've had six different permanent managers since Marcelo Lippi first stepped aside, but none of them, until Roberto Mancini, could successfully put a functional team together.

They came close in 2012 but were comfortably dismissed by Spain, and in 2018, after a catastrophic failure to even qualify for Russia, the ex-Man City boss was brought in to pick up the pieces.

They absolutely stormed through Euro 2020 qualifying, however, winning all ten matches and conceding just four times, and have the makings of a seriously promising team, with Jorginho, Sandro Tonali and Manuel Locatelli forming a classy yet fearsome midfield.

They would once have been firmly in the dark horse category but there is nothing, other than a lack of major international experience, to suggest they can't go all the way.

6. Qatar - Dark Horse

Cards on the table: we don't actually know that much about Qatar, other than the fact they are the home nation, and the home nations tend to do well.

They did, however, storm to the AFC Asian Cup last time out, and look to have a reliable core of domestic-based players who are growing together by the year.

Richard Keys is sure to be backing them, though - that doesn't exactly spell good news for the hosts.

7. Senegal - Dark Horse

Sadio Mane's side were so unlucky not to make the knockout stages last time out but they have spent no time licking their wounds. They made it to the final of last year's AFCON, and will be hoping to go one better in 2021 to take some momentum with them over to Qatar.

Their squad list suggests you'd be daft to bet against them causing a few problems. Mane is joined by Watford's Ismaila Sarr and Ligue 1 scoring sensation Boulaye Dia going forward, while new Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy takes his place between the sticks - behind Kalidou Koulibaly.

Plenty to be scared of here.

8. France - Contender

Well...obviously.

The defending champions have lost a step or two since 2018 but that is to be expected after such a euphoric high in Russia. While they are prone to the odd balls-up, however, they still look an imposing force.

They still rely pretty heavily on Olivier Giroud, which is testament to just how underappreciated the big man is in England, but that may be a position that needs resolved considering he will be 36 by 2022.

Odsonne Edouard fits the bill and his performances for the Under-21s suggest he isn't a million miles from a senior debut. Otherwise, they have Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial and Moussa Dembele all to choose from - so they should be fine.

9. England - A Bit of Both

Somewhere in the middle of it all, there is a cabal of teams who are too obvious to be considered dark horses, yet not quite good enough to be lumped in with the genuine favourites.

England, coming to terms with themselves under Gareth Southgate, are one of those teams.

They are arguably a quality centre-back and goalkeeper away from having a squad as good as anyone's at present. Few, certainly, can match their attacking options, but if their manager continues to persist with his rubbish, over-complicated tactics, then it's hard to see them winning anything.

The next two years could move them into either tier.