Casinos are an iconic form of entertainment and have a rich and colorful history. From their earliest origins in Ancient Rome and China to their modern-day forms in Las Vegas and beyond, casinos have come a long way and remain a popular destination for fun, excitement, and potential profit.  In this blog post, we’ll take a look at this topic and learn some interesting facts. We’ll explore the development of casinos in the United States, the rise of online casinos, and the future of this iconic gambling institution. So buckle up and get ready for a journey through the history of casinos! A Brief Overview of the Origins of Casinos   The exact origin of casinos is challenging to pinpoint, but they have been around since ancient times. The earliest known gambling houses date back to Ancient Rome and China, where citizens would bet on various games of chance. In ancient Rome, gambling was seen as a way to pass the time, as well as to generate revenue for the government. In the 17th century, the first modern-style casinos began to appear in Italy. They were places where people could gather to gamble and socialize.  The Ridotto was the most famous in the early days, established in Venice in 1638. The Ridotto allowed the public to gamble in a regulated environment, and it became a popular destination for the wealthy and well-known.  By the 18th century, casinos had become commonplace in many European countries. They offered various gaming options, from card games to roulette and other table games. They also began to offer a variety of entertainment options, such as live music and shows, and the 19th century saw the rise of casinos in the United States.  The first American casino was the El Monte Casino, which opened in 1823 in California. This was followed by the opening of the San Francisco Casino in 1849. By the late 19th century, gambling had become a popular pastime in many American cities, especially in the West. The Rise of Casinos in the United States  The rise of casinos in the United States began in the 19th century when gambling houses started to appear in cities across the country. The earliest known casino in the United States was the El Monte Casino, which opened in 1823 in California. This was followed by the opening of the San Francisco Casino in 1849. By the late 19th century, gambling had become commonplace in many cities across the country, especially in the West.  Gambling was seen as a way to make money, and many cities set up regulated gambling houses to generate revenue. This made gambling a popular pastime for many Americans, and it wasn’t long before the first legal casinos began to appear.  In the early 20th century, gambling dens began to take on a more modern form. The first modern-style casino was the Las Vegas Sands, which opened in Las Vegas in 1941. This casino set the standard for modern casinos and featured a wide range of gaming options, including options of playing blackjack, roulette, craps, and slot machines. The Las Vegas Sands was followed by other casinos in city, such as the Flamingo and the Golden Nugget. These casinos revolutionized the gambling industry and made Las Vegas the world’s gambling capital.  In addition to Las Vegas, these gambling institutions can be found in many other cities across the United States, offering a wide range of gaming options and experiences. The Development of Modern-Day Casinos   The development of modern-day casinos has been an incredible journey of remarkable progress, taking gambling from the simple days of backroom games and saloons to the world-renowned, sophisticated entertainment hubs they are today.  A few centuries ago, the only way to partake in a game of chance, such as poker or blackjack, was in a backroom of a saloon or a hidden corner of an inn. These places often had seedy reputations and were not suitable for the whole family to enjoy.  However, as gambling began to become more popular, the need for a more pleasant and respectable environment for players to gamble in began to emerge. The first official casino opened up in Monaco in the late 19th century, and this was the start of the modern-day casino industry.  Since then, gaming houses have become increasingly sophisticated, with luxurious décor, state-of-the-art technology, and a wide range of games and services on offer.  Today, you can gamble in almost every country and continent, from the classic Las Vegas Strip to glamorous Macau.  A number of factors, including the growth of the internet and the availability of online gaming, have driven the development of modern-day casinos. They offer a much wider range of games than their land-based counterparts, enabling players to play their favorite games from the comfort of their own homes. This has helped to expand the casino industry, as well as making it more accessible to a wider range of users. The Development of Online Casinos   The development of online casinos has revolutionized the way people gamble. Over the years, gambling platforms have become increasingly popular, offering the convenience of playing at home and the opportunity to access a larger variety of games than ever before. During the pandemic, its popularity especially exploded.  The first online casino was launched in 1994. Since then, the industry has grown exponentially, with many online gambling platforms now offering a wide range of games, from classic table games like blackjack and roulette to more modern games like slots and video poker.  The development of online casinos has also allowed for the emergence of live dealer games, which enable players to interact with real dealers in real time. This has added an extra layer of excitement to online gambling, making it more interactive and immersive.  Online casinos have also become more accessible, with more payment methods available and the introduction of mobile design, allowing access to your favorite gambling sites and games from smartphones and tablets.  