2022 World Cup Group F preview, teams, odds: Clock ticking for Belgium, Croatia looking for return to Final

The second and third-place finishers of the 2018 World Cup in Russia find themselves in Group F as Croatia and Belgium look to go one step further in Qatar. But first, they’ll have to navigate through Canada and Morocco. 

2022 World Cup Group F preview

Belgium

• FIFA Rank: 2nd
• Qualification: Group E winners in UEFA qualifying
• Previous World Cup appearances: 13
• Best finish: 3rd Place (2018)
• Odds to win group: -190
• Odds to make knockout stage: -750
• Odds to win World Cup: +1600

In 10 years we could look back at 2018 as Belgium’s best chance at a World Cup. While they still have an abundance of talent, some of their most important pieces are uncertainties heading to Qatar. Romelu Lukaku has dealt with injury issues since August while Eden Hazard’s playing time has been incredibly sparse. They also have a slower, aging defense — but there’s still enough to see this team go far.

X-Factor: Kevin De Bruyne One of the finest playmaking midfielders on the planet, De Bruyne is a superstar at Manchester City and will be the driving creative force of the Belgians in Qatar. It’s unclear just how strong his usual support system of Hazard and Lukaku will be, which puts further stress on his performance.

Belgium World Cup Roster

Canada

• FIFA Rank: 41st
• Qualification: Finished 1st in CONCACAF qualifying
• Previous World Cup appearances: 1
• Best finish: Group Stage (1986)
• Odds to win group: +1000
• Odds to make knockout stage: +275
• Odds to win World Cup:+25000

Canada isn’t just a one-trick pony, which seemed to be the reputation at times throughout their surprising run through World Cup qualifying. A ton of the focus will deservedly be on Alphonso Davies. Without him, Canada isn’t playing at its second-ever World Cup. But a team predicated on defense will hope that the sum of its parts can continue surprising the soccer world.

X-Factor: Alphonso Davies The most recognizable and gifted Canadian soccer player in the world, Davies has reached remarkable heights playing in the back line of German giants Bayern Munich. With his national side, though, Davies will be looked on as more of a creative, attacking player down the wing to facilitate Les Rouges’ offense. It remains to be seen just how fit he’ll be after suffering a hamstring injury recently, but he’ll still be giving it a go on the big stage.

Canada World Cup Roster

Croatia

• FIFA Rank: 12th
• Qualification: Group H winners in UEFA qualifying
• Previous World Cup appearances: 5
• Best finish: 2nd place (2018)
• Odds to win group: +200
• Odds to make knockout stage: -200
• Odds to win World Cup: +5000

It still can’t be stated enough just how impressive Croatia’s run to the 2018 World Cup Final was given how small of a nation (and how recent their soccer history) they are. While their odds are longer to return to that stage, the Vatreni and manager Zlatko Dalic has done well to freshen up an aging backline to ensure that the talisman Luka Modric has more freedom to direct an extremely talented midfield that boasts the likes of Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic and Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic.

X-Factor: Luka Modric This will likely be the final World Cup for Modric, who has helped put Croatian soccer on the map behind a wonderful career with Real Madrid that included a Ballon d’Or in 2018. At 37 years old, the captain is still the heart and soul of the squad.

Croatia World Cup Roster

Morocco

• FIFA Rank: 22nd
• Qualification: Defeated DR Congo in CAF 3rd Round
• Previous World Cup appearances: 5
• Best finish: Round of 16 (1986)
• Odds to win group: +850
• Odds to make knockout stage: +200
• Odds to win World Cup: +25000

Morocco didn’t have much trouble finding its way to Qatar for its sixth-ever World Cup appearance. They won all six games during the group stage of qualifying before hammering Congo 5-2 in the third round. While they very well could be the least-known squad in the group, they have an abundance of talent playing in the best leagues in the world — which can best be seen up front and in defense.

X-Factor: Hakim Ziyech All eyes will undoubtedly be on PSG star wing-back Achraf Hakimi, but it’ll be Ziyech that could add another dimension to the Moroccans’ game. The Chelsea star announced his international retirement after a falling out with former manager Vahid Halilhodzic that saw him seldom used this year. But with Walid Regragui calling the shots, he’s back to provide a boost for the Atlas Lions.

Morocco World Cup Roster

*Odds courtesy of DraftKings

2022 World Cup Group F schedule