World Football

The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Sunday in Qatar.

The tournament is being played in the Middle East and in November and December for the first time.

The location and time of the competition may be new, but the contenders to win the trophy remain the same.

France comes into Qatar as the reigning champion from four years ago in Russia. European teams have won the last three World Cups, and Brazil was the last South American champion in 2002.

France, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Argentina and England are six of the eight countries to win the World Cup, and all of them are projected to advance far in the tournament.

Uruguay is the only other previous champion in the 32-team field, while Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 event.

Any World Cup bracket should have a few of the European and South American powers going far.

The full World Cup bracket can be printed and filled out here from the tournament's official website.

Tournament Preview

The best teams from Europe and South America should be trusted most when filling out your World Cup bracket.

Four years ago in Russia, 14 of the 16 second-round participants were from those two continents. Mexico and Japan were the lone exceptions.

In 2014, 11 of the 16 teams that advanced beyond the group stage came from the two dominant continents.

France and Croatia played in the final in 2018, while Germany beat Argentina in 2014.

Les Bleus, which are led by Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé, will be attempting to become the first nation to repeat World Cup titles since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Just getting to a final in two consecutive tournaments is a tough task, and Brazil last achieved that in 1998 and 2002.

France is the only nation to appear in more than one of the last four finals. Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Argentina and Croatia each have one final appearance in that span.

Germany is looking for a bounce-back performance in Qatar after it was ousted in the group stage four years ago. Hansi Flick's team will be tested more than others in the group phase, though, as it goes head-to-head with Spain in Group E.

Brazil and Argentina are expected to win their respective groups, while France could get a challenge from Denmark for first place in Group D.

The key to filling out your World Cup bracket in the knockout rounds is finding the best possible matchups.

The first-place team in Group A faces the second-place team in Group B and vice versa. The matchups are set between Groups C and D, E and F, and G and H.

The bracket is set up so you can find a path for Brazil, France or Argentina, or maybe even a dark-horse nation, to make it all the way to the final.

Group play begins on Sunday when host nation Qatar face Ecuador in Group A. Each team plays three times in a round-robin format, and the group phase concludes on December 2.

The knockout round begins with the round of 16 on December 3, and the final is set for December 18 at Lusail Iconic Stadium.

The greatest sporting event in the world is almost upon us. Folks, it's nearly time for the FIFA World Cup.

And that means you need all of the viewing information, odds, group predictions and more ahead of soccer's signature tournament. You'll find it all below.

Odds via DraftKings. All times listed below are ET. All games broadcast on Fox or FSI. All games available to stream on Peacock, Fubo, SlingTV, and Vidgo.

Groups, Odds, Predictions, Schedule

Group A

Qatar (+30000), Ecuador (+15000), Senegal (+10000), Netherlands (+1200)

The Netherlands is the heavy favorite in this group and should advance without much drama. The second spot will come down to Ecuador and Senegal, where advancing out of a tough South American qualifying format should have the Ecuadorians battle-tested enough to move on.

Nov. 20: Qatar vs Ecuador, 12 p.m.

Nov. 21: Senegal vs Netherlands, 5 a.m.

Nov. 25: Qatar vs Senegal, 8 a.m.

Nov. 25: Netherlands vs Ecuador, 11 a.m.

Nov. 29: Netherlands vs Qatar, 10 a.m.

Nov. 29: Ecuador vs Senegal, 10 a.m.

Group B

England (+850), Iran (+50000), United States (+13000), Wales (+20000)

England is one of the favorites to win the entire tournament, so it'll advance. The United States has enough young talent to sneak past a dangerous Wales squad.

Nov. 21: England vs Iran, 8 a.m.

Nov. 21: USA vs Wales, 2 p.m.

Nov. 25: England vs USA, 2 p.m.

Nov. 25: Wales vs Iran, 5 a.m.

Nov. 29: Wales vs England, 2 p.m.