The development of online gambling platforms has been a game-changer for the gambling industry and has opened up the gambling world to a much wider audience. As technology continues to advance and new features are introduced, the future of casinos looks even brighter.  Gambling: Beyond Money   It is easy to see gambling as an activity where money is the driving force. After all, what is the point of placing bets if not to win some extra cash? That is why the casino is a business that thrives, and it’s least dependable on external factors.   However, there is so much more to gambling than just money.  For many people, gambling is an enjoyable and entertaining activity. Whether it is playing the slots, betting on the horses, or simply enjoying a game of cards with friends, gambling is often a great way to pass the time. Something exciting about the anticipation of the outcome, the thrill of risk-taking, and the satisfaction of winning makes gambling a great source of entertainment.  Moreover, gambling can be a great way to socialize. People come together to play in person or online, forming strong connections that go beyond the game. Friendships and camaraderie are often formed over the shared experience of gambling.  In addition to its entertainment and social aspects, gambling also offers the potential to win money. This is, of course, the most appealing aspect of gambling for many people and draws them in. While no one should rely on gambling as a primary source of income, it can offer a welcome financial boost for those lucky enough. The Future of Casinos   The future of casinos is set to be an exciting and ever-changing one. With the introduction of new technologies, such as virtual reality, and advances in artificial intelligence, casinos are set to become more interactive and immersive than ever before.  The use of virtual reality will allow you to have a more realistic experience when gambling at a casino. This could include being able to interact with virtual dealers and other players, taking virtual tours of the casino to get a better feel for the environment, and even playing a game in virtual reality.  Artificial intelligence is also likely to play a big role in the development of the industry, allowing for more personalized experiences for players. AI-driven systems could tailor the casino experience to each individual, from the game they play to the promotions they receive. Casinos are also likely to become more socially connected in the future, with social gaming platforms allowing gamers to interact and compete with one another and even play together in tournaments. This could increase the level of competition in the casino industry and add an extra layer of fun and excitement. Finally, the use of cryptocurrency is likely to become more widespread, as it’s becoming an increasingly popular way to make payments. This could make it easier for a gamer to deposit and withdraw funds. Casinos, on the other hand, would be able to offer more flexible bonuses to their players.  Overall, the future of casinos looks bright and exciting, with a range of new technologies and advancements that will make the experience even more enjoyable and immersive. History of Casinos: Conclusion   Casinos have a long and colorful history, and they have come a long way in recent years. Since their infancy, gambling dens have evolved to become more and more exciting and entertaining. As technology continues to develop, casinos are finding new and innovative ways to appeal to their customers, so their future is more than promising. 

It's that time of the year again, folks! The time when everything turns green, and everyone's Irish for a day. We're getting ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with all the usual Irish fare, shamrocks, and leprechauns. But first, let's explore the lore of this well-known festivity before you put on your favorite green shirt and head to your neighborhood parade. From St. Patrick’s mythology to St. Patrick's Day slots and gaming incentives, we've got you covered! So, let's celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a pint of Guinness! What Is St. Patrick's Day? St. Patrick's Day is much more than just a day off from work; it has a fascinating history that spans decades! It's an internationally recognized symbol of Irish heritage and culture, and people from all walks of life come together on March 17 each year to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Who Was St. Patrick? So, who was Saint Patrick, and why is he so revered by the Irish? According to legend, St. Patrick, whose life and legacy are celebrated on St. Patrick's Day, wasn't actually born in Ireland but in Roman Britain. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. Legends and tales about St. Patrick's life have been handed down from generation to generation. One of the most well-known myths is that St. Patrick taught the Irish people about the Holy Trinity using the three leaves of the shamrock. The shamrock evolved into the symbol of Ireland and is now frequently seen during St. Patrick's Day festivities. Also, the myth that St. Patrick expelled all snakes from Ireland is another common one. Despite the widespread acceptance of this myth, it's crucial to remember that there is no proof that snakes ever existed in Ireland. Many people think that the snakes were really representations of the paganism that St. Patrick tried to drive out of Ireland. Of course, these are all tales, but they remain an integral part of Irish folklore and society. These tales have been passed down through generations to remind us of the significance of St. Patrick's missionary efforts in Ireland. When Is It Celebrated? St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17; the day believed to be St. Patrick's death anniversary. Although it has been a religious holiday in Ireland for more than a thousand years, the festival has changed to become a day of cultural pride, especially in the United States, Canada, and Australia. People in these nations frequently wear green, participate in parades, and eat and drink traditional Irish fare. However, it's vital to keep in mind that St. Patrick's Day is more than drinking and wearing green. The festival honors Saint Patrick's life and contributions while also considering the rich history and culture of Ireland. St. Patrick's Day is a day to enjoy everything Irish, whether that means going to church, taking part in cultural activities, or just hanging out with friends and family. Why Do We Wear Green? St. Patrick's Day attire often includes green, white, and orange, the colors of the Irish flag. As a result of Ireland's reputation for having a verdant landscape, green is often seen as a symbol of the nation. Moreover, on St. Patrick's Day, it's believed that wearing green renders you invisible to leprechauns, naughty mythical beings from Irish folklore. