And that’s it! The final international break ahead of the Qatar World Cup is over as the days continue to tick by until this winter’s historical tournament begins.
In just over seven weeks Qatar will take on Ecuador in the opening game of the 2022 World Cup.
As Harry Kane trudged off the Wembley pitch on Monday having helped to inspire England to an enthralling comeback in their 3-3 draw with Germany, the next time he will pull on the Three Lions shirt will be in Doha when Gareth Southgate’s side face Iran.
England’s 3-3 draw with Germany on Monday was their last game ahead of the World Cup
Brazil enjoyed a successful international break and look like one of the favourites for Qatar
While several teams do fit in pre-tournament friendlies in the week preceding the opening World Cup game, the major preparation is already done and those games will be for fine-tuning rather than anything else.
However, after a disastrous week for several of Europe’s big hitters such as France, England and Germany, there is a lack of certainty and confidence in terms of how they will perform in Qatar.
On the other hand, it’s been a positive break for Brazil, Argentina and Croatia, with a plethora of teams looking in good shape.
The national team managers will now be intently examining their options ahead of naming their 26-man squads, with the deadline for this on November 13.
Below, Sportsmail ranks all 32 teams heading into the World Cup based on the shape they’re in.
1 – Brazil
After dispatching Ghana and Tunisia 3-0 and 5-1 respectively over the past week, Brazil look like they will be the team to beat in Qatar.
Despite facing two so-called lower-level opponents, Tite’s side is littered with world class talent and they have now won seven successive games, scoring 26 goals and conceding just two in the process.
Powered by Neymar and Vinicius Jr, the depth of Brazil’s options is unbelievable, with the Arsenal trio of Gabriels in Jesus, Martinelli and Magalhaes failing to make the most recent squad.
Coupled with an experienced defence and two world class keepers in Alisson and Ederson, the world No 1 ranked side will be the team to beat in Qatar.
Brazil have won seven games in a row, scoring 26 goals and conceding just two in the process
2 – Belgium
Despite a disappointing Nations League campaign that saw Roberto Martinez’s side lose twice to the Netherlands, the Belgians are littered with star names heading into the peak of their careers.
With a fit and firing Kevin De Bruyne, a world class goalkeeper in Thibaut Courtois and a proven goalscorer Romelu Lukaku, they promise to be a dangerous outfit after their third place finish in Russia four years ago.
They looked tired at times during the Nations League and there are worries about an ageing defence, but with further promising young players coming through such as Charles De Ketelaere and big-game stars, Martinez will be confident in his side.
3 – Argentina
Having won both the Copa America in 2021 and then dispatched Italy 3-0 in the Finalissima earlier this summer, Argentina will fancy their chances in Qatar.
With Lionel Messi entering perhaps his final World Cup and having scored nine times in his past four internationals, Argentina are purring, having not lost a game since July 2019.
The past week saw them earn comfortable 3-0 victories over Honduras and Jamaica, and they will back themselves to go all the way at the World Cup.
Lionel Messi is flying for Argentina, having scored nine times in his past four internationals
4 – Spain
After impressing at Euro 2020 with several young stars, Luis Enrique has continued to build ahead of the World Cup.
A dramatic 1-0 win over Portugal on Tuesday secured their path to the Nations League finals, where they will look to avenge their defeat in the final to France last year.
The talented Pedri and Gavi – 19 and 18 respectively are likely to have a key part to play, while Alvaro Morata answered the critics by scoring the winner last night.
Spain and Luis Enrique have continued to build on their semi-final defeat at Euro 2020
5 – Holland
Since a third place finish in the 2014 World Cup, it has been a barren period for the Netherlands as they failed to qualify for Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup before exiting at the Round of 16 stage at Euro 2020.
But, under the guidance of Louis Van Gaal, who returned to the job following the Euros, they’ve excelled, winning their Nations League group and beating Belgium twice.
Victories against Belgium and Poland during the past week without conceding a goal will give Van Gaal and his team plenty of confidence moving forward.
