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The18's World Cup predictions

It's time to get laughed at. Here are The18's 2022 FIFA World Cup predictions, although many of our employees have elected the safest route after gazing into their crystal balls.

There's something of a consensus surrounding the might of South America, and it looks like Argentina and this Lionel Messi fella have turned a lot of heads while riding a 36-match unbeaten streak into the finals. Neymar's Brazil is the clear alternative. But the World Cup routinely shows that prior form counts for little once the ball gets rolling, so don't expect one big coronation ceremony for Conmebol in Qatar.

As for our USMNT predictions, you can tell we've all been waiting eight excruciatingly long years for this moment. No one wants it to end at the group stage and we've shown absolutely zero respect for Wales.

The18's 2022 FIFA World Cup predictions

David Moore (Associate Writer)

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Winner: Argentina

Runner-up: England

Golden Boot: Harry Kane

Golden Ball: Lionel Messi

Biggest overachiever: Japan

Biggest underachiever: Spain

How far does USA go: Round of 16

Luis Vidal (Associate Writer) 

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Winner: Argentina

Runner-up: Brazil

Golden Boot: Karim Benzema

Golden Ball: Lionel Messi

Biggest overachiever: Serbia

Biggest underachiever: Portugal

How far does USA go: Round of 16

Daylon Schiffel (Associate Video Editor)

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Winner: Brazil

Runner-up: Argentina

Golden Boot: Vinícius Júnior

Golden Ball: Lionel Messi

Biggest overachiever: Uruguay

Biggest underachiever: France

How far does USA go: Quarterfinals

Alie Mueller (Intern Graphic Designer)

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Winner: Netherlands

Runner-up: Belgium

Golden Boot: Neymar

Golden Ball: Cristiano Ronaldo

Biggest overachiever: Argentina

Biggest underachiever: Portugal

How far does USA go: Semifinals 

Connor Fleming (Associate Writer)

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Winner: Brazil

Runner-up: France

Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappé

Golden Ball: Neymar  

Biggest overachiever: Canada

Biggest underachiever: Belgium

How far does USA go: Round of 16

Giancarlo Cornejo (Intern Writer)

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Winner: Brazil

Runner-up: Portugal

Golden Boot: Cristiano Ronaldo

Golden Ball: Neymar

Biggest overachiever: Mexico

Biggest underachiever: England

How far does USA go: Round of 16

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