World Cup 2022 predictions: Picking every country to advance to knockout stages

Brazil's Neymar (L) grimaces next to Argentina's Lionel Messi during the Conmebol 2021 Copa America football tournament final match at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 10, 2021. (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP) (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images) /

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TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 7: Romelu Lukaku of Belgium during the UEFA Nations league match between France v Belgium at the Allianz Stadium on October 7, 2021 in Turin Italy (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Group E

One of the toughest groups at this World Cup, Spain and Germany will be contending for first place. Spain, a team featuring a new generation of players, will need to not only possess the ball, but make sure they can also score some goals. If that becomes a problem, then Germany could be clinical enough to get the job done.

Japan and Costa Rica are always tough sides to crack, but it will be difficult to extract enough points from Spain, who is the seeded side from this group, and Germany to be able to clinch a spot to the round of 16.

Spain and Germany advance

Group F

Belgium are the seeded team from Group E and have one finally shot here at ultimate glory. A lot has been made in the past about the Red Devils’ golden generation, but they have fallen short time and time again. Striker Romelu Lukaku will once again spearhead the attack and midfield general Kevin De Bruyne will be the team’s creative force.

Croatia, surprise finalists four years ago, are older and lower at Qatar 2022. Midfielder Luka Modric is back, but his supporting cast will struggle. Canada, back at a World Cup for the first time since 1986, could surprise a few people, while Morocco are the weakest team in the group.

Belgium and Croatia advance

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