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk is the heartbeat of Louis Van Gaal’s impressive Holland team
6 – France
A lengthy injury list, several scandals and a dreadful run of form – French football has had better weeks.
Following a narrow win against Austria to avoid relegation from the Nations League, France put in a dismal performance in a 2-0 defeat to Denmark to heap pressure on Didier Deschamps.
The reigning World Cup champions are mired in uncertainty heading into the tournament on and off the pitch, although you would be foolish to ever write off a squad with so much talent.
The reigning World Cup champions France had a tough international break on and off the pitch
7 – Croatia
Perhaps surprisingly high on this list, Croatia have the potential to be dark horses in Qatar after winning their Nations League group which included France, Denmark and Austria.
With a quality and experienced midfield of Luke Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic, along with young talents such as the highly-rated Josko Gvardiol, could the Croats repeat their 2018 heroics where they reached the final?
Croatia have a perfect blend of youth and experience and won their Nations League group
8 – Portugal
The Cristiano Ronaldo conundrum that has dominated discussions over Manchester United’s selection for the past year has reached the Portugal national team after CR7 failed to impress during the international break.
Despite a 4-0 hammering of Czech Republic, Ronaldo struggled to impact the game and his performance was heavily criticised in their 1-0 loss to Spain.
With a whole host of superb attacking options behind Ronaldo, including Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota, all is not lost for the long-serving Fernando Santo and there is still the potential for success this winter.
Cristiano Ronaldo struggled for Portugal during games against Czech Republic and Spain
9 – Germany
Another of Europe’s big-hitters who had a pretty disastrous week, Germany lost 1-0 to Hungary before Monday’s 3-3 draw with England.
Hansi Flick’s side ended with seven points from six Nations League games, and now have five draws from eight fixtures this year.
Against Hungary and England they looked vulnerable in defence, while the poor form of Bayern Munich, which houses several of the the national team’s stars, is another worry.
10 – England
The glorious tournament summers of the 2018 World Cup and the delayed 2020 Euros seem a long time away now after another disappointing international break.
Finishing with three points from six Nations League games is unacceptable, while Monday’s goals were England’s first from open play goal for more than five games – the Three Lions must improve dramatically if they are going to have any chance of success in Qatar.
It was another tough international break for Gareth Southgate as pressure continues to build
The Three Lions have struggled in 2022 and look a shadow of their former selves
11 – Senegal
Fresh off their 2022 AFCON success, Senegal will back themselves to match their nation’s success at the 2002 World Cup when they reached the quarter-finals.
Powered by Sadio Mane and a British-based core of Ismaila Sarr, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy, they will hope to take advantage of their favourable draw in Group A alongside Qatar, Ecuador and the Netherlands.
Over the past week, they beat Bolivia 2-0 and earned a creditable draw with Iran.
Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year and will hope to impress in Qatar
12 – Denmark
After an inspiring run to the semi-finals at Euro 2020 following Christian Eriksen suffering a cardiac arrest, they have looked mightily impressive over the past year.
Denmark narrowly missed out on qualification for the Nations League final, with their campaign capped off by a superb victory over France.
Talisman Eriksen is back and likely to play a key role in Qatar for this exciting Danish side.
13 – Serbia
Free-scoring Serbia are another team emerging as dark horses in Qatar after a dominant Nations League campaign that saw them pip Norway to promotion into League A.
With two fearsome strikers in form in Aleksandar Mitrovic and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, they’ve won nine out of their past 12 games.
Mitrovic has an astonishing 58 in 65 games since the start of last season for club and country and Serbia are likely to ruffle a few feathers this winter.
Aleksandar Mitrovic has an astonishing 58 in 65 games since the start of last season
14 – Switzerland
A difficult start to Switzerland’s Nations League campaign with three successive defeats was followed by three strong wins against Spain, Portugal and Czech Republic to avoid relegation and provide hope and momentum ahead of the World Cup.
Granit Xhaka leads the experienced Swiss side, while other long-serving stars such as Yann Sommer and Xherdan Shaqiri will be crucial if they are to experience a successful tournament.
