Each edition of the World Cup marks a different stage in one’s life. As we wait eagerly for the tournament to begin, we not only think about the previous World Cup, but also where we were and who we were then.
This is a review of some national team selections of the countries heading to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is the first edition that will have 26-man squads (up from 23) and 5 substitutions (up from 3).
According to FIFA, the extra squad size is to help teams mitigate the impact of possible Covid-19 infections, consistent with the precedent set by Euro 2021. The increased number of allowed substitutions will change game dynamics.
In addition, this may be the last World Cup of 32 teams. The next one, held in North America, may have 16 groups of 3 teams instead, plus an additional Round of 32.
In alphabetical order:
Unbeaten in 35 matches, this may be Argentina’s last chance to win the World Cup with 35-year-old talisman Lionel Messi. They have opted to go without Correa for this campaign. (Update on 18.11.22: Correa replaces Nico Gonzalez.)
Belgium’s best eleven would not see much changes from their previous campaigns, with many of their key players in the side, as their golden generation approaches its twilight. Belgium’s squad has the highest average age of all the teams at the World Cup.
Brazil has the most well-rounded squad on paper, with multiple world-class players from top clubs in every position. For the bookmakers, they are the favourites to lift the trophy. Paqueta, Jesus, Pedro, Richarlison and Rodrygo are preferred over Liverpool’s Firmino. Former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Coutinho has not been chosen due to a thigh injury, though it is unlikely he would have been selected anyway due to poor form. Starting for league leaders Arsenal is not enough for Gabriel to be in the squad, with 38-year-old Thiago Silva flying to Qatar instead. 39-year-old Dani Alves is in the squad over Emerson Royal who has made a poor case for his inclusion.
Croatia surpassed expectations by reaching the final of the 2018 World Cup. It’ll be interesting to see if they can reach the levels of their previous final-reaching campaign. Captained by Ballon d’or winner 37-year-old Luka Modric, the lifeblood of his team. Rebic is left out of the squad.
Christian Eriksen is back in the Denmark side after his horrific case of cardiac arrest in Euro 2020. With the help of a defibrillator in his chest, he is likely to play a key role for his country.
England’s starting lineup is something to keep an eye on, especially with Southgate under pressure, and the abundance of competitive options in every department but striker, which will certainly by helmed by the top scorer of the last World Cup, Harry Kane. Reece James’ injury means Alexander-Arnold is picked and he can consider himself lucky for that amidst suspicions over his defensive ability, Nonetheless, Trippier will most likely be the one starting. AC Milan’s Tomori does not get a call-up. Premier League defenders Maguire, Stones, Coady, Walker and White are preferred options at centre-back. Shaw is the only left-back as Chilwell is injured. Kalvin Phillips, who has played 1 minute of league football this season, is preferred over set piece expert Ward-Prowse. Wilson instead of Toney is selected to be Kane’s deputy, a decision openly criticised on Instagram by the injured Reece James after Toney scored a brace to shock Manchester City. Sancho’s exclusion comes as no surprise to anyone, demonstrating the disappointment of his career since his £73 million move to Manchester United.
Title defenders France have a significantly weakened midfield, with the usual pair of Kante and Pogba absent on long-term injuries. This will reshape the team’s play. Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy and Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne are deemed less indispensable than brothers Lucas and Theo Hernandez. Konate and Saliba get their first taste of the World Cup following good form with their respective clubs. Varane, who left the pitch in tears against Chelsea, is chosen in spite of injury. Exiled from the team in the previous edition, newly-crowned Ballon d’or winner Karim Benzema will form an interesting partnership with Kylian Mbappe. (Update on 20.11.22: Benzema will not take part in the World Cup after sustaining an injury in training.)
Germany were world champions 2 editions ago, but finished last in their group the previous time. Defenders Hummels and Gosens are surprisingly left out of the German squad, along with Dortmund midfielder Emre Can. Germany have trouble in the striker department, with Werner out with injury and Havertz not a pure number 9. Germany will hope that the Bayern trio Muller, Sane and Gnabry can provide enough attacking firepower. Kroos will not participate as he has retired from the national team. Gotze, hero of the 2014 World Cup final, is back in the squad though he will no longer be a key player. Germany also has the youngest player in the 2022 World Cup, Moukoko. More than half of Germany’s starting lineup is likely to be composed of players from one club, Bayern Munich, which has the highest representation of players at this World Cup of any club.
Euro 2021 winners Italy did not qualify for the World Cup.
In the Netherlands team, Sven Botman is left out, which is a surprise considering his form in the best Premier League defence this season. Faith is put instead in de Ligt and van Dijk, who hasn’t been at his best this season. Wijnaldum, who is much more prolific for country than for club, will miss out due to injury.
For Portugal, 39-year-old Pepe continues to play a role in the squad. Diogo Jota is out after he left on a stretcher against Manchester City. Renato Sanches has struggled in his career since winning the Euro 2016 Young Player of the Tournament, and will not be going to Qatar too. Ronaldo, struggling to get minutes on club level, recently sparked controversy after doing a Piers Morgan interview where he ripped into Manchester United. Though he is the oldest-ever scorer of a hat-trick in the World Cup, Portugal need to adapt to an ageing and possibly diminished Ronaldo.
Winner of this year’s African Cup Of Nations, Senegal’s Sadio Mane, who finished 2nd in the recent Ballon d’or rankings, will not play in the World Cup due to injury. Nevertheless, he is still selected and going for the World Cup although it would take a miracle for him to be able to play. I think this is because Mane is a spiritual leader in the squad, given his status and prowess. Also, Sadio Mane is arguably Senegal’s best-ever player and does a lot of charitable work for his country, so his selection is also a gesture of homage and respect. After good performances with Senegal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich, Mane might have won the Ballon d’or if Real Madrid did not edge out Liverpool in the Champions League final. (Update on 18.11.22: Mane will need surgery on his injury and will not be part of the squad.)
Tottenham star Son Heung-Min of South Korea underwent surgery for a fracture near his left eye sustained 2 weeks ago in the Champions League, but he has announced his fitness for the World Cup. He will be wearing an eye mask for protection.
Previous hosts of the World Cup Russia will not feature in Qatar due to their widely condemned invasion of Ukraine in February.
Spain have snubbed De Gea and Ramos. Thiago, important for Liverpool but often left out of the starting 11 for Spain, does not make the cut too. Former world-class players Pique, David Silva, Iniesta and Diego Costa have also played their last World Cup.
For Uruguay, Barcelona’s Araujo was expected to be out for the World Cup due to surgery but managed to be back in time. Emerging players Valverde and Nunez will hope to make a positive impact alongside ageing stars Suarez, Cavani and Godin.
Murals:
The World Cup will be held from 20 Nov to 18 Dec.
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