Who will win the World Cup?

With eight teams remaining in the 2022 World Cup, the options are dwindling as to who can win the tournament.

There are all-time favourites. France and England have a tasty quarterfinal matchup. Lionel Messi and Argentina play the Netherlands in a 2014 semi-final rematch. Brazil and Portugal then ignited their respective opposition in the round of 16 to advance. Finally, 2018 runner-up Croatia is back in the last eight, exemplifying its strategy of success from four years ago.

Still, the story of the round of 16 so far is Morocco. Of course, Morocco has much less talent than the other teams in the quarterfinals. Hakim Ziyech, Achraf Hakimi, Sofiane Boufal and Sofyan Amrabat are a joy to watch. Additionally, Yassine Bounou, or simply Bono, picked up Man of the Match honors against Spain for his heroics on penalties. He didn’t let a shot go by as Morocco won 3-0 on penalties.

Technically speaking, any of the eight teams can win. Based on the shape, it’s a different story. Some teams seem ripe for the challenge. As stated, Brazil outperformed their opponents. France look strong as ever, as do England. Argentina may have struggled late on, but they still looked competent against Australia.

Interestingly, these were the four teams with the highest odds of winning the competition before it began on November 20. The next three, Spain, Germany and Belgium, suffered somewhat embarrassing exits from the tournament. But, at least, Spain left their group.

Who will win the 2022 World Cup?

Those betting odds have changed, but the favorites to win it all remain Brazil. That’s not too much of a surprise. Tite’s squad entered as the deepest team in the tournament. Despite Neymar taking a hit, his team hasn’t missed a beat. In fact, he allowed Richarlison to really shine at the top of the lineup. Vinícius and Raphinha are not exactly bad options in the band either.

However, can a team usurp Brazil for that position? Croatia is their next opponent, and the Croats have a track record of success against top teams. Brazil can then face the Netherlands in the semifinals. Louis van Gaal put together a master class against the United States and was able to outwit the Brazilians. Or, it could be Argentina. The two fierce rivals would put together a game for history imbued with passion. As a neutral, that would be my preferred semi.

France and England would also like to talk as neither showed any real weakness at any point in this tournament.

So who is your choice to bring home the Qatar trophy?