In November, up to 832 of the world’s best footballers will come to Qatar hoping to raise the bar World Cup for their country. Within that group, there is a clear top level.
In preparation for the league’s 22nd performance and the wealth of talent that will take part, FOX Sports football analyst and former USMNT Midfielder Stu Holden is counting down the 50 best players who are expected to participate in the 2022 World Cup. This story will be updated as the countdown progresses.
50. Raul Jiménez
As long as he is physically fit and in form, Jiménez will be a factor in Mexico’s attack.
Will Tata trust Jiménez?
Stu Holden explains why Mexico’s Raul Jimenez ranks 50th.
49. Yunus Musah
At just 19 years old, Yunus Musah could be one of the breakout stars of this year’s World Cup.
Yunus Musah is invaluable to the United States
USMNT’s Yunus Musah is known for his technical ability, mobility, and strength.
48. Hirving Lozano
Chucky Lozano brings experience and reliability to a young Mexican team.
Chucky Lozano is the key to Mexico
Mexico’s Hirving Lozano is known for his speed, dribbling and finishing.
After being threatened with health at Euro 2020, Christian Eriksen’s return to the World Cup with Denmark promises to be something special.
Christian Eriksen is back
Christian Eriksen of Denmark is known for his passing, technique and coordination.
forty six. Timo Werner
It will take a lot to beat Germany if Timo Werner runs out of chances in Qatar.
Timo Werner is the German X-Factor
Germany’s Timo Werner is known for his speed, movement and finishing.
If France in 2022 is better than in 2018, Aurélien Tchouaméni will most likely be one of the main reasons.
France has a young star in Aurélien Tchouaméni
Aurélien Tchouaméni of France is known for his passing, endurance and technique.
44. Darwin Núñez
Can Liverpool’s £85m man breathe life into an aging Uruguayan side?
Uruguay found their new number 9
Uruguay’s Darwin Núñez is known for his finishing, physicality and technique.
43. Edouard Mendy
Shares of Édouard Mendy could continue their rapid rise with a strong showing at the World Cup.
Mendy makes Senegal scary
Senegal’s Edouard Mendy is known for his size, shots and crosses.
42. Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale has finally brought Wales back to the World Cup – now the real work begins for the five-time Champions League winner.
Can Bale give Wales a World Cup?
Wales’ Gareth Bale is known for his technical ability, speed and finishing.
41. Weston McKennie
McKennie is the engine that makes USMNT grow.
McKennie’s energy is important to the United States
USMNT’s Weston McKennie is known for his physicality, technical ability, and aerial ability.
40. Memphis Depay
The Netherlands will rely heavily on Depay – their star striker – to score at the World Cup.
Depay is the star striker of the Netherlands
Memphis Depay of the Netherlands is known for his finishing, technique and confidence.
Pulisic has been promoted time and time again for the USMNT in the international arena. Will he do it again at the World Cup?
Christian Pulisic as “Captain America”
USMNT’s Christian Pulisic is known for his finishing, technique and speed.
38. Kingsley Coman
After missing out on the fun in 2018, Kingsley Coman will finally get a chance to make his mark with France at the World Cup.
Coman strengthens France’s attack power
Kingsley Coman of France is known for his speed, dribbling and crossing abilities.
Knunku could rise to superstar status with an impressive performance at the World Cup.
French Superwoman
France’s Christopher Nkunku is known for his finishing, speed and passing.
36. Antonio Rüdiger
It will not be easy for the German opponent when Antonio Rüdiger leads the back line.
German enforcement agency
Germany’s Antonio Rüdiger is known for his tackles, power and aerial combat.
35. Rodri
Rodri isn’t the flashiest player in Spain’s midfield, but his role is crucial to its success.
Spain’s solid defense
Spain’s Rodri is known for his ability to locate, tackle and pass the ball.
34. Dušan Vlahović
Serbia finally have a star striker to lead their formidable attack.
Serbia’s star man
Serbia’s Dusan Vlahovic is known for his finishing, movement and aerial combat.
After completing his move to Manchester United in the summer, Martinez will face his biggest challenge yet: leading Argentina’s defense at the World Cup.
Argentina’s defensive anchor
Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez is known for his positioning, passing and tackles.
32. Gavi
Gavi is this year’s Golden Boy winner. Will he win Best Young Player at the World Cup?
Spain’s second golden boy
Spain’s Gavi is known for his technical ability, passing and endurance.
thirty first. Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva elevates Portugal’s attack with his perfect pass.
Portuguese master builders
Bernardo Silva is known for his passing, positioning and technique.
30. Angel Di Maria
Di María’s proven track record at the World Cup will be valuable to Argentina’s attack.
Veteran Argentinian winger
Argentina’s Ángel Di María is known for his speed, finishing and passing.
29. Frenkie De Jong
Frenkie De Jong will play it all from start to finish in the Dutch midfield.
Dutch motives
Frenkie de Jong is known for his movement, passing and technique.
28. Rodrigo De Paul
De Paul has an important role in Argentina’s midfield, and it’s not just about protecting Lionel Messi at all costs.
Argentinian enforcement agency
Rodrigo De Paul is famous for his endurance, ability to tackle and pass the ball.
27. Marquinhos
Marquinhos will lead Brazil from behind at the World Cup.
Brazil’s Defensive Leader
Marquinhos are known for their intelligence, technical ability, and placement.
26. Alphonso Davies
Nothing slows down the Canadian superstar.
Canada’s Silver Bullet
Alphonso Davies is known for his speed, technical ability and ability to cross borders.
25. Alisson
Along with their tried and true defence, Brazil will have one of the best savers in the world in their goal at the World Cup.
Allison of Brazil: No. 25 | Stu Holden’s top 50 players at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup
Allison is known for his reflexes, saves and distribution.
24. Bruno Fernandes
Between Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, the Portuguese strikers will have no shortage of opportunities in front of goal.
The conductor of Portugal’s midfield
Bruno Fernandes is known for his technical ability, passing and finishing.
23. Ruben Dias
After being on the bench at the 2018 World Cup, Rúben Dias will be one of the top defenders at the 2022 World Cup.
Portuguese brick wall
Rúben Dias is known for his strength, aerial abilities, and organization.
22. Romelu Lukaku
If he’s healthy, Big Rom will have a chance to prove what his nickname is.
Belgian target man
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku is known for his finishing, aerial combat and power.
21. Phil Foden
Phil Foden’s first World Cup promises to be a World Cup to remember.
Britain now and in the future.
Phil Foden is known for his passing, technique, movement and won 21st place in Stu Holden’s Top 50 Players at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
20. Thomas Muller
After disappointing at the 2018 World Cup, Thomas Müller can finally get his legendary World Cup career back on track.
German masters or movements
Thomas Müller is known for his positioning, finishing and movement.
19. Lautaro Martinez
Clever striker will make Argentina’s attack more mobile.
Argentinian darts
Lautaro Martinez is known for his movement, finishing and technique.
18. Casemiro
You can expect Casemiro to bring some strength to the Brazilian midfield.
Brazil’s defensive star
Brazil’s Casemiro is known for his tackles, positioning and passing.
17. Thibaut Courtois
Courtois’ stellar saves will return to the World Cup stage.
Belgium’s big blocker
Thibaut Courtois of Belgium is known for his size, reflexes and technical ability.
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