Overlooked teams at this year’s World Cup

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As the countdown to the World Cup begins, countries are gearing up for football’s biggest international competition. The tournament will certainly feel unique, with the prospect of a first-ever winter World Cup held in Qatar throwing a spanner in the works.

Having interrupted domestic football around various continents, the competition has come around at a time where players are performing at their peaks, meaning the standard is likely to be incredibly high, but the potential for injuries in the coming weeks risks plans for managers across each of the 32 nations. Indeed, the likes of Paul Pogba, Diogo Jota and Georginio Wijnaldum will be absent in the Middle East, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to squad selection and Qatar World Cup odds.

This unpredictability has not only made world cup football betting even harder, but has helped some dark horses emerge ahead of the group stage. Read on, as we look at the teams that have gone overlooked ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. 

South Korea

Many believe South Korea’s entire World Cup campaign depends on the availability of Heung-Min Son, but with the Tottenham Hotspur man requiring eye surgery after an injury sustained in the Champions League, the rest of the team will get a chance to show their worth until he returns. They play in Group H with Uruguay, Ghana and Portugal, and while many would have them as outsiders, there’s a chance they could top the group if they win their opening game. 

Aside from Son they have centre-back Kim Min-jae, an integral part of an in-form Napoli side that are one of the best in the world right now. Going forward, there’s also Hwang Hee-chan of Wolves and Lee Jae-sung, who signed for Bundesliga side Mainz 05 last summer after impressing in the K-League. 

Netherlands

Despite underperforming and failing to qualify for Russia 2018, this new-era Netherlands side look inspired under Louis van Gaal, who is stepping down as manager after the tournament. With a first World Cup for the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Virgil van Dijk, it’s easy to say the Dutch lack experience, but after reaching the final of the inaugural Nations League and winning various domestic tournaments, there’s every chance they can make it to the latter rounds. 

In Group A with hosts Qatar as well as Ecuador and Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal, it won’t be routine for the Netherlands but their great squad depth and the good form of Cody Gakpo, who has more goal contributions than Erling Haaland this season, means they are one to keep an eye on. 

Canada 

In their first World Cup since 1986, Canada are enjoying the start of their Golden Generation, and are slipping massively under the radar. Spearheaded by Alphonso Davies, a Champions League winner with Bayern Munich, as well as Lille’s Jonathan David and Porto midfielder Stephen Eustáquio, this tournament could be the perfect way to build experience ahead of 2026, where they host the World Cup alongside the USA and Mexico. 

They face a tough group with Belgium, Croatia and Morocco, but if they can hold out for a draw against the Red Devils, then Croatia look beatable. They are an ageing side compared to the one that reached the final in Russia 2018, with Luka Modric now 37 and Ivan Rakitić 34. Morocco is their best hope of three points which stands them in good stead to snatch a place in the round of 16.