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="616493,641017"] St. Patrick's Day Slots St. Patrick's Day slots feature various symbols associated with Irish culture, such as leprechauns, shamrocks, and pots of gold. St. Patrick's Day-themed slots often offer exciting gameplay, with features like bonus rounds, free spins, and multipliers that can increase players' chances of winning big. Check out some of the best St. Patrick's day themed slots: Larry the Leprechaun is a slot game featuring a cheerful and colorful design with a charming Irish theme, with plenty of bonus features, including free spins and multipliers. Joker Leprechauns slot by Kalamba Games is an Irish-themed video game that merges classic and modern themes in one dazzling experience. This 6-reel, 40-payline slot offers incredible winning chances, captivating content, and a host of bonus features to help you win big. Patrick's Jackpot is a fun Irish-themed online video slot game with five reels and 20 paylines, complete with shamrocks, leprechauns, and pots of gold. Patrick's Jackpot is a terrific alternative for gamers searching for a fun and rewarding gaming experience with an appealing design and intriguing extra features. The Pot o' Luck slot machine is a virtual slot machine with multiple game modes and bonus features. Online slot players can take advantage of a plethora of free spins. This slot machine's designer, CT Interactive, went for a bold, eye-catching aesthetic. Brief History of St. Paddy's Day St. Patrick's Day wasn't a big deal in Ireland until the middle of the 1970s when the Irish government wanted to capitalize on the holiday's popularity to boost travel and promote Irish culture abroad. Today, parades, festivals, and other cultural events are held in observance of St. Patrick's Day all throughout the world, but especially in North America. The shamrock, which St. Patrick used to depict the Holy Trinity, is one of the most well-known symbols of St. Patrick's Day. Another image is the leprechaun, a sneaky character from Irish folklore who is frequently described wearing green and securing gold pots at the end of rainbows. The Irish in the United States It's interesting to note that Irish immigrants to America are mostly responsible for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations we know today. Actually, Irish soldiers serving in the British army organized the first St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City in 1762. The parades, which featured floats, marching bands, and throngs of people wearing green, got bigger and more spectacular with time. As the Irish population in America grew, so did the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Americans began celebrating St. Patrick's Day in the early 1900s with green clothing, parades, and traditional Irish foods like corned beef and cabbage (despite the fact that this dish is not very popular in Ireland). St. Patrick's Day is now celebrated worldwide, with cities ranging from Dublin to New York hosting massive parades and celebrations. [sigma-mt-blog-post-play recordids="742916,643215"] St. Patrick's Day Fun Facts Did you know that St. Patrick's Day is associated with interesting trivia? Here are a few examples: Indeed, St. Patrick was not Irish. St. Patrick was actually born in Britain, despite the fact that he is today widely associated with Irish culture. The original color connected with St. Patrick's Day was blue, not green. Green didn't become the holiday's official color until the 17th century. In Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is a significant day for gambling. It's common for people to wager on sporting events like horse racing, and it's even been alleged that St. Patrick himself enjoyed gambling. Did you know that St. Patrick isn't technically a saint? He was never recognized as a canonized saint, despite his contributions to the spread of Christianity. More nations than any other national holiday observe St. Patrick's Day. People from all around the world attend the festivities, from the US to Japan. Although it's a common ingredient in St. Patrick's Day dishes, corned beef and cabbage isn't exactly an Irish dish. Immigrants from Ireland are supposed to have popularized it in the US. In the town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, there is the shortest St. Patrick's Day parade in the world. The parade moves from one bar to another and is only 98 feet long. Final Thoughts This St. Patrick's Day, don't forget to take advantage of the exciting promotions and bonuses offered by many top online gambling sites. Whether you're betting on horse races or trying your luck at a virtual slot machine, St. Patrick's Day is a big day for gambling in Ireland (and the rest of the world), and you can join in on the fun. While you're at it, impress your friends with some of the St. Patrick's Day trivia we shared. So put on your best green attire, raise a glass to St. Patrick, and may the luck of the Irish be with you as you celebrate this festive occasion. Happy St. Patrick's Day, and happy gambling! FAQ What exactly are St. Patrick's Day