Nov. 29: Iran vs USA, 2 p.m.

Group C

Argentina (+550), Saudi Arabia (+80000), Mexico (+13000), Poland (+15000)

Argentina is loaded and will be motivated to get Lionel Messi the World Cup title that has eluded him in his glittering career. Robert Lewandowski is good enough to carry Poland past a pesky El Tri side for the other spot in the knockout rounds.

Nov. 22: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia, 5 a.m.

Nov. 22: Mexico vs Poland, 11 a.m.

Nov. 26: Argentina vs Mexico, 2 p.m.

Nov. 26: Poland vs Saudi Arabia, 8 a.m.

Nov. 30: Poland vs Argentina, 2 p.m.

Nov. 30: Saudi Arabia vs Mexico, 2 p.m.

Group D

France (+700), Australia (+40000), Denmark (+2200), Tunisia (+50000)

There's an argument to be made that no country has more talent than France, led by goal-scoring dynamo Kylian Mbappé. Denmark will be the heavy favorites to join them in the round of 16, bolstered by midfielder Christian Eriksen.

Nov. 22: France vs Australia, 2 p.m.

Nov. 22: Denmark vs Tunisia, 8 a.m.

Nov. 26: France vs Denmark. 11 a.m.

Nov. 26: Tunisia vs Australia, 5 a.m.

Nov. 30: Tunisia vs France, 10 a.m.

Nov. 30: Australia vs Denmark, 10 a.m.

Group E

Spain (+850), Costa Rica (+80000), Germany (+1000), Japan (+25000)

Spain and Germany are the favorites to advance out of this group, and for good reason: The talent disparity between them and Costa Rica and Japan is pronounced. Anything can happen at a World Cup, but this feels like one of the easier groups to predict.

Nov. 23: Spain vs Costa Rica, 11 a.m.

Nov. 23: Germany vs Japan, 8 a.m.

Nov. 27: Spain vs Germany, 2 p.m.

Nov. 27: Japan vs Costa Rica, 5 a.m.

Dec. 1: Japan vs Spain, 2 p.m.

Dec. 1: Costa Rica vs Germany, 2 p.m.

Group F

Belgium (+1800), Canada (+25000), Morocco (+25000), Croatia (+5000)

Belgium is loaded and will advance comfortably. But there are going to be some surprise teams that make the round of 16, and don't be shocked when one of them is a talented Canada side that finished atop CONCACAF qualifying. There is some real starpower on this squad.

Nov. 23: Belgium vs Canada, 2 p.m.

Nov. 23: Morocco vs Croatia, 5 a.m.

Nov. 27: Belgium vs Morocco, 8 a.m.

Nov. 27: Croatia vs Canada, 11 a.m.

Dec. 1: Croatia vs Belgium, 10 a.m.

Dec. 1: Canada vs Morocco, 10 a.m.

Group G

Brazil (+350), Serbia (+8000), Switzerland (+8000), Cameroon (+25000)

Never bet against Brazil in the group stage: The men's team hasn't failed to advance to the knockout phase since 1966. You can probably flip a coin between Serbia and Switzerland, but the goal-scoring prowess of Dušan Vlahović gives Serbia the slightest of edges.

Nov. 24: Brazil vs Serbia, 2 p.m.

Nov. 24: Switzerland vs Cameroon, 5 a.m.

Nov. 28: Brazil vs Switzerland, 11 a.m.

Nov. 28: Cameroon vs Serbia, 5 a.m.

Dec. 2: Cameroon vs Brazil, 2 p.m.

Dec. 2: Serbia vs Switzerland, 2 p.m.

Group H

Portugal (+1600), Ghana (+25000), Uruguay (+4000), Korea Republic (+20000)

Portugal and Uruguay are the favorites in an interesting group, especially if forward Heung-Min Son isn't available for South Korea after suffering a facial fracture in Champions League play earlier in November. It will be one last shot for Cristiano Ronaldo to achieve World Cup glory with Portugal.

