Top five nations that can lift their first World Cup title in 2022

One of these nations is likely to break the deadlock and lift the trophy in Qatar next month

The World Cup is the epitome of every accolade in world football. Every nation dreams to touch this glorious trophy and add to their trophy cabinet. However, winning this tournament doesn't come easy and only a few nations have been successful in stamping their authority in the tournament. Nations like Brazil, Germany, and France are some of the most successful nations and have won the cup more than once.

But there also have been many big football powerhouses like Portugal who are yet to achieve this glorious achievement. The 2022 World Cup is just a few weeks away and many nations will again battle out to break their deadlock on this trophy. Let's take a look at five nations who can win the World Cup for the first time this time around.

5. Senegal 

The current AFCON holders Senegal are the strongest nation from the African continent and a serious darkhorse for the tournament. The African champion doesn't have a memorable history in World Cups but they look really threatening this time around. They only got past the group stages once when they made it into the quarters in 2002.

But the horoscope looks really bright for the Senegalese team this time around. Almost every player is playing for top clubs in Europe and players like Osimhen, Koulibaly and Mendy are going through an exciting run of form. However, the eyes will be on their captain Sadio Mane who is the most experienced and dependable player to make their dream true.

4. Denmark

The Denmark national team in the last few years has been the most improved and impressive team. They have shown their potential in last year's Euros and at 2018 World Cup that they are not an easy opponent anymore. The 2022 World Cup could be the start of something big in their football history.

If we look at their history in the tournament then it hasn't been a glorious one. They have featured in the tournament five times and their best finish came in 1998 and 2018. But going into this World Cup, they will fancy themselves and especially on the back of their Euro 2020 run.

3. Croatia

Croatia has a similar story to Denmark and they have been on a rise in recent years. They narrowly missed out on triumph last time around in the 2018 World Cup final but they are one of the hot contenders at Qatar 2022. They have some of the most gifted midfielders in the form of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovačić which makes their team really deadly.

On top of that, the last World Cup's experience will provide them a much needed mental advantage over other nations. However, their first test will be to go past their group which looks really interesting. They will go against Canada, Morocco and Belgium who all have formidable squads and excellent recent form.

2. Portugal

Portugal are one of the powerhouses of world football and arguably the biggest nations without World Cup glory. They have always been blessed with World class players but haven't got the luck on their side for most of the time. But this time around, they are one of the most balanced and strongest squads in the World Cup. 

They have some eye-catching attacking players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, Jao Felix and Renato Sanches who can help Portugal write a new chapter in their football history. And on top of that, they have a leader in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo who will probably be playing his last World Cup. Ronaldo himself has a lot to prove this time around after his recent form struggles and will be hoping to shut off doubters down.

1. Belgium

The Golden Generation players of Belgium are slowly going into the last phase of their careers and the 2022 World Cup will be their last shot at winning this mega piece. They finished third in the 2018 World Cup but looking at their squad, they won't be happy other than taking the trophy home this time around.

Although they have many injuries and form concerns heading to Qatar. But the qualities of Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku can't be ignored and it could be their redemption tournament. They also have the world's best midfielder in the form of Kevin De Bruyne who is likely to decide the fate of Belgium's dream.