slots? St. Paddy's Day slot machines are virtual slot machines that celebrate the holiday by using an Irish festive theme. Shamrocks, leprechauns, and pots of gold are common symbols in slots with St. Patrick's Day slots. What kinds of St. Patrick's Day slot machines are there? Slot machines themed on St. Patrick's Day can range from the simple three-reel variety to elaborate video slots with many paylines, bonus rounds, and other features. In addition, progressive jackpots and other special features may be available in some slot machines. Do St. Patrick's Day slot machines only appear on holiday? No, online casinos that feature slot machines typically make St. Patrick's Day slots available all year. Casinos may offer St. Patrick's Day bonuses such as free spins or bonus credits to entice players to visit the establishment on holiday. Are St. Patrick's Day slots suitable for newcomers? Several St. Patrick's Day-themed slot machines have user-friendly interfaces and basic bonus rounds, making them ideal for inexperienced players. But, before you start playing at any slot machine, you should read the machine's rules and paytable to familiarize yourself with the game's mechanics and your odds of winning.

If you ask 100 people which city has many casinos, the vast majority will say Las Vegas. The city has been a symbol of gambling ever since the first casinos started operating. However, the question remains—does it rank among the world's largest gambling cities? To answer this, we must consider the criteria for determining a city's status of being the "biggest." Are we evaluating the city's geographical area? Should we examine the annual financial throughput? Or perhaps, is the number of tourists visiting each year the key factor? In this article, we'll highlight the biggest gambling cities in the world based on their contribution to the gambling industry. 1. Macau, China Macau is the only city that might surpass Las Vegas as the top casino city in the world. Like Hong Kong, Macau is a special administrative region of China, operating differently from the mainland. Known as the Monte Carlo of the Orient, Macau's casinos generate substantial revenue. At first glance, Macau, with over 40 casinos, is no match for Las Vegas, especially considering the Strip alone. Yet, Macau is home to 7 of the world's 20 largest casinos, contributing over 50% to the city's economy, such as: Venetian Macao City of Dreams Resort Casino Ponte 16 MGM Grand Macao Sands Macao Starworld Hotel & Casino Wynn Macau Five of these are larger than any casino in Las Vegas. However, StarWorld Hotel & Casino and Wynn Macau are smaller than Las Vegas's biggest—the MGM Grand. While Las Vegas attracts plenty of gamblers, Macau focuses more on high rollers. This strategy has led to Macau surpassing Las Vegas in gambling revenue despite having fewer visitors yearly. 2. Las Vegas, USA When people think of Las Vegas, they immediately think of gambling. The famous metropolis is home to some of the world's largest gambling resorts, such as MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Caesars Palace, and Bellagio. Despite economic downturns, Las Vegas has stayed on top of the game and continues to cater to a wide range of visitors. Apart from gambling, tourists have options to visit The Fountains of Bellagio, Park Theater, and The Mob Museum. Las Vegas also stands out for being a large gambling city with over 150 casinos. The distribution of casinos in the main areas of Las Vegas is as follows: The Las Vegas Strip — 31 casinos. Boulder Strip — 32 casinos. Downtown Las Vegas — 12 casinos. North Las Vegas — 19 casinos. This raises the question—what defines a casino? For instance, does a local bar with a few video poker and slot machines count as one? The Nevada Gaming Commission states that establishments with over 15 slot machines or any with table games qualify for "unrestricted gaming licenses." This explains why so many places in Las Vegas are recognized as casinos and why there are so many of them in such a small area. 3. Monte Carlo, Monaco Monte Carlo is widely regarded as the ultimate luxury vacation spot, offering the finest gambling experience coupled with unparalleled glamor and sophistication. Nestled in Monaco, one of the world's smallest countries, this city is a magnet for some of the wealthiest individuals globally. The city boasts several famous casinos, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Monte Carlo Casino. This iconic establishment is not just a gambling venue; it's a symbol of style and opulence, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the essence of high-end gambling and a luxurious lifestyle. The principality, famed for its casinos, does not levy personal income taxes on its residents, a policy that extends back to the 1860s. However, Monaco's gambling industry is heavily regulated and taxed by the government. The profits from its casinos, including the renowned Monte Carlo Casino, contribute substantially to Monaco's economy. This strategic taxation and regulation of gambling establishments allow Monaco to maintain its tax-friendly policies for residents while benefiting from the lucrative gambling sector. 4. Marina Bay, Singapore Singapore's economic growth has positioned it as a key player in Asia, and its developing gambling industry is now a notable source of revenue. Despite the relatively recent legalization of casinos, Singapore has quickly made a mark in the gambling world. The Marina Bay Sands, for instance, has rapidly become the largest gambling resort globally. This impressive complex boasts 2,500 rooms, a Universal Studios theme park, and multiple swimming pools, illustrating Singapore's commitment to integrating entertainment and luxury into its burgeoning gambling sector. Singapore's approach to taxes, particularly in the gambling sector, reflects its strategic economic planning. The city-state imposes a relatively high tax rate on its casinos. This tax structure is part of Singapore's broader fiscal policy, which balances competitive corporate and personal tax rates with higher levies in specific sectors like gambling. This balance helps maintain the country's overall economic health and contributes to funding public services, similar to the scenario in Monaco. 