Key Players

NEYMAR (PARIS-SAINT-GERMAIN) – FORWARD

Speed, skill, flair and creative vision is what Neymar can bring to any game if he is on song. There will be no shortage of goals when he takes the pitch.

KEVIN DE BRUYNE (MANCHESTER CITY) – MIDFIELDER

Arguably the best player in the Premier League right now, De Bruyne will be pivotal in creating, as well as scoring goals. Can he take Belgium all the way?

LIONEL MESSI (PARIS-SAINT-GERMAIN) – FORWARD

This will be the last World Cup for the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner. The GOAT debate would surely be put to rest if he can lead the in-form Argentina side to World Cup glory.

KARIM BENZEMA (REAL MADRID) – STRIKER

As one of the most prolific strikers in the game right now, he is proving unstoppable. The World Cup title will cap off an amazing year for the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner.

HARRY KANE (TOTTENHAM) – STRIKER

Kane has established himself as a prolific goal scorer for both club and country. Reaching 50 international goals for England, he’s hoping to use his experience to help England win the title.

GAVI (BARCELONA) MIDFIELDER

The 18-year-old and 2022 Young Player of the Year, burst onto the scene last season for Barcelona, showing his close ball control, technique and attacking prowess. Since the call-up to the national team, he has never looked back.

LUKA MODRIC (REAL MADRID) MIDFIELDER

One of the few to win the Ballon d’Or in the Ronaldo/Messi era, Modric has established himself as one of the best central midfielders in the last decade. Can he lead his Croatian side to one better this time around and lift the World Cup trophy in his last World Cup?

*Ballon d’Or – An annual award published by the France Football Magazine that honours the best male player over the previous year. The most prestigious individual award in football.

Brazil

Belgium

Argentina

France

England

Spain

Croatia

Netherlands VIRGIL VAN DIJK (LIVERPOOL) – CENTRE BACK

Established as one of the best centre backs in the last 5 years Van Dijk will use his ability to read the play to keep any team from scoring against his team. He would be hoping to carry on his recent success with Liverpool with a solid tournament.

Portugal CRISTIANO RONALDO (MANCHESTER UNITED) – FORWARD

Most likely his last World Cup, Ronaldo will be wanting to turn around his domestic form. Can he get the upper hand on Messi and etch his name in football as one of the greatest players of all-time?

Uruguay DARWIN NUNEZ (LIVERPOOL) – STRIKER

Scoring 34 goals in 41 appearances for Benfica last season, the Liverpool signing will need to utilise his raw power this tournament. Not off to the best start this season, Nunez will need to turn his form around to give Uruguay any chance to win the World Cup.

Senegal SADIO MANE (BAYERN MUNICH) – FORWARD

Having won the Africa Cup of Nations Mane will look to put Senegal back on the footballing map. Let’s hope he recovers in time to be at his scintillating and goalscoring best this tournament.

Poland ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI (BARCELONA) – STRIKER

The highest goal scorer of the last 2 seasons in Europe Lewandowski is a serious threat inside the 18-yard box. Whether it’s the air or from the ground, his finishing is nothing short of world class.

Qatar AKRAM AFIF (AL SADD) – FORWARD

Afif’s attacking instinct, dribbling, vision and finishing make him Qatar’s biggest asset this tournament. How far can he take Qatar in their first World Cup outing?

Australia MATTHEW RYAN (FC COPENHAGEN) – GOALKEEPER

There is no doubt the Socceroos goalkeeper is key to the team’s success this tournament. Coming up against France and Denmark in the group stages Matt Ryan will have to be at his shot-stopping best to get his team to the next round.