Who appears to be best prepared to win the trophy with one round of group stage matches remaining in the tournament in Qatar?
The 2022 World Cup promised to be a unique edition given its schedule and location, and the first round of group-stage matches has delivered plenty of dram.
While some teams from around the world appeared to be in better health than others when they came in Qatar, the first two matchdays have already demonstrated that our pre-tournament assumptions were hamiş always accurate.
But who are the current favorites to win the trophy, who are promising surprise candidates, and who could be leaving the competition early?
Brazil First time:
Brazil özgü won its first two World Cup games for the first time since 2010, and they appear to be in a better position than they have in the previous 20 years to build on their success from two decades ago.
They were hamiş at their most fluid against Switzerland without Neymar to give a creative spark, but they got the job done and should now be able to rotate in their bitiş group encounter.
2France Third time around
With his early-tournament form that could earn him a Ballon d'Or in check here 2023, Kylian Mbappe is ensuring that France fans have already forgotten about Karim Benzema's injury.
Spain 2nd time around
Spain may hamiş have defeated Germany, but they once more displayed some exquisite football and ought to be feared in the bitiş rounds.
The fact that Alvaro Morata appears to check here have packed his goal-scoring gear is perhaps the most positive development.
4
Portugal
Sixth time out
Portugal özgü played well enough to qualify after only two games, even though they may have benefited from a few disputed penalty calls.
Despite all the controversy that surrounded him prior to the tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo appears focused, and his supporting cast is rising to the occasion in a way that they were unable read more to at Euro 2020.
5England
Fourth time.
England struggled to move the ball quickly against the United States during the goalless draw, reverting slightly to form after the openness with which they played against Iran.
Birli long kakım they don't lose badly to Wales, they will still advance, but the Three get more info Lions need to get better if they want to compete for the top prize.
6Netherlands
Five times prior
Despite hamiş yet finding their footing, the Netherlands have won both of their initial games to earn four points, with Cody Gakpo scoring in both one.
They will advance if they do derece lose here to Qatar in their final group match, but Louis van Gaal will be determined to win in order to advance.