Nov. 24: Portugal vs Ghana, 11 a.m.

Nov. 24: Uruguay vs South Korea, 8 a.m.

Nov. 28: Portugal vs Uruguay, 2 p.m.

Nov. 28: South Korea vs Ghana, 8 a.m.

Dec. 2: South Korea vs Portugal, 10 a.m.

Dec. 2: Ghana vs Uruguay, 10 a.m.

Lionel Messi is heading into his fifth World Cup with Argentina, but his playing career could soon be coming to an end.

"I don't think I will play for much longer," he told Ezequiel Lavezzi, via Connell Edgar-Jones of Barca Universal.

The 35-year-old is amid an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain, tallying seven goals with 10 assists in 13 league matches, adding four goals with four assists in Champions League action.

PSG currently sits on top of the Ligue 1 table and has advanced to the Round of 16 in Champions League.

The World Cup will also provide a chance to add to his trophy case after helping Argentina win the Copa América last season. The team was a runner-up at the 2014 World Cup and it's a top contender to take home the title in Qatar.

Despite the recent success, Messi's future remains in doubt with his PSG contract up at the end of the season.

There have been reports about a potential move to MLS, with Inter Miami having "increasing confidence" a deal will be completed, per David Ornstein of The Athletic. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also kept the door open for a move back to Camp Nou next year.

Even with the opportunities, it seems Messi already has his sights on retirement.

Of course, the superstar could still remain involved in the sport in some way.

"I love football," Messi said. "Surely, I will work on something related to it. I have done it all my life."

If he doesn't want to coach, one option could be following in the path of David Beckham, who is now the president and co-owner of Inter Miami.

Harry Kane enters the 2022 FIFA World Cup as one of the most complete forwards of his generation.

The Tottenham Hotspur and England striker has been a model of consistency for years at both the domestic and international levels.

England will try to ride Kane's scoring ability to a long stay in Qatar. He comes into the tournament having already confirmed his ninth straight double-digit-goal season across all competitions for Spurs.

Kane is one of the most well-rounded attacking players headed to the World Cup and has had prior success at international tournaments for the Three Lions.

This article was produced in partnership with Prada Luna Rossa.

Top Club Goals

Some of Kane's best abilities were on display early in the 2022-23 English Premier League season, when he vaulted in the air to head in a corner to equalize in stoppage time against Chelsea. Although it was an August match, it had a blockbuster feel and Kane delivered the last blow of the contest to secure a draw.

Another Kane header saw him score his 250th goal for Spurs on August 20. He holds the EPL record for the most goals for a single club and he is third on the EPL's all-time scoring chart.

The heading ability is one thing to have, but Kane also showed excellent movement against Manchester City in February to get in front of a defender to power Spurs into the lead.

Top England Goals

Kane's game-winning goal in the UEFA Euro 2020 semifinal against Denmark was not picture-perfect, but he responded right away to his saved penalty to bury a shot in the back of the net and send the Three Lions to the final.

The English striker proved his clinical ability from the penalty spot four years ago in Russia, delivering from the spot in the round of 16 against Colombia to give England the lead during the game and then also scored later in a penalty shootout victory for his team. He had two other penalty-kick goals in the group stage against Panama.

Prior to the Colombia game, Kane secured an opening-game win for England with a brace against Tunisia. A composed back-post header in the final minutes gave England three points.

Biggest Strengths

Kane has proved on countless occasions that he is one of the most clinical finishers in the game and that he is one of the most clutch players in world soccer.

The 29-year-old has scored goals in many big moments for Tottenham and England over the years and he has a collection of memorable strikes, some of which you have seen above.

Kane always seems to be in the right position to put the ball in the back of the net.

World Cup Outlook

Kane is chasing Wayne Rooney's all-time scoring record for England; he comes into Qatar with 51 international goals, two short of Rooney's mark.

