The 22nd edition of football's most prestigious competition is set to take place this winter in Qatar. Football powerhouses will compete for the coveted prize. However, like Croatia in the last World Cup and Costa Rica in 2014, every iteration of the World Cup has a team whose performance exceeds all expectations. The "dark horses," as they are referred to, are liked by all, and they take the tournament's excitement to another level. We can expect the Qatar World Cup 2022 to also have its own dark horses, but who will they be? Here are our top five picks.

5 Dark Horses to watch out for in the FIFA World Cup 2022

Serbia

Serbia have a group which includes the likes of Switzerland, Cameroon, and Brazil. Although unfancied to even get out of the group by some, Serbia come into the World Cup by topping their qualifying group, which contained Portugal and Ireland.

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A strike force of Dusan Vlahovic, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Dusan Tadic will be aided by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Filip Kostic, Nemanja Gudelj, and Ivan Ilic. At the back, they will be able to call on the likes of Nikola Milenkovic, Stefan Mitrovic, Strahinja Pavlovic, and more.

Serbia beat Portugal 2-1 in their last game of qualifying in order to get to Qatar. They have shown that when the time comes, they can compete with the big boys, but a tough group awaits them in Qatar. However, tough times call for heroic and memorable actions.

South Korea

The team which sent Germany packing in 2018, South Korea once again, have been put in a tough group with Uruguay, Ghana, and Portugal. Asia's biggest hope in this edition of the World Cup. Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min will lead them.

The supporting cast is not to be sniffed at either, as Napoli center back Kim Min Jae and SC Freiburg midfielder Jeong Woo Yeong are excellent players in their own right. Add to that former Valencia wonderkid Lee Kang In and Wolves forward Hwang Hee Chan, and the Taegeuk Warriors will be an exciting prospect.

Although they missed out on reaching the Round of 16 in Russia 2018, even after defeating Germany, they will be looking to go one better. The Tigers of Asia have few expectations on their backs but plenty of hidden talents.

Denmark

Kasper Hjulmand and his Danish Vikings were the surprise package at Euro 2020, earning a podium finish in the end. With a squad that has balance all over the pitch and is filled with selfless, hardworking players, Denmark are well and truly one of the most popular dark horses at Qatar 2022.

A well-gelled team with many standout players, their key players will be Christian Eriksen, Pierre Emile Hojbjerg, Joachim Anderson, Andreas Christensen, Christian Norgaard, and Thomas Delany, among others.

Denmark have a bunch of exciting young talent as well in the likes of Jesper Lindstrom, Andreas Skov Olsen, Mikkel Damsgaard, Jonas Wind, and Joakim Maehle. They are exciting, hardworking, and have a general good vibe about them. Denmark will be a must-follow team at the World Cup, whether or not they exceed expectations.

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Senegal

Since South Africa 2010, Africa has been crying out for a team to reach the semifinals of the World Cup. Although it looks unlikely in this World Cup, their best bet has to be Senegal. In a group containing the Netherlands, Ecuador, and hosts Qatar, Senegal will be missing their star man Sadio Mane for the first few games following an injury.

However, they will still be able to call upon the likes of Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Abdou Diallo, and Cheikhou Kouyate in defense, along with Idrissa Gueye, Nampalys Mendy, Pape Sarr, and Pape Gueye in midfield. Their attack will also be fueled by Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, Bamba Dieng, and the aforementioned Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane.

With a real sense of community amongst the players, they won the 2021 AFCON under Aliou Cisse, who is one of the most accomplished international managers. Expect a good showing from the Lions of Teranga.

Switzerland

Switzerland were the team that knocked out France after an incredible comeback in the Euro 2020 Round of 16. The Swiss Army will be looking to replicate such feats in Qatar 2022. In the same group as Brazil, Ghana, and the aforementioned Serbia, Switzerland come to the quarterfinals with a squad that is full of experience and energy.

In goal, they will have part-time superman Yann Sommer, with Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund as backup. In defense, Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi and Silvan Widmer. Their midfield will have Denis Zakaria, Djibril Sow, Remo Freuler, Michel Aebischer, and captain Granit Xhaka, who's having an inspired season with Arsenal.

Football cult hero Xherdan Shaqiri will be part of an accomplished attack with the likes of Haris Seferovic, Ruben Vargas, Breel Embolo, and Noah Okafor. Switzerland have balance, and they will certainly be looking to provide the thrills in Qatar. Only time will tell if the Rossocrociati can turn heads once again.

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Verdict

The World Cup has been known to provide unimaginable events and scenarios. It's one of its many charms, and like all others that came before it, the Qatar World Cup 2022 will be no different. The five teams mentioned here could be considered "dark horses" who have the potential to surprise everyone.