Football, also known as soccer in some parts of the world, is the most popular sport on the planet. Every four years, the world comes together for the biggest football tournament in the world, the FIFA World Cup. The tournament features the best national teams from around the globe competing for the coveted trophy. As we approach the year 2023, fans around the world are already eagerly anticipating the next World Cup. So, which countries will participate in the 2023 Football World Cup?
Firstly, it's important to note that the 2023 World Cup will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The tournament will be the first time that the World Cup is hosted across two confederations, with the AFC (Asia) and the OFC (Oceania) both involved in the organization of the tournament. As hosts, Australia and New Zealand will automatically qualify for the tournament.
Aside from the hosts, a total of 31 teams will qualify for the 2023 World Cup. The qualifying process is a long and grueling journey for many nations, but for some of the top footballing nations, qualification is almost a formality. Let's take a look at some of the countries that are likely to participate in the tournament:
- Brazil - The most successful team in World Cup history, Brazil is a perennial contender for the trophy. Led by superstar Neymar, Brazil will be looking to add to their impressive trophy cabinet.
- Argentina - Another South American powerhouse, Argentina boasts some of the best players in the world. With Lionel Messi leading the way, Argentina will be hoping to end their long wait for a third World Cup title.
- Germany - The reigning champions of the World Cup, Germany will be looking to defend their crown in 2023.Forecast Leaderboard. With a talented squad of players, including Leroy Sane and Timo Werner, Germany will be a force to be reckoned with.
- France - The 2018 World Cup winners, France will be looking to add another trophy to their collection in 2023. With a squad of world-class players, including Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann, France will be one of the favorites to win the tournament.
- Spain - The winners of the 2010 World Cup, Spain has one of the most talented squads in the world. Led by Sergio Ramos and Thiago Alcantara, Spain will be a team to watch in 2023.
- England - One of the oldest footballing nations in the world, England has only won the World Cup once, back in 1966. However, with a new generation of talented players, including Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho, England will be hoping to end their long wait for another World Cup triumph.
- Italy - The 2006 World Cup winners, Italy will be looking to bounce back from their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Led by Ciro Immobile and Marco Verratti, Italy will be hoping to make a deep run in the tournament.
- Portugal - Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal is one of the most talented teams in the world. With a strong supporting cast, including Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, Portugal will be hoping to add a second World Cup title to their trophy cabinet.
- Belgium - The top-ranked team in the world, Belgium has one of the most talented squads in the world. Led by Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, Belgium will be hoping to win their first-ever World Cup in 2023.
- Mexico - The most successful team in CONCACAF history, Mexico has a talented squad of players who are capable of causing an upset in the tournament.