The Three Lions are the favorites to come out on top of Group B, which features Iran, Wales and the United States, and he could power England into the knockout stages while also breaking the record.

Kane and his English teammates will have high expectations set for them after their run to the semifinals in 2018 and to the UEFA Euro 2020 final last year.

If England goes far in Qatar, Kane should have his name high on the Golden Boot standings. He will be one of the top contenders for the award, along with Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is ready to move on from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rob Dawson of ESPN reported Ten Hag informed the United board he does not want Ronaldo to play another game for the club after the disgruntled striker's comments in an interview with Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo told Morgan he does not respect Ten Hag and has had issues with other executives at the club.

"Manchester United tried to force me out," Ronaldo said on Piers Morgan Uncensored. "Not only the manager, but the other two or three guys who are around the club [at the senior executive level]. I felt betrayed. I don't care, people should listen to the truth. Yes, I felt betrayed. I feel that some people didn't want me here, not only this year but last season, too."

The Premier League does not resume for more than a month to allow for the World Cup to take place in Qatar, which gives United ample time to figure the situation out. The club plays only two league games between now and the start of the January transfer window.

Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford in August 2021 after nine years away from the club where he emerged as a global superstar, but his second tenure has been disappointing. Despite Ronaldo scoring 24 goals in his first season back in Manchester, the team went from finishing second place in the Premier League table prior to his arrival to seventh.

In the summer, Ronaldo publicly requested to leave so that he could play for a team in the UEFA Champions League after United failed to qualify, making his assertion that the club has tried to force him out somewhat puzzling.

A move didn't come to fruition, and Ronaldo returned to the team, but Ten Hag reprimanded Ronaldo for leaving a July friendly against Rayo Vallecano without permission, and the situation reached a head last month when the striker refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur.

Ronaldo's interview with Morgan became public shortly after United pulled off a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday—a game Ronaldo missed with a purported illness. The timing stoked not only the ire of Ten Hag but also players on the team, which could further complicate Ronaldo's potential return.

Two players enter the 2022 FIFA World Cup with goals in consecutive World Cups for Brazil.

One of them is unsurprisingly Neymar, but the other is among the best defenders of his generation. Thiago Silva is perhaps the most experienced player in Qatar and potentially the most important non-attacker for the Seleção's title hopes.

Thiago Silva has won nearly everything you could imagine at the club level with AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea and on the international stage with Brazil, but a World Cup title has thus far escaped him.

The 38-year-old defender will be vital in defense for Brazil, but he also has a knack for producing important goals.

This article was produced in partnership with Prada Luna Rossa.

Top Club Highlights

Thiago Silva has five goals in his 66 English Premier League appearances for Chelsea, and all have been scored with his head.

Four of his five goals in England have come against two of Chelsea's London rivals—two against Tottenham Hotspur and two versus West Ham United. He used his aerial ability in tight space to direct home those tallies.

He has had a flair for the dramatic in front of his own goal as well. He made a last-gasp goal-line clearance against Brighton & Hove Albion on October 29, one of his many key interventions while defending the Chelsea net.

The peak of his Chelsea stint came when winning the Champions League in 2021. Prior to his time in London, he spent eight seasons with PSG and secured seven Ligue 1 titles. Before that, he was with AC Milan for three seasons and helped the club win one Serie A title.

Top Brazil Highlights

Thiago Silva scored one goal for Brazil in all but one year (2016) from 2012-19.

Three of those tallies have come in international competitions. He scored against Colombia in the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup, versus Venezuela at the 2015 Copa America and in a group-stage match with Serbia at the 2018 World Cup.

Despite never having lifted the World Cup Trophy, he has won both Copa America and the Confederations Cup, in addition to earning both a bronze and silver medal in his Olympics appearances.

Thiago Silva's all-around strengths in defense were a major reason why Brazil topped the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table with 45 points and five goals conceded.

