Ranking the top 5 European nations that have already qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

#3 Spain

Spain v Georgia - 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

2010 World Cup winners Spain have not been at their imperious best in recent international tournaments. They were thrown out of the 2018 World Cup by hosts Russia in the Round of 16 stage and were knocked out by Italy at Euro 2020. The Spaniards do not look and play like the all-conquering side of 2010, but they are not to be taken lightly.

Under Luis Enrique, Spain have found some sort of rhythm; they are not playing without purpose anymore. There is coherence in their play, intent in their movements.

Spain currently have a neat blend of youth and experience, which could help them do wonders at the 2022 World Cup.

La Roja topped their 2022 World Cup Qualifying Group B ahead of second-placed Sweden. Unlike most of the teams on this list, Spain were not unbeaten, losing 2-1 to Sweden in September.

However, their 19-point haul in eight matches was more than sufficient to condemn Sweden to second place and secure World Cup qualification.

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#2 Germany

Armenia v Germany - 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Four-time World Cup winners Germany are a force to be reckoned with in international football. Under Joachim Low, they conquered the world in 2014, beating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final.

The Germans lost their footing in the 2018 World Cup and 2020 Euros, but former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick has brought back the groove.

Under Flick, Germany have been ruthless and hungrier than ever. They press considerably higher, tend to win possession, and are quick to hit on the break. Flick’s Germany enjoyed a stellar 2022 World Cup Qualification campaign, picking up nine wins in 10 matches.

Their only loss surprisingly came against North Macedonia, who finished nine points behind them in Group J.

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#1 France

France v Ukraine - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier

2018 World Cup winners France are the team to beat at the grand showpiece in Qatar next year. The defending champions arguably possess the most technically adept squad in world football right now and are capable of beating any team on their day.

France, who beat Croatia 4-2 in the final to win the World Cup in 2018, underperformed at 2020 Euro. Their star-studded team looked on course for a routine win when Switzerland came from behind to level the game. Ultimately, Switzerland ousted France on penalties.

France’s squad depth automatically makes them favorites, but Deschamps has to be wary of complacency. Les Bleues have shown hints of complacency in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers as well, drawing three of their seven fixtures.

Four wins in the remaining four fixtures assured qualification, but France would not be satisfied with their performances.

The holders, who have picked up 15 points from seven matches so far, will play their final 2022 World Cup Qualifier against Finland on Tuesday.