Let’s play 20 questions, 2022 FIFA World Cup edition, as we’ve asked our soccer writers what has them most intrigued heading into Qatar.
John Molinaro, Devang Desai, Peter Galindo and Tristan D’Amours provided a big question for every team in their group previews, and we’ve highlighted the 20 best below.
Argentina: Is this squad, with the best depth in quality it has had in years, the one that finally lifts Argentina over the top? — Peter Galindo
Brazil: Will Brazil’s dominant qualifying campaign translate to success at the World Cup? — Peter Galindo
Canada: How fit and healthy will Alphonso Davies be going into the World Cup after the Canadian suffered a hamstring injury with Bayern Munich earlier this month? — John Molinaro
Belgium: Can Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ of players come together and finally win the World Cup after reaching the semifinals four years ago? — John Molinaro
Denmark: Can Denmark replicate its UEFA Nations League success against France at the World Cup to steal first place in the group? — Tristan D’Amours
England: Will Harry Kane’s goal-scoring prowess be enough to power an England squad struggling to find form? — Devang Desai
France: How much will losing N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba affect France’s chances at defending their World Cup title? — Tristan D’Amours
Germany: Can Hansi Flick bring back the swagger for a team still feeling the effects of back-to-back disappointments in 2018 and 2021? — Devang Desai
Ghana: Ghana has a very interesting team on paper but will that translate on the pitch in Qatar? — Tristan D’Amours
Japan: Will manager Hajime Moriyasu’s decision to leave a handful of veterans at home in favour of younger, hungrier players pay dividends? — Devang Desai
Mexico: Can Mexico finally break the quinto partido (fifth game) curse? — Peter Galindo
Netherlands: Can the Dutch overcome the absence of an experienced, clear cut No. 1 starting goalkeeper on its roster? — John Molinaro
Poland: Will Robert Lewandowski lead the line by himself or as part of a strike duo, which has had varying degrees of success? — Peter Galindo
Portugal: What will Portugal do with Cristiano Ronaldo? — Tristan D’Amours
Qatar: Can Qatar avoid joining South Africa (in 2010) as the only World Cup host nation not to advance out of the group stage to the knockout round? — John Molinaro
Spain: Spain is loaded with talent, boasting players of generational calibre in their midfield, but will they have enough firepower in the final third? — Devang Desai
Switzerland: Can Switzerland repeat their Euro 2020 form and reach their first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954? — Peter Galindo
Uruguay: Will Uruguay’s blend of youth and experience prove to be a force within Group H? — Tristan D’Amours
Wales: The MLS Cup final was the latest example of Big Game Gareth Bale™ but can somebody ride shotgun with him to the knockout stage? — Devang Desai
United States: Was a lackluster qualifying campaign indicative of a team that is destined to disappoint in Qatar? — Devang Desai