15 – Uruguay
Uruguay followed up a disappointing defeat to Iran with an impressive 2-0 win over Canada this week and Diego Alonso’s side have now won seven of their past nine games.
With a mix of young stars plying their trade in Europe such as Federico Valverde and Darwin Nunez and significant experience such as Luis Suarez and Diego Godin, Uruguay provide the potential to be a dangerous outfit.
Uruguay have won seven of their past nine games and could be a surprise package in Qatar
16 – Cameroon
Cameroon endured a disappointing break losing to both Uzbekistan and South Korea. However, this followed a period of one loss in 14 and an impressive third place finish at AFCON.
Despite the recent defeats, a prolific strike force of Karl Toko Ekambi and Vincent Aboubakar- the Golden Boot winner at AFCON, should provide a base to perform in Qatar.
17 – Morocco
The return of Hakim Ziyech to the international fold after falling out with previous boss Vahid Halilhodzic is a welcome boost for a talented Morocco side.
After being undefeated throughout qualification for the World Cup and losing to Egypt at the quarter-final stage of AFCON, this will be a motivated and capable Morocco – aiming to reach the World Cup knockout stages for just the second time in their history.
18 – Iran
In spite of off-field problems, Iran beat Uruguay 1-0 and drew to Senegal during the break, and they suddenly are not looking like the whipping boys in Group B.
Iran have been inspired by returning manager Carlos Queiroz — formerly Sir Alex Ferguson’s No 2 at Manchester United, who has galvanised them, while Porto striker Mehdi Taremi is the dangerman, having scored seven times in nine games for his club this season – England will have to be wary.
Mehdi Taremi is Iran’s danger man, with seven goals already for Porto so far this season
19 – Mexico
The perennial round of 16 team – Mexico have been knocked out in that stage at the last seven World Cups, but the Tricolor are shaping up nicely ahead of Qatar.
They’ve won seven out of 15 games so far this year after finishing runners-up at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2021, although a second half collapse in Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat to Colombia does slightly tarnish their preparation.
They face Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Poland in their group so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see another round of 16 exit.
20 – Japan
Japan impressed in Russia four years ago, pushing Belgium all the way before they lost 3-2 in the round of 16, having been 2-0 up.
Ranked 24th in the world and with Spain and Germany in their group, it won’t be easy in Qatar, but after being runners-up at the last Asian Cup, they come into the tournament in form and Celtic favourite Kyogo Furuhasi will be key to their chances.
21 – South Korea
South Korea haven’t quite hit the heights since their memorable fourth place finish at the 2002 World Cup, although a draw and win against Costa Rica and Cameroon respectively this past week demonstrate they are a resolute side.
If Son Heung-Min can gather a head of steam ahead of the tournament, South Korea could cause some trouble in Qatar.
South Korea’s hopes are largely pinned on Son Heung-min recapturing his best form
22 – Poland
Poland staved off Nations League relegation with an important 1-0 win against Wales on Sunday.
Their chances in Qatar will be heavily reliant on talisman Robert Lewandowski who has begun the season in scintillating form for Barcelona, scoring 11 times in eight games.
They will fancy their chances of ousting Saudi Arabia and Mexico as runners-up behind one of the tournament favourites Argentina in their group.
23 – Wales
Nations League relegation won’t dampen the excitement for a nation competing at their first World Cup in 64 years.
Rob Page sacrificed the start of the campaign in order to rest his key players for the decisive play-off with Ukraine – a decision that paid fruit.
They can take heart from a decent performance and a narrow loss against Belgium and full focus will now be on ensuring Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are fully fit and firing when the tournament comes around.
Wales must make sure Gareth Bale is fully fit and firing to have a chance this winter in Qatar
24 – Australia
The Socceroos qualified for the World Cup in dramatic fashion after Andrew Redmayne’s penalty heroics against Peru.
