Most Crucial CONCACAF Players for Qatar World Cup

The CONCACAF region has four representatives in the upcoming Qatar World Cup 2022 in the form of Mexico, the USA, Costa Rica, and Canada. The fans have been anticipating the world cup for a long time now, and as it is getting closer, it's time to look at what to expect from the players from this region in what we can call the biggest football event.

Many exciting and talented players from these teams will display their talent on the big stage this year.

Canadians will be looking forward to the competition

There is no doubt that many Canadians will be looking forward to the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup and seeing their national team represented on the grandest stage in soccer.

Many of the Maple Leafs will be delighted to see their team in action for the first time at a FIFA World Cup for almost 40 years after their last appearance was back in 1986, while others will be interested to see how the CONCACAF nations will do with the upcoming 2026 edition of the world-famous competition being played in their back yard as the US, Canada, and Mexico will each share hosting duties.

Nonetheless, as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar draws closer, let's look at some of the best CONCACAF players competing in the tournament. Teams from all around the region are expected to compete for the glory of lifting the World Cup. CONCACAF players will no doubt put on an excellent display of football.

Christian Pulisic (USA)

Pulisic is the most influential USMNT player. The famous star plays in the attacking midfielder position. The USMNT need him to be at his best if they have any chance of advancing beyond Group B. He is the captain of the USMNT. 

Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic has been the standout performer for the United States in their qualifying campaign, and he will hope to take his big-game experience from the club level to the FIFA World Cup with him as part of Gregg Berhalter's talented roster.

Finally, a significant part of US dreams depends on Pulisic. If Christian Pulisic plays at his best level, the US Men's National Team can surprise other teams.

Alphonso Davies (Canada)

One of the many reasons why Canadians are looking forward to seeing their country in action is due to the fact that they arguably have one of the best players in the world at the moment in Alphonso Davies.

The FC Bayern defender is a player that excites many fans whenever he takes to the pitch, and is one that many have actually started to focus many of their sports betting opportunities on when placing wagers on the German giants.

Indeed, while Team Canada odds to win the World Cup 2022 are low, fans worldwide expect Alphonso Davies to lead Canada on a deep run in the tournament as they look to try and surprise everyone.

And, those who are thinking of backing the Maple Leafs will feel they have a good chance with Davies in the team. This is because he has won multiple titles in his short career, thus potentially providing the team with a winning mentality.

Tajon Buchanan (Canada)

Coming through like the subsequent stars in this compilation, Buchanan did not receive the same hype and was not given his international debut as a teenager. During his time as a right-back for the New England Revolution, whose coach Bruce Arena is a significant supporter, Buchanan developed from a child into a man. The person who led the USA to the Korea/Japan 2002 quarterfinals noted, "He's improved really well physically and defensively."

At the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2021, Buchanan won the award for Best Young Player. Later that year, he assisted the Revs in winning the Supporters Shield. After turning down offers from top-tier teams in France, Germany, and Italy, Buchanan has flourished since moving to Club Brugge.

Joel Campbell (Costa Rica)

Campbell is a prolific goal-scorer with an ability to deliver under pressure. Campbell has a particularly close relationship with the national team despite not achieving the success he expected when European football powerhouses competed to sign him. Regardless of his club form, the striker always delivers when he plays for Los Ticos. He made his debut with the senior team as a brilliant young man and has since established himself as a real national symbol.

Campbell scored three goals during the Qatar 2022 qualifying round, including a goal against New Zealand that helped Costa Rica advance to the championship match. He played in France, Spain, Greece, England, Portugal, and Italy before signing with CF Monterrey of Mexico. He hopes to use all this experience for his national side in the Qatar World Cup.

Andres Guardado (Mexico)

Andres Guardado is the leader of the Mexican national football team and a key decision-maker on the pitch, along with goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Guardado, like Guillermo Ochoa, will play in his fifth World Cup, equaling Antonio Carbajal’s national record. He made his global finals debut at the 2006 Germany tournament, where Ricardo La Volpe unexpectedly put him up against Argentina in the Round of 16. Since then,  Guardado responded by putting on an outstanding performance and has become a regular national team member.

Final Words

The roster is set. CONCACAF’s representatives are determined as the World Cup approaches swiftly on the horizon.

It will be interesting to see what CONCACAF’s players and teams can do on the world stage. Of course, they will be up against formidable competition, but they should shine in the spotlight.

We can expect these players to perform exceptionally in the tournament. However, they will have to overcome exceptional competition to claim a trophy for the region.