5. London, United Kingdom London, renowned as a top tourist destination worldwide, boasts a diverse array of attractions, including historical sites, art museums, and entertainment venues. The city offers a traditional British gambling experience, supported by the UK's sophisticated gambling laws. In London, over 20 casinos cater to a variety of preferences, yet the Empire Casino stands out as the most spectacular. Spanning 55,000 square feet, this British casino features world-class restaurants and bars and an exclusive VIP Dragon Lounge reserved for the most loyal and high-spending guests. 6. Paradise Island & Nassau, Bahamas Considering its proximity and beauty, the Bahamas is an ideal getaway for United States gamblers. This destination is perfect for those seeking a break from daily routines, offering relaxation and ample sunshine. Besides its stunning beaches, the Bahamas is also known for some of the world's most famous casinos, making it a haven for gambling enthusiasts. Key places to visit include Paradise Island and Nassau. This archipelagic state has a rich history in the gambling industry. It has previously hosted the prestigious PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, further cementing its status in the world of poker. 7. Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA Atlantic City is often seen as the less glamorous sibling of Las Vegas, partly due to its historical ties with organized crime. Yet, it remains a popular destination for East Coast Americans looking to gamble without traveling across the country. Despite losing some of its glitz and glamor, it still ranks high in terms of the sheer size of the casinos. Currently, there are nine casinos in Atlantic City, distributed somewhat unevenly throughout the area. In terms of square footage, these casinos are comparable to those in Las Vegas and Macau. For instance, the MGM Grand in Vegas, one of the largest, boasts 171,500 square feet of casino space, which is only slightly larger than some in New Jersey. Given the 27 million visitors Atlantic City receives annually, the casinos are substantial to accommodate this influx of guests. 8. Paris, France Paris, the city of lights, may not be the first place that comes to mind when we think about casinos, but it offers plenty of surprises with its lively gambling scene. The Casino Cercle Haussman, situated near the Opera Garnier at the city's heart, stands out as one of the best gambling spots in Paris. This casino features 25 tables for games like blackjack, punto banco, baccarat, and various types of poker. For a night of high stakes, you can visit the famous Club Barrière, which is located on one of the most exclusive avenues in the world—Champs-élysées. Spend your days exploring Paris's beautiful monuments and your nights experiencing the dazzle of its casinos. 9. Sydney, Australia In Sydney, travelers can effortlessly blend gambling with their road trips, even though the city is famed for cultural landmarks like The Opera House. Among Sydney's hidden gems is The Star, a resort complex featuring a hotel, spa, and casino. This destination attracts tens of thousands of tourists and gamblers annually, marking it as one of the most exciting travel spots. Owned by Star Entertainment, the complex includes two gaming floors. Exclusive areas like the Inner Sanctum are invitation-only and cater to international guests who frequently visit the establishment, adding an element of exclusivity to the gambling experience in Sydney. 10. San Jose, Costa Rica San Jose, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, is also recognized as one of the world's top gambling cities. The city's casinos are famed for their diverse offerings and affordability. San Jose is home to several renowned theaters and museums with global acclaim, such as The National Theater of Costa Rica, The Melico Salazar Theater, and The Museum of Costa Rican Art. While gambling is a popular pastime here, sports betting also enjoys widespread popularity. For those who enjoy following sports matches or are keen on news about unique athletes, like the tallest soccer player, San Jose offers an engaging experience.

The World Cup 2022 in Qatar will mark the second time an Asian country has been selected to host one of the most popular events in the world, after the joint venture of Japan and South Korea in 2002. Qatar is the smallest country ever to host, and previously that was Switzerland, which hosted the 1954 tournament. However, Switzerland is more than three times the size of Qatar and was only required to host 16 teams. TIt certainly was a surprise in 2010 when the Asian country won their bid. Eleven associations expressed interest in hosting, but in the end, Qatar defeated 4 other finalists: the United States, Australia, Japan and South Korea.   About the Competition The World Cup 2022 is scheduled to take place between November 21st and December 18th. For the first time, the World Cup won’t be played during the summer months but in mid-season due to the high temperatures in Qatar. This year will be the last time the World Cup is played in the current 32-team format, where they'll be divided into eight groups with four teams, meaning that two teams from each group will move on to the Knock-out stages. Namely, FIFA expanded the 2026 World Cup to 48 national teams. In Qatar will participate: 13 teams from Europe (UEFA) Four teams from South America (Conmebol) Six teams from Asia (AFC) Five teams from Africa (CAF) Four teams from North America (Concacaf)   How Does the World Cup FTP Competition Work? Every player in the WC F2P competition needs to predict the results of the six fixtures proposed by the system. Getting this right would be an extremely impressive accomplishment. What's interesting to know is that the reward is equally impressive — Wikibet will award a €5000 prize to the lucky player who uses his or her football knowledge to guess all the results correctly. To participate in World Cup free-to-play competition, players only need to register on their preferred website, which is part of the grand World Cup Free-to-Play network. After that, they are free to predict the results and win the prize.   