Everyone expected the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be won by a well-known country like Brazil or France. But did you know there are small countries with passionate football fans that are serious contenders?
So while we gear up for the 2023 FIFA World Cup, join us as we look at three underdog countries set to impact the 2022 edition of football’s biggest tournament once hosted in Qatar.
Senegal
Senegal is one of the most underrated teams at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and they’re set to take the world by storm.
The Lions of Teranga have been in great form for the past four years, reaching two African Cup of Nations finals and winning one (2021) while defeating Egypt in the playoffs to reach the World Cup. They have some of the best young players and are led by Sadio Mane, who is in form in Bundesliga.
Senegal will be looking to make it past the quarter-finals for the first time for an African nation, but with players like Ismail Sarr, Boulaye Dia, and Diang, who are all huge prospects joining Mane up front, it’s hard to imagine that they won’t come out on top.
With an experienced backline in Koulibaly and Kouyate, Senegal may well be the dark horse of this tournament. They have only lost two of their last 26 matches and fancy their chances against Ecuador, Qatar, and the Netherlands.
Uruguay
Uruguay has been flying under the radar for several years now. However, with a new coach and some exciting new players, they look set to take their place on the world stage at this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Coach Diego Alonso has made a flying start with the team, winning seven of his nine games in charge and conceding only twice. He has also brought in some fresh faces, such as Valverde, Bentacur, Darwin Nunez, and Lisandro Martinez, who will revitalize the team in transition.
Some old guards remain, including Suarez, Godin, and Cavani, who will bring experience to a team that lacks it.
Denmark
Denmark is set to shock the world and storm the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Ranked 10th in the world, Denmark has been tipped as a dark horse for the tournament. They reached the semi-finals of last year’s European Championships, breezed through their qualifying campaign, and came second in their Nations League group while defeating France twice.
Some exciting talents include Andreas Skov Olsen, with six goals at Brugge this season. Denmark looks well-equipped to cause an upset at this year’s World Cup and will likely be one of the underdogs looking to make it into the knockout stages. They have a decent draw in Group A, where they face France, Tunisia, and Australia.
The Danish national team has a relatively young squad, but the Danes also rely on the experience of veterans such as Christian Eriksen, Kasper Schmeichel, and Andreas Christensen.
