The 2022 World Cup is set for kick off as Qatar welcomes the world to its shores.
The small Gulf nation is primed and ready for the global footballing carnival as the best players descend to battle it out for the biggest prize in the game.
The hosts will face Ecuador in the opening clash, before the real feast of football begins in earnest with three games following day including England opening match against Iran.
Fans and experts alike will spend the next few days offering up their predictions for their favourites to conquers the world, so here at GIVEMESPORT, we thought we would also jump on the band-wagon.
Using the odds offered by William Hill, we’ve gone ahead and ranked the top eight contenders for the famous trophy based purely off their squad depth.
World Cup top contenders ranked by their squad depth
8.Netherlands
The Dutch have some superb players to call on, but the depth of their squad may cause a few issues the deeper they go into the tournament.
Losing Georginio Wijnaldum to injury will have come as a huge blow, but the like of Frenkie De Jong and Virgil van Dijk.
7. Spain
Luis Enrique’s squad announcement raised many an eye-brow as he left out the likes of Thiago and Sergio Ramos.
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While there are pockets of very exciting players littered around the squad, the lack of real killer instinct up front could prove to be an issue for the 2010 champions.
6. Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Cancelo all in the same squad makes for very handy reading for Portugal fans.
However, it’s the names that would come into replace that gaggle of superstars that sees the Portuguese fall to sixth in our ranking.
5. England
England have a strong squad, don’t get us wrong, but the depth just doesn’t quite match up to some of the others in this ranking.
Harry Kane being deputised by Callum Wilson is a prime example, while the left back position could become a major problem if Luke Shaw comes a cropper.
4. Germany
Germany boast a lovely little mix of experience and electric talent which sees them sneak in above England.
An attack consisting of Leroy Sane, Thomas Muller and Jamal Musiala could do a lot of damage in Qatar.
3. France
France will be desperate to break the winners curse at the World Cup and, with the squad they’ve taken to Qatar, it’s hard to see them flopping.
Across the board the French possess an embarrassment of riches, and, while Christopher Nkunku limping out of training will be a blow, they have the resources to cover the hole left behind.
2. Argentina
You can’t help but feel that there is a touch of destiny about Argentina at this World Cup.
With Lionel Messi leading the line ahead of a very strong midfield and sturdy defensive line, the Albi Celeste look like a good bet for the tournament.
1. Brazil
There was only ever going to be one winner in this ranking. Brazil’s squad depth is truly astonishing with the side genuinely able to boast at least three world class players in each and every position.
With the likes of Alisson and Ederson competing for the spot in goal, Fabinho and Casemiro competing for the defensive midfield and a gaggle of frightening attackers, Brazil have all the ammunition they need to go all the way.
