The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is fast approaching, and although there are places in the tournament still to be decided, just about every major contender has already secured their spot at the finals.

A total of 32 teams will participate in the world’s biggest sports competition, and although less than half that quota is filled, it seems likely the eventual winner will come from those already qualified.

In fact, of those eight nations to have already won a World Cup, four-time winners Italy and two-time champions Uruguay are the only ones still yet to secure their berths.

Qatar will capitalise on their status as hosts to make a debut in the finals, but could the Asian state make a bigger splash than anticipated by running to the title?

Is it possible we’ll see an alternative underdog spring from the shadows to stage a surprise, or might we see five-time conquerors Brazil end their 20-year wait for the sixth trophy?

Latin Times breaks down the best in show currently on course to challenge for the crown in Qatar, as well as a selection of betting offers by US sportsbooks to help maximize one’s wager come competition time.

Outright favorite: France

If the age of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is indeed in its final season, then one can rest assured Kylian Mbappe is part of the next wave of elite talent ready to pick up the mantle.

Unlike those aforementioned icons, however, Mbappe has already soared to World Cup heights after lifting the title when the tournament came to Russia in 2018.

No country has succeeded in winning back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, but Didier Deschamps has all the talent necessary to break that duck 60 years on.

Les Bleus look likely to attract huge support in Qatar, too, something that could prove crucial considering the remote setting of this competition could keep many supporters at bay:

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There’s every reason to believe this France team—drenched in both current talent and the world-beaters of tomorrow—can go back-to-back where so many others have failed.

A +600 pricing could prove somewhat prohibitive despite Deschamps’ side making it through qualification unbeaten, however, especially when second-place Ukraine also avoided defeat in their group.

One to watch: Argentina

Speaking of the last embers of Messi’s glittering career, could it be possible the seven-time Ballon d’Or-winner was simply saving the biggest and best achievements for his end days?

For years, the diminutive attacker stacked his trophy cabinet with silverware won with Barcelona, but his attempts to replicate that success for Argentina often fell agonisingly short.

Messi’s wait for a major international trophy finally ended last year when La Albiceleste won the 2021 Copa América, beating Brazil 1-0 in the final thanks to Angel Di Maria’s chipped finish.

Lionel Scaloni has his side operating at the best levels we’ve seen for years, and a 34-year-old Messi finished as joint-top scorer with four goals to his name.

In what’s all but certain to be his final World Cup, Messi is sure to go to whatever lengths are required for one last crack at soccer’s greatest honor.

Argentina began this year having gone unbeaten in their last 21 outings of 2021, a strong omen if ever one was needed entering a World Cup year.

Sleeper pick: Croatia

Looking to the rest of the field and away from the usual suspects, 2018 runners-up Croatia are not to be taken lightly as a potential pick to finally end that wait for a World Cup.

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Zlatko Dalic’s side may look nigh impossible as champions given their +6000 billing, but the national team has an identity, consistent production of quality players and history in the contest, to boot.

There’s special pressure to make some kind of mark in 2022 given 36-year-old midfield marvel Luka Modric is all but certain to not get another chance at the trophy.