The countdown to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will begin in earnest when the draw for the group stage takes place in Doha on Friday. From that point on, each team can work out how it will navigate its path to the final on Dec. 18. But the tournament promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, with no outstanding favourite to win the trophy.
Euro 2020 winners Italy proved with their shock playoff exit against North Macedonia that there are no certainties at the highest level of international football. The Italians would have been well backed to follow their European success by winning a fifth World Cup in Qatar, but instead, Roberto Mancini and his players will be on vacation when the tournament gets underway on Nov. 21.
The established European heavyweights of Germany and defending champions France will be expected to go all the way, but can Spain or England…
