World Cup 2022 predictions: Expert picks, knockout bracket, winner

There has been a European champion in the last four World Cups. France, Germany, Spain and Italy are among the contenders this time around. England has made at least the semifinals in each of its last two major tournaments under Gareth Southgate. Croatia and Belgium are the reigning silver and bronze medalists.

The draw for the 2022 World Cup is being held in Brazil. Brazil and Argentina will meet in the semifinals. Canada will make good on its return to the group stage for first time in 36 years. South Korea will end Cristiano Ronaldo's World cup career. Mexico will get back to round of 16, but lose. Brazil will win the tournament. Germany will lose to Brazil in a proper final. Qatar will be the talk of the competition.

Brazil is the favorite to win the World Cup in 2022. The Dutch are expected to make the biggest splash. Belgium could make a comeback. France and Belgium will play a potential semifinal rematch in 2018. Germany and Spain could also make it to the final. Brazil will have to earn it in the knockouts. It will face Uruguay or Portugal in round of 16. They will also play Germany, Spain and Argentina along the road to final in Qatar.

France finished second in Group D behind Denmark. Argentina will reach the semifinals. Mexico won't make it out of the group for the first time since 1990. Brazil and Argentina are going to meet in the semifinal.  

Europe has reigned over the World Cup since the last time it was played in Asia (2002). Brazil is always a favorite and a threat. Belgium will finish second and Argentina will take bronze.  

The last four World Cups have been won by European teams. 13 of the last 16 semifinalists have also been European. Nobody will be properly prepared this time around. Injuries and fatigue will play a major role. Brazil and Argentina are in good form and are settled under popular coaches. Neither Brazil nor Argentina has played many European sides since the World Cup.