The World Cup is a display of the world’s best footballers, but the 2022 Qatar edition promises a mix of iconic stars and an exciting new generation of players. Previous editions offered a platform for different icons to shine, with breakthrough players making their mark on the global stage. Here are key players that fans are eagerly waiting to see appearing for their first World Cup this year.
- Phil Foden
Phil Foden is a regular in one of the world’s best footballing sides, playing with admirable confidence and maturity that’s beyond his age. The Man City wonder kid isn’t a guaranteed starter in Gareth Bale’s team, but he will surely play a significant role in Qatar.
- Mohammed Kudus
Ghana will be appearing on the global stage for the first time in over 10 years, despite reaching the quarter-finals in 2010 where they lost a historic victory at the hands of Luiz Suarez. This time, the team will have the service of 21-year-old Mohammed Kudus, an exciting attacking midfielder set to make a major difference.
Kudus is incredibly creative, direct, and technical, making him quite mesmerizing while with the ball. The Ajax player suffered a serious injury this season, but he’s working his way to full fitness and hopes he can start focusing on the World Cup soon. His display on the global pitch might also see a big club asking for his services in January.
- Hannibal Mejbri
Tunisia always seems like an excellent team to wager on with Betway sports betting Tanzania and the presence of Hannibal Mejbri in their squad promises something different this year. The Manchester United wonder-kid is only 19 years and is a regular for his national side, although he hasn’t made a senior start with the Red Devils.
- Andre Onana
After hosting the AFCON earlier this year, Cameroon will be another great African team that Betway punters can wager on. The African country will be making their first appearance in the world cup since 2014, but they haven’t won any game since beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 in 2002. However, they’ll have Andre Onana on their squad this year.
Onana will be eager to prove that he’s the world’s best goalkeeper in his age group, despite facing a few difficulties in the last year. The Ajax player might have a new team by the time the World Cup rolls, but the hopes of his nation reaching the finals rest on his shoulders.
- Florian Wirtz
The German Golden boy has his eyes set on putting himself in the same stratosphere as renowned young stars like Erling Haaland and Foden. Florian is still nursing an injury that will see him out of commission for an unknown length of time, but hopefully, he’ll have fully recovered for the 2022 Qatar world cup.
- Joao Cancelo
Joao Cancelo is among the world’s best wing backs, although he missed the 2018 World Cup. The indispensable Manchester City player was among the first names to be featured on Portugal’s team sheet and he might become the team’s heart and soul to intimidate their opponents.
- Cyle Larin
Canada will be playing on the global stage for the first time since 1986, with several skilled players like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. However, Cyle Larin remains their main goal threat.
The Besiktas striker recorded 13 goals in 16 qualifying matches, which is more than any player in the continent has recorded. Cyle doesn’t have the best club form at the moment, but he’s expected to impress at the Qatar World Cup.