2022 FIFA World Cup Predictions – Group Stage

It’s never easy to predict the World Cup winners, there’s always someone willing to spoil the party for the favourites. But what are the predictions for the 2022 FIFA World Cup overall. But first, who is going to make it through the groups stages – read on for our predictions.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Sunday 20^th November and the football world is holding its collective breath to see who will lift the Jules Remy trophy. Italy will be watching from the sidelines, but do any of the European teams stand a chance? Will it be a glorious swansong for Lionel Messi and his Argentina team, or will Brazil extend their incredible 5 wins to an enviable 6?

Group A Predictions

In this group, the Netherlands seem to have a straightforward run to the last 16. We can see Senegal edging a win over Qatar and a draw with Ecuador, though that depends on the fitness of Sadio Mane. Qatar’s only win we can see being their opening match against Ecuador, with the equator country picking up their only point against Senegal.

Group B Predictions

England should top this group, though with manager Southgate making noises about lead-up preparation time, let’s see how cohesive they are as a team. As such, we see a shaky start against Iran with a less-than-convincing win. A draw against Wales and a win against the USA should see them home and dry. Wales should take runner-up spot beating Iran and drawing with the USA. It will be close, though with the Americans pushing them. It all depends on the Iran team who may want to prove something back home where there’s political upheaval.

Group C Predictions

Argentina look as safe as the Netherlands to top their table with three wins. It’s below them that the battles will really take place. We’re giving Poland the edge with goal difference, they may not be as easy for the Argentinians to slot goals past. Many of the Polish players make their living in Italy – which may or may not be a good thing – and there’s Lewandowski up front to add ot the goal tally. Saudi Arabia may not be the push over many pundits think they will be, giving Mexico and Poland a run for their money, but still not quite making the grade with a win.

Group D Predictions

It’s a tough call between France and Denmark as to who will top the table. We’ll give France the edge with a slightly superior goal difference, but when it comes to their head-to-head we predict a draw. Australia and Tunisia will struggle against the European teams, but may well pick up a consolation point by playing to a draw.

Group E Predictions

Another tough group to call with the two European sides evenly matched. Spain have not been at their best in recent world cups, but now could be the time to make amends. Again on goal difference we have them topping the group ahead of Germany. Japan and Costa Rica will bring up the rear, but we expect them to give Spain and Germany a good test.

Group F Predictions

Belgium are no longer the team that so nearly gained glory in the Euro 2020 comp, and they may be one of the few European teams to fall at the first hurdle. Croatia and Canada could capitalise on a Belgian poor showing. Don’t totally rule out a surprise Morocco win, though we haven’t gone that far in our predictions.

Group G Predictions

If you are old enough to remember the 1990 World Cup, you’ll certainly remember Roger Milla and Francois Omamb-Biyik taking them to within minutes of a semi-final place. It’s extremely unlikely they’ll get off the bottom of the group this time round, facing favourites Brazil, alongside Serbia and Switzerland. The Swiss are talented, so it may not be a surprise if they grab second spot, though we’re giving Serbia the edge with a win over Cameroon and the African team gaining a draw against the Swiss.

Group H Predictions

Uruguay beat Canada in a recent friendly 2-0, and other than Portugal do not have particularly stiff opposition in South Korea and Ghana. We predict the Portuguese will steal two points off them, holding them to a draw, but it all depends on how well a certain forward feels the delivery to him is on the day. The South Koreans are no slouches, and could also hold Portugal to a draw. Ghana, we feel may lose in all their matches, though it could be a close call against the Koreans.