Participating Teams In the sections below, we'll provide information for each team.   Group A Qatar Since the time of winning the bid in December 2010, Qatar clubs have worked on promoting the competition by acquiring household football names. For the last couple of years, football legends like Xavi, Laurent Blanc, and Zico have been coaches in the Qatar Stars League. Moreover, Xavi participated as a player in the final years of his career, and Wesley Sneijder, Samuel Eto'o, and many other experienced players did the same. Qatar's national team consists of players that only compete in their national league. They are heavy underdogs in the competition, led by Spanish coach Felix Sanchez. Netherlands The Netherlands is the group's favorite, and in its history, the national team reached the final game three times (1974, 1978, and 2010) but never managed to bring the trophy home. The Dutch never lost a World Cup soccer match by more than a goal. The 2022 team doesn’t have the star players the Netherlands used to have (Wilkes, Lenstra, Cruyff, Neeskens, Rijkaard, Gullit, Van Basten, Robben, Van Persie). Still, the team coached by the eminent Louis van Gaal qualified in an impressive fashion, with only one defeat and a 25-goal difference. Ecuador Somewhat a surprise, Ecuador booked a trip for WC and left Chile and Colombia without qualification. Ecuador qualified for four out of the last six World Cups, the first time being in 2002, and their best result was in 2006, when they reached the round of 16. Experienced Argentinian coach Gustavo Alfaro built a hard-fighting team that looked to Enner Valencia, the best goal scorer in national team history, to put them over the top in close games. Senegal A long time had passed since Senegal beat the defending champion France in 2002, in its first World Cup appearance, when they reached the quarter-finals. Senegal entered the WC on a high note, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in January for the first time in history. The attack revolves around Sadio Mane, a Champions League winner with Liverpool FC who transferred to Bayern Munich this summer. Team captain Kalidou Koulibaly also switched teams and became a member of Chelsea FC. Team manager Aliou Cisse, captain of the 2002 team, has many players from the English, Italian, Spanish, and French leagues at his disposal.   Group B England England came close in the last two big competitions. Manager Gareth Southgate took over the team without expectations and inserted new blood immediately, which he continues to do. As a result, the team qualified for the WC, without a defeat and with only three goals conceded. Captain Harry Kane is surrounded by young talents that need to prove they are ready to take the next step. The team also had a chance to beat the USA national team, which put a dent in England’s 2010 WC hopes when they fought out a draw that led England to a massive defeat against Germany. Wales The Wales national team qualified for the World Cup, the second time in history and the first time since 1958. Gareth Bale, captain and Wales's best scorer ever, scored all three goals in the second qualifying round when Wales beat Austria and Ukraine to qualify. He and fellow experienced players Aaron Ramsey, Chris Gunter, Wayne Hennessey, and Joe Allen, led by former national team player and now coach Rob Page, have one last campaign to secure their place in history after finishing third in the UEFA 2016 European Championship. United States of America The USA is hoping for a good tournament before playing on their own home field in the 2026 World Cup. In 2018, they broke a streak of six consecutive trips to the WC after an embarrassing defeat by Trinidad and Tobago that allowed Panama to qualify for the first time in history. After that, coach Gregg Berhalter took over the team and had an impressive 76%-win percentage. He looks towards younger players that got their chance in the top European leagues in the last couple of years: Christian Pulisic Weston McKennie Brenden Aaronson Sergino Dest Tyler Adams George Weah’s son Timothy Iran Iran qualified dominantly by finishing first in their group in both the second and third rounds, in front of South Korea, with a better score in direct matches. Iran has an experienced side, and they qualified for the third time in a row and the fifth time in the last seven World Cups. Croatian coach Dragan Sko?i? counts on forwards Sardar Azmoun, Mehdi Taremi, and Karim Ansarifard, led by captain Ehsan Hajsafi to give them an opportunity to keep them in games and reach the Knockout Stage for the first time in the national team history.   