Unfortunately for New Zealand, our national football team didn’t make it to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar but the country is bound to throw its weight behind its favorite teams
They did get to briefly visit the Gulf nation, ultimately falling short in a contentious encounter with Costa Rica, narrowly losing 1-0 and competing for the last 20 minutes with just 10 men on the pitch.
Despite that obvious disappointment, enthusiasm ahead of the World Cup does remain amongst the populace of New Zealand, because this tournament is only held every four years. And rarely does any global sports event match the same levels drama and entertainment, as teams from around the globe compete for the biggest international prize available.
Know Which Teams Will New Zealanders Cheer For At The 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup
This is about individual and collective pride for the footballers involved, as they get ready to battle for the most prestigious honour possible. But without a New Zealand side to cheer for at the upcoming World Cup this year, which teams might we be cheering for instead? Let’s take a look at some of the options fans may be considering.
Backing the Favourites
Two teams are currently leading the thoughts of tipsters, when it comes to wagering on who might win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and both have proven themselves to be worthy contenders. Topping the early outright betting lists at many bookmakers, Brazil has won the tournament more times than any other nation, having emerged as champions on five occasions over the years.
But as the reigning champions who won the 2018 World Cup in Russia, nobody can ignore France and their ambitions of winning back-to-back titles. They also boast arguably the strongest and broadest depth to their squad, which means that head coach Didier Dechamps is blessed with options at his disposal. These include the fearsome attacking duo of Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe, both of whom are lethal in front of goal.
Nevertheless, before backing any of the teams considered to be in with a genuine chance of winning the World Cup, comparing the best sports betting sites New Zealand has available is always worthwhile. Look for solid reviews and recommendations, along with information about where to find the most generous odds, free bet offers, and especially live betting options throughout the tournament itself.
The Commonwealth Contingent
Considering the significant competitive sporting rivalries with many of these countries, many New Zealanders may find it difficult to back some of our Commonwealth cousins. Yet a large proportion of our populace actually hails from these countries, whose national teams did make it to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making it likely those are the teams they will be cheering for.
The list is actually quite lengthy, starting with two teams from the United Kingdom, with England tipped as one of the tournament favourites, alongside Wales in Group B. Meanwhile, given that several members of the New Zealand national team play in Australia, lending support to our Southern Hemisphere neighbours might seem a little more natural.
Amongst the African contingent of Commonwealth members, Cameroon and Ghana will both have ambitions of reaching the knockout phase, given both have dazzled before at previous World Cup tournaments. Meanwhile, having qualified for the first time since the Mexico 1986 tournament, Canada will proudly be flying the Maple Leaf flag in Qatar, filled with hopes of performing well.
Following the Best Players
For those of us who keenly follow football from around the globe, our World Cup support may go to the teams featuring our favourite players. Thankfully, two of the greatest superstars to ever grace a football pitch will be present and ready, hopeful of inspiring their nations to the ultimate success they can achieve within the international game.
Still regarded as being in the intimidating shadow of what Diego Maradona achieved, Lionel Messi finally lifted the Copa America in 2021 with Argentina, having endured the pain of being a runner-up in 2007, 2015, and 2016. The phenomenally talented player was also a FIFA World Cup runner-up in 2014, although this time will possibly be his final shot at lifting the trophy. For some Argentine fans, he will never match Maradona until he wins the World Cup.
New Zealand boasts a large contingent of Manchester United supporters, which make it fairly obvious that many will be rooting for Cristiano Ronaldo, who returned to the club last season. But whether he remains with the Red Devils, that remains an open question before the summer transfer window closes. Otherwise, fans of United will probably be rooting for Ronaldo and Portugal, who won the UEFA European Championship in 2016.