The World Cup 2022 draw was held Friday, April 1, and countries now know their respective groups. Qatar is the host nation with opening matches kicking off Nov. 21. Below, we look at the World Cup 2022 odds and make our expert World Cup picks, predictions and bets.
The World Cup will run for about a month with the title match set for Dec. 18 in Lusail. While the time of year sounds strange, it’s because this version of the Cup was shifted from its traditional June/July timeframe to avoid the summer heat in the desert.
Three teams in the 32-team Cup field are not yet known as 37 teams were drawn Friday. The final three teams will be determined in June when the European and intercontinental playoffs conclude.
Team USA was drawn into Group B with England, Iran and Wales or Scotland or Ukraine. Scotland and Ukraine will meet in June in a playoff delayed because of Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The winner will then face Wales later in the month for the World Cup berth.
Let’s dive into who has the best odds on the board.
World Cup 2022 favorites – Expert pick
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday, April 2 at 11:18 p.m. ET.
FRANCE +550 (bet $100 to win $550)
France isn’t the technical favorite. That title belongs to the Neymar-led Brazil (+450). England (+550) is the only other nation with odds shorter than +750.
France had a disappointing out in Euro 2020, which actually was played in 2021 due to Covid-19. However, France has an absolutely dominant squad with talent all over the pitch.
In the attack, F Kylian Mbappe and F Karim Benzema will headline the team’s best XI. Benzema ranks No. 1 in La Liga scoring, having notched 24 goals in 26 games. Mbappe is just as lethal and was dubbed the best young player in the 2018 World Cup. He’s arguably better now.
France also has length and talent in MF Paul Pogba and MF N’Golo Kanté, the latter of which is among the best defensive mids in the world. Both were dubbed top-10 midfielders in the world.
With experienced defending and goalkeeping, FRANCE (+550) is my favorite to win the World Cup. It’s definitely worth a gamble at 5.5 to 1.
World Cup 2022 picks – contender
BELGIUM +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200)
Belgium lost to Italy in a thrilling 2-1 quarterfinal match in Euro 2020.
Belgium should be seen as a real threat here, especially when it has the best midfielder in the world in Kevin De Bruyne. F/MF Eden Hazard and G Thibaut Courtois are also difference-makers and among the best at their respective position.
Belgium finished 3rd in the 2018 World Cup, losing to France 1-0 in the semifinal and blanking England 2-0 in the 3rd-place match. Belgium is good enough and consistent enough to go far, and at +1200, it has great value to win it all.
Belgium was 6-0-2 in qualifying players with 25 goals for and 6 against. It is rolling and is worth a play here. While it ranks 2nd in FIFA’s Men World Rankings, it gets no respect with the 7th-best odds.
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World Cup 2022 picks – Long shots
USA +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)
Sure, there might be some bias here, but considering the ceiling for the men’s national team, at +10000, it is worth a look. The Americans are laced with talent from Chelsea F/MF Christian Pulisic to Barcelona D Sergino Dest.
The USMNT also has a relatively easy route.
Even if they finish 2nd Group B, they’ll likely get the Netherlands. The US is a proven side, having taken down No. 9 Mexico 1-0 in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.
The talent, upside, and route are there. At +1000, there is some value here.
DENMARK +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)
Denmark is also worth look as the odds are just too sweet.
With a gritty defense and a competent attack, Denmark put on a show in Euro 2020, losing to England 2-1 in extra time in the semifinal. The game was in London, giving the British a slight edge.
Thirty-year-old MF Christian Eriksen, who suffered cardiac arrest in Euro 2020, is stable and back on the pitch. He’ll be a factor in the attack, currently playing for EPL’s Brentford.
Denmark, No. 11 in the FIFA rankings, went 9-1-0 in qualifying, totaling 30 goals and allowing 3. Denmark, which tied with Germany for the most points in qualifying, is an elite side and has good odds at +3000.
Odds to win Group B
(No suggested plays at this time)
ENGLAND
- Yes -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
- No +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
IRAN
- Yes +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)
- No -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
USA
- Yes +550 (bet $100 to win $550)
- No -1205 (bet $1,205 to win $100)
Odds to qualify from Group B
(No suggested plays at this time)
ENGLAND
- Yes -2000 (bet $2,000 to win $100)
- No +1000 (bet $100 to win $1,000)
IRAN
- Yes +400 (bet $100 to win $400)
- No -599 (bet $599 to win $100)
USA
- Yes +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
- No -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
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