Group C Argentina Lionel Messi, one of the best World Cup players, has the last chance now in Qatar to win the trophy for Argentina and match the success of Diego Armando Maradona. The most capped player and the best scorer in the history of a two-time World Cup winner is playing with a whole new group of players, and only he and Angel Di Maria have had the experience from the 2014 World Cup Final game when Germany beat them. Team manager Lionel Scaloni hopes that a new generation of players that have already transferred to the European top three leagues (England, Italy, and Spain) can help Messi reach that final step. Poland Another football legend hopes to reach the heights of his predecessors. Robert Lewandowski and his team look to make amends for a very bad outing in 2018. Czeslaw Michniewicz coached only one qualifying game during the play-off final against Sweden because previous coach Paulo Sousa left to coach Flamengo 3 months before. Nevertheless, Poland has enough talent in the top European leagues to make some noise and try to repeat the success of the 1974 and 1982 teams that finished third. Mexico An experienced side, led by an even more experienced coach in Gerardo Martino, like the USA, hopes to record a good result before hosting the World Cup in 2026. This is the last chance for players who left their mark on the national team, like captain Andres Guardado, Hector Herrera, Raul Jimenez, Guillermo Ochoa, and Hector Moreno, to go past the quarter-finals, which is Mexico’s best result since 1970 and 1986. They will seek help from talents like Hirving Lozano, Jesus Corona, Santiago Jimenez, Jorge Sanchez, and Edson Alvarez. Saudi Arabia Like Qatar, all the Saudi Arabian players perform in their country’s top league, but unlike them, this is Saudi Arabia’s sixth World Cup. Since their debut in 1994, they haven’t gone past the group stage. The team’s biggest asset is coach Herve Renard, who has experience coaching four African national teams, having won two Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015, and he qualified for the 2018 WC with Morocco, ending the country’s 20-year wait.   Group D France In 2020, France hoped to repeat the success of the 1998/00 generation, which held both World Cup and European Championship trophies. Unfortunately, manager Didier Deschamps couldn’t do what he did as a captain of the French team as a coach. However, now he does have a chance to defend the World Cup trophy, which he couldn’t do as a player because he retired in 2001. France is among the top favorites for the trophy. They field a star-studded team with Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, Ngolo Kante, and Antoine Griezmann, supplanted by new talents in Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga. Denmark Denmark had an outstanding qualifying campaign, having won 9 out of 10 games, with the final game resulting in a loss after the team had already qualified. The team also conceded only three goals. Manager Kasper Hjulmand has constructed a team that has a chance to go past the quarter-finals for the first time in history. The vast majority of players perform in the top 5 European leagues. They rallied around Christian Eriksen and his miraculous comeback to the field after his cardiac arrest at the 2020 Euro Cup. Tunisia Qatar 2022 marks the sixth time Tunisia qualified for the World Cup, but the team never went past the Group Stage. They finished in front of Equatorial Guinea and Zambia in Group B of the second qualifying round and then beat Mali 1-0 on aggregate to secure their place in Qatar. Coach Jalel Kadri got his chance to lead the team after being an assistant two times. His squad, led by captain Youssef Msakni, plays in leagues worldwide, but not many have top-tier experience. Australia Australia qualified for the fifth time in a row, sixth time overall, and only once went past the group stage. The team qualified through the AFC qualifiers. They had all eight victories in the second round, but things didn’t go as smoothly in the third round. They finished third behind Saudi Arabia and Japan and only qualified after beating the UAE in the fourth AFC round and then Peru in the Inter-confederation play-off. Former Australia player Graham Arnold coaches the national squad, and the team is made up of players mainly performing in British leagues, with some home-grown talent getting the opportunity.   Group E Germany The four-time WC champions qualified easily, with nine wins in ten games and a 32-goal difference. The vast majority of the team plays in the Bundesliga, and as always, the squad’s biggest advantages are their camaraderie and determination. The team got the extra kick they needed when charismatic Hansi Flick took over the team from long-time coach Joachim L?w. Currently, they are on a 13-game unbeaten run and are, as usual, among the top favorites to win the tournament. Spain Spain is looking to win their second trophy. After three consecutive wins at big tournaments between 2008 and 2012, the team suffered several unexpected exits, but resurfaced in Euro 2020 when they finished third with a young, up-and-coming team led by coach Luis Enrique in his second stint with the team. The squad captained by Sergio Busquets features young stars like Pedri, Gavi, Ansu Fati, Dani Olmo, but also those with heavy experience like Jordi Alba, Cesar Azpilicueta and Koke. Japan Japan didn’t miss the World Cup after appearing for the first time in 1998. In six trips, the team reached the round of 16 three times and could be looking to go beyond that. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has players from Europe’s top leagues at his disposal, led by captain Maya Yoshida. In recent years, Japan’s best players have competed in the German Bundesliga and English Premier League and acquired much-needed game experience. Costa Rica Costa Rica has become a force in Concacaf recently, but they had to beat New Zealand in the Inter-confederation play-off this year to qualify. Joel Campbell scored again to book the team’s second flight to Qatar. Along with Campbell, three other players have more than 100 caps for the national team: Keylor Navas, Celso Borges, and captain Bryan Ruiz. They lead the team coached by Colombian Luis Fernando Suarez, but it would be hard to expect them to surpass their best result when they reached the quarter-finals in 2014.   