World Cup 2022: With Cristiano Ronaldo benched, Portugal are now a sneaky pick to win it all

When World Cup play resumes Friday, seven of the best teams in Europe and South America will be vying for the trophy. Morocco is the lone surprise in the last eight and the first African team to make it this far since Ghana in 2010.

Portugal are a sneaky pick to win the World Cup 2022. The World cup starts at 11 a.m. ET. When the Champions League resumes, Paramount+. Plus, use offer code ALLYEAR now to get 50% off the annual plan.

James Benge has Argentina at No. 5 in his latest installment of World Cup Power Rankings. He's skeptical about Argentina's defensive ability. France has risen up the rankings thanks to Kylian Mbappe. Portugal are now a sneaky pick to win the 2022 World Cups. You can get the entire World cup Power rankings list here. It's available in English and Spanish. The English version has a different language. For the Spanish version, go to the English edition.

Argentina is the best team in the World Cup, but they have had the most favorable schedule. Argentina is getting good balls to Lionel Messi, and they are getting better with Rodrigo De Paul.

Portugal are a sneaky pick to win the World Cup 2022. Kylian Mbappe is the best player in the world.

Portugal are third in the world rankings. Manager Fernando Santos benched Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal beat Switzerland 6-0. They will play Morocco in quarterfinals. They are young, fun and have a glide path to the semifinals of the World Cup 2022.

Portugal are a contender to win the 2022 World Cup. Washington Spirit will be at Audi Field full-time next season. Paramount+ offers 50% off the annual plan with promo code ALLYEAR!

Morocco beat Spain on penalties. Washington Spirit will be at Audi Field full-time next season. Paramount+ offers 50% off the annual plan with promo code ALLYEAR.

Portugal are a sneaky pick to win the World Cup 2022. Cristiano Ronaldo is benched.