This will be a monumental World Cup and for numerous reasons, not least because this is the first time the tournament is being held in the Middle East, as Qatar prepares to host the 32 competing sides and their supporters.
Head coaches have now named their squad lists, each of them able to take up to 26 players to the tournament. Amongst those who will feature are generational superstars, including Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal and Lionel Messi for Argentina, both of whom will be appearing at their last-ever World Cup.
For those of us wagering on the World Cup, some of these players could be featuring regularly in key betting markets, including those featured at the top-rated online betting sites (พนันกีฬาออนไลน์) in Thailand, based on the latest reviews from Asiabet. Beyond the World Cup trophy winners, odds are also available for awards like the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball. Find betting strategies on the site and the best odds if you are into wagering on your team.
But which players from the next generation of superstars will make the biggest impact? That can be hard to predict, although there are several young talents who have already made their breakthrough in the sport, as we look at wonderkids who could become global icons at the 2022 World Cup.
Youssoufa Moukoko – Germany
When the 2022 FIFA World Cup begins in Qatar on 20 November, one young player will enter adulthood in the most fascinating scenarios, as Youussoufa Moukoko celebrates his 18th birthday on the same day. Furthermore, the Borussia Dortmund and Germany teenager will be the youngest player to appear at the tournament, filled with hopes and ambitions of playing some part for his country.
Moukoko was born in Cameroon and grew up with his grandparents in Yaoundé, before joining his father in Germany in 2014. Since then his football career has quite literally exploded, already making 44 appearances and scoring 11 goals in the Borussia Dortmund first team. Interestingly, he has yet to debut with the German senior team, although given his record of 6 goals in 5 games with the U21 side, don’t be surprised to see him feature at the World Cup.
Alphonso Davies – Canada
Still just 22 years of age, life has already been a remarkable journey for Alphonso Davies, born to Liberian parents in a Ghanaian refugee camp. They emigrated to Edmonton in Canada in 2005, then he joined the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency program at 15, where his incredible football talent and potential came to the fore. Before too long, he became the first player born in the 2000’s to debut in the MLS, as his prodigious ability soon caught attention elsewhere.
By 2018 Davies was on the move to Germany and the Bundesliga, quickly establishing himself as an exceptional player with Bavarian giants Bayern Munich. Since then he has won 3x Bundesliga titles, 2x DFB-Pokal, 3x DFL-Supercup, the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League, 2020 UEFA Super Cup, and the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup. Already boasting 34 appearances and 12 goals to his name, Davies is already regarded as Canada’s star player for the 2022 World Cup.
Jude Bellingham – England
Another overseas talent who has made his name in the German Bundesliga, 19-year-old Jude Bellingham actually made his professional breakthrough at Birmingham City. During the 2019-20 season, he quickly becoming recognised as one of the 50 most exciting teenagers in English football, which in turn caught the attention of Borussia Dortmund. They swooped for the then 17-year-old in July 2020, showing little hesitation putting him straight into their first team.
Since then, Bellingham has genuinely exploded and in little time, become one of the most promising players in world football. Now an established star in the Borussia Dortmund side, the 19-year-old has already earned 17 caps in midfield with England, and he will be their youngest player at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Providing head coach Gareth Southgate gives him the game time, Bellingham could easily become their star of the tournament.