Group F Croatia In the last tournament, Croatia achieved the best result in national team history by reaching the final game, where France beat them. The team kept the majority of its core team and manager, Zlatko Dali?. the legend Luka Modri? is still captaining the squad, but also Ivan Peri?i?, Mateo Kova?i?, Mateo Brozovi?, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, are expected to be present in Qatar. Twenty years before Russia, Croatia finished second and competed three times with exits from the group stage. Belgium The Belgian side has for years been marked as a team expected to go deep into the competition. Their stars play for some of the world’s best clubs: Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, and new AC Milan player, young Charles De Ketelaere. Manager Roberto Martinez has one more chance to bring this generation to World Cup glory. Their best finish was third place in Russia four years ago, and they qualified convincingly with six wins in eight matches. Canada One of the biggest surprises in the qualifications was the way Canada qualified. They finished in first place in the second round of Concacaf and left Mexico, the USA, and Costa Rica behind them. Head coach John Herdman won two bronze medals with Canada women’s national team and now manages the men’s team to qualify for its second WC, 36 years after their debut. Offensively, the team relies on young stars Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David and captain and most capped player Atiba Hutchinson. Morocco Led by former Yugoslavian football legend Vahid Halilhod?i?, Morocco qualified with six wins in six matches in the second round and a convincing 5-2 aggregate win against DR Congo in the third round. Romain Saiss captains the team that relies on Youssef En-Nesyri for goals. Most of the squad plays in Europe, with some players having top-level experience.   Group G Brazil The five-time World Cup champions are consistently among the favorites, but they are looking for their first title since 2002. Head coach Tite got the second chance after the quarter-finals exit four years ago. Brazil features some of the best players in the world in their respective positions: Neymar, Alisson, and Casemiro, but also eternal players like Dani Alves and Thiago Silva. As a result, they finished first in the Conmebol qualification without a single defeat. Interestingly, Brazil also played in a group with Serbia and Switzerland in the 2018 WC. Serbia Aleksandar Mitrovic’s late goal against Portugal secured Serbia’s first-place finish in UEFA qualifying Group A. This will be Serbia’s 13th World Cup, but third as an independent country. The team participated nine times as Yugoslavia and finished fourth in the inaugural World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay and 1962 in Chile. In 2006, the team finished last as Serbia and Montenegro. Football and national team legend Dragan Stojkovi? coaches the team led on the field by Ajax player Du?an Tadi?. Besides Mitrovi?, Serbia also has a new Juventus player Du?an Vlahovi? spearheading the attack. Switzerland The Switzerland team also had a great qualifying campaign. They finished in front of European champions Italy, who later failed to qualify through a play-off. The squad has a new manager, former national team player Murat Yakin. Still, the team kept the core from Russia: Xherdan Shaqiri, Grant Xhaka, and Yann Sommer, and they're looking at Haris Seferovi? and Mario Gavranovi?, two players of Balkan descent, to score goals. Cameroon Cameroon is the first African side to reach the quarter-finals, a feat they achieved in 1990 when Roger Milla became a World Cup legend. Since then, the team has exited the competition in the group stage five times in a row. They suffered six losses in the last two tournaments in six games. With Samuel Eto’o retiring, the head coach and Cameroon’s most capped player, Rigobert Song, looks to captain Vincent Aboubakar to provide goals, along with Bayern Munich player Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.   Group H Uruguay Two-time champion Uruguay (1930 and 1950) always fields hard-fighting squads. There will be no exception in Qatar, where new head coach Diego Alonso will try to repeat the success of his predecessor, Oscar Tabarez, who led the team to 4th place in 2010. This is the last chance for some Uruguayan legends to participate in the WC, starting with Luis Suarez, but also for captain Diego Godin, Edinson Cavani, goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, and Martin Caceres. Portugal The Portugal national team managed to bounce back from a last-minute loss to Serbia in the final game of the European qualifying group stage by beating Turkey and North Macedonia in the play-off. This could be the final shot for the best player in Portugal history, Cristiano Ronaldo, to reach World Cup glory. The team has enough talent and is led by result-oriented head coach Fernando Santos, but so far, the squad couldn’t reach the heights set by Eusebio, who led the team to a third-place finish in 1966. Ghana Ghana will participate in its fourth WC in Qatar. The national team was one of three African sides to reach the quarter-finals, and they came closest to the semi-finals. They needed the team’s most capped player and best scorer, Asamoah Gyan, to score a penalty against Uruguay in extra time, but he failed, and Ghana was knocked out in a penalty shootout. The new coach, Otto Addo, was appointed before the third-round double-leg match against Nigeria, and he managed to qualify the team on away goals. South Korea South Korea qualified ten times for the World Cup before Qatar, and only two times did they pass the group stage — when they were hosting in 2002 and reached the semi-finals and in 2010 when they reached the Round of 16. Portuguese coach Paulo Bento is counting on captain Son Heung-min, a seven-time best footballer in Asia award winner, to lead the team past the group stage. They qualified easily, with 12 wins in 16 matches.   Conclusion Even though some circumstances are different, there's no doubt that World Cup 2022 in Qatar will be a sensation around the globe, like all the previous World Cups. It will be interesting to see how the national teams will approach this mid-season system of competition, what team will find the edge that will help them reach the final stages, and in what form will players appear after just half a season of club football.