Our experts predict who will win World Cup 2022

The start of the 2022 World Cup is just days away, and I’m sure you have been involved in work sweepstakes, fantasy football competitions or punting on the tournament.

A lot of talk has surrounded Brazil’s apparent dominance heading into this competition. Other conversation starters include: Will France retain their trophy? How will Germany perform? And can England actually bring football home? 

We thought we would help you decipher who will win the World Cup by asking our panel of football experts and former England Internationals. Enjoy!

Gary Pallister

Former England international

After much thought and careful consideration, I’ve come up with defending champions France! I think they have got goals in them. 

They won’t have midfielders Paul Pogba or N’Golo Kante, which is probably a blow to the squad, but they have the firepower to win the 2022 World Cup with Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe.

France: will be without Paul Pogba (right) in Qatar

Belgium are at the end of a life cycle and have been expected to do well in competitions in the past, but they might have one last hurrah in them. They have Kevin De Bruyne, who I think is the best midfielder in the world at the moment, so they are my dark horse.

Robin Bairner

Football expert

Brazil look best placed to win the World Cup as Tite has built a formidable unit. The South American side have one of the most exciting and versatile attacking units, spearheaded by the bang-in-form Neymar, while they boast a midfield that contains serial winners Casemiro and Fabinho.  

There may be concerns about the defence but, with Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and potentially Eder Militao playing in front of Alisson, there is a very strong foundation to work from. Brazil qualified for the competition early and have looked good in their warm-up fixtures. They should top their group and have a decent route to the final.

Denmark remain outsiders, but they have been outstanding for several years on the international front and should be respected. If they can overcome France in the groups – and why shouldn’t they after two Nations League wins over Les Bleus earlier this season? – they will be hard to stop. 

Lee Sharpe

Former England international

I generally like to back Brazil in every World Cup! I’ve not seen them play recently, but they have some top players attacking-wise and I’m pretty sure they will score goals. 

Senegal could be the dark horse. One of the African nations might step up to the plate and show us what they are made of, so the continental champions could do quite well in this tournament.

Joe Crann

Football expert

My favourite to win the 2022 World Cup is Brazil. They are in a wicked run of form, have some brilliant talent at good ages in the current squad, and a manager that seems to be very in tune with what needs to happen.  

There is also the Neymar factor. He is a supremely talented player who has had a career-best season to date, and this time it feels like he’s got a proper squad around him too. 

An underdog? Senegal. I don’t remember the last time I saw an African World Cup squad as stacked in every position, and I’ve got a feeling they could surprise a few people in the coming weeks despite Sadio Mane's absence.

Greg Lea

Football expert

The quality and depth of Brazil’s squad makes them deserved favourites, but I like the look of Spain. Their ability to control games will be crucial in knockout football, while there is a good blend of youth and experience within the group.

Spain: Luis Enrique's side could go a long way in the World Cup

Luis Enrique has brought more aggression and intensity to the side while, for all the doubts over their ability to put the ball in the net, Spain were the joint-top scorers at Euro 2020.

Denmark could be the underdogs that go furthest. They have a well-balanced side and I fancy their chances of beating France to top spot in Group D.

Tom Collins

SBK tipster

Brazil is the team to beat, there is no doubt about that. They haven’t tasted defeat since a 1-0 loss in the 2021 Copa America final against Argentina and boast talent in every position, from goalkeeper to striker. However, they are priced accordingly and now offer little value.

I’m going to back England! Someone had to say it, right? We don’t enter the tournament in great form, but we have the players to make a huge impact on the world stage and, providing we don’t play too defensively, England have a great shot at making the final. 

Denmark and Serbia look to have outside chances of making the quarter-finals, but I would be surprised if the major nations didn’t have it between them from the semis onwards.