They come into the tournament with four wins from five, but will be reliant on a core of players known to British fans including Matt Ryan, Riley McGree and Aaron Mooy, while they will hope that playmaker Tom Rogic picks up some form after joining West Brom earlier this month.
25 – Canada
Led by English coach John Herdman, the excitement will be palpable when Canada get their World Cup underway after they qualified for the first time in 36 years.
They topped the CONCACAF qualification, ahead of both Mexico and USA and are driven by a European-based core of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David.
After defeating Qatar last week, they were well beaten by Uruguay on Tuesday.
Canada, under English coach John Herdman, are at the World Cup for the first time since 1986
26 – USA
USA are another side who endured a disastrous week as the pressure has ramped up on head coach Gregg Berhalter, with his side managing just two shots on target in games against Japan (a 2-0 defeat) and Saudi Arabia (0-0 draw).
The Star and Stripes have only won once in 2022 against teams that have qualified for the World Cup and have failed to score in six of those seven games.
The memories of winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup last year have long faded as Berhalter’s men head to Qatar.
USA head coach Gregg Berhalter is under huge pressure after a dismal international break
27 – Ghana
It was somewhat of a shock that Ghana beat Nigeria on away goals in the World Cup play-off earlier this year, with the African side ranked 60th in the world and struggling.
A solitary win against Madagascar in 12 games this year doesn’t provide much hope for a successful tournament, with last week’s defeat to Qatar extremely alarming.
28 – Costa Rica
Costa Rica ended the international break in perfect fashion with two injury time goals securing a remarkable turnaround against Uzbekistan.
They’ve now lost just once in 11 games this year, which included a memorable win over the USA, and are powered by former Premier League players Bryan Oviedo, Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell.
Their run to the quarter-finals in 2014 lives long in the memory for the national team, but facing Spain, Germany and Japan in the group stage won’t be easy.
29 – Saudi Arabia
Despite losing just one of 18 qualifying games, Saudi Arabia come into the World Cup in dreadful form, having scored just twice in eight games this year.
However, they remarkably still have six friendlies to go before the tournament begins, giving manager Herve Renard plenty of time to sort out his team before their tournament opener against Argentina.
30 – Tunisia
In five World Cups, Tunisia have never gone past the group stage and few would expect that to change this time after the North African side were hammered 5-1 by Brazil on Tuesday in a game marred by horrific racism targeted towards Richarlison.
However, they had demonstrated some form previously with three successive wins over Chile, Japan and Comoros, but the squad lacks star names and faces a tough draw against France, Denmark and Australia.
Tunisia were hammered 5-1 by Brazil on Tuesday and have never gone past the group stage
31 – Ecuador
It is still uncertain whether Ecuador will even compete at the World Cup after revelations emerged that their player Byron Castillo was ineligible to play for them in qualifiers and in fact born in Colombia.
The situation isn’t great on the pitch either as they ended the most recent break with two 0-0 draws against Saudi Arabia and Japan and have now drawn seven of their last 10 games.
If they do avoid punishment for the alleged misdemeanour, their inability to score is likely to hinder them, although they did finish above Chile, Colombia and Peru in qualifying.
Ecuador have kept their place in the World Cup despite Bryon Castillo (pictured) admitting to being born in Colombia
Castillo (left) played against Chile in World Cup qualifying, who could have booked a last-minute ticket to the tournament in Qatar if Ecuador had been thrown out
32 – Qatar
After winning the Asian Cup in 2019, it was expected that Qatar would kick on ahead of competing at their first World Cup. However, it hasn’t quite worked out.
They were invited to join a European Qualifying Group for the World Cup alongside Portugal, Serbia, Republic of Ireland, Luxembourg and Azerbaijan, with the fixtures to be played as friendlies.
However, they struggled, which included three heavy 4-0 defeats to Serbia (twice) and Republic of Ireland.
They were also humiliated last week when they lost to a Croatia Under 23 team, although Qatar secured a creditable 2-2 draw with Chile on Tuesday.
The Qatar national team posing before a friendly in November 2020 against Costa Rica