Biggest Strengths

Even at age 38, Thiago Silva remains a truly complete center back. His defensive positioning is always savvy and his timing generally impeccable, and he leads the Chelsea squad with 40 clearances and 17 interceptions in the Premier League this season.

He is calm and consistent with the ball at his feet as well, notching an 89 percent pass completion rate for the Blues in EPL play, to go along with two assists.

As shown in the highlights above, he's maintained some aerial prowess and remains a danger on set pieces.

But beyond his individual skill, his leadership stands out as a major strength, having served long stretches as captain for both Brazil and PSG.

World Cup Outlook

Brazil is considered one of the favorites to hoist the trophy in Qatar.

The pressure has built over the last decade on the Seleção because they have not reached the championship match in the last four World Cups. They were knocked out in the quarterfinals in 2006, 2010 and 2018 and suffered the infamous 7-1 defeat to Germany in the 2014 semifinals on home soil.

Brazil has an embarrassment of riches in attacking positions and will be expected to roll through Group G against Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon before setting its sights on a trophy quest. Anything less than a title is not acceptable in Brazil, and that will also require a stiff defense that Thiago Silva will be expected to lead.

Cristiano Ronaldo continued to levy a number of accusations against Manchester United, as a new clip of his incendiary interview with Piers Morgan was released on Monday.

In it, the veteran forward accused senior officials of not believing him over the summer when he told them his daughter Bella was dealing with medical issues.

I spoke with the director and president of Manchester United. And [they] kind of didn't believe that something was going wrong which was making me feel bad," he said. "They believed, but in the same way, I'm never going to change the health of my family for football. Never. Now, or 10 years behind or forward.

It's something that really hurt me because they doubted my word that I struggled, especially Bella and Geo [Ronaldo's wife, Georgina Rodriguez] we had one week in hospital because Bella had a big problem. I didn't go to preseason because of that, because I wasn't allowed to leave my family in case something happened to do preseason. I don't think that's fair, to leave my family for preseason, and that's why I didn't go.

According to Luke Brown of The Athletic, Manchester United officials have privately pushed back against Ronaldo's claims, countering that his "time off was sanctioned and [United Manager Erik Ten Hag] only referenced 'personal reasons' during the tour so [as] not to divulge details, while senior officials absolutely believed the reason Ronaldo gave for his absence."

Ronaldo also alleged in his interview with Morgan that United's owners, the Glazer family, don't have the club's best interests at heart:

In clips from the interview that were released on Sunday, Ronaldo said he felt "betrayed" by Ten Hag and several other people at the club and added that he didn't have any respect for the manager because he felt he wasn't shown any respect.

"Some people, I feel, don't want me here," he said. "Not just this year, but last year too."

He also took aim at former United interim manager Ralf Rangnick, who spent part of last year leading the club.

"If you're not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United?" he said to Morgan. "I'd never even heard of him."

It's possible that Ronaldo is going scorched earth in an effort to make himself so toxic that United choose to rip up his contract and allow him to become a free agent. The 37-year-old pushed for a transfer over the summer, ostensibly hoping to land with a Champions League side, but wasn't moved and stayed at Old Trafford.

That has led to a drama-filled season, which included Ronaldo refusing to be subbed on during 2-0 win over Tottenham in late October, leaving the bench before the match concluded and the stadium altogether before his teammates returned to the locker room after the contest.

He was dropped from the team for the next match against Chelsea, but led the line in the club's win over FC Sheriff in the Europa League later that week. Ten Hag then went on to name Ronaldo as the captain for an early November matchup against Aston Villa.

But after the revelations and accusations Ronaldo has made against people across all levels of the club in the interview with Morgan, it's hard to imagine him suiting up for the club again. Whether United will seek a transfer, sever his contract altogether or keep him on the roster but off the team sheet remains to be seen. However, for the time being, the two sides will have a break from each other while Ronaldo is in Qatar with Portugal for the World Cup.