The 2022 FIFA World Cup which commences on 20th November in Qatar, is set to have the entire soccer
world, including people who aren’t sport enthusiasts, focused on the event for the whole month.
As several teams from all over the world prepare to take their place at Qatar, we will again witness a
bright display of colors by supporters from the 32 participating countries who wish to see their teams go
far in this tournament.
This World Cup will provide the perfect opportunity for spectators to watch many of the star players from
top leagues competing in their national teams’ jerseys at the same event.
While the tournament was postponed from June to November due to geographical and climatic reasons, to
the end of the year, the change in schedule hasn’t stopped some experts from making their predictions
about it.
Very soon, balls will roll in Qatar, and to give you a taste of what to expect, MatchPlug has put together
this piece on the 2022 FIFA World Cup betting Preview of all the Soccer predictions and odds to keep
abreast of things.
Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Betting Preview: Predictions, Early Odds, and Early Favorites
The opening fixture of the 2022 FIFA World Cup features Qatar VS Ecuador. These countries will open
the event on Sunday, 20th November at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Bookmakers have already made their odds and the betting markets for the opening fixtures have been set.
Although the tournament is one month away, talks are already circulating concerning world cup betting
tips, betting markets, fixtures, and predictions.
This preview contains favorite odds, Golden Boot picks, world cup winners odds, group predictions, etc.
Article Content
- When did the 2022 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Begin?
- Favorites To Win The 2022 FIFA World Cup Title Odds
- 2022 World Cup Odds
- Group Predictions For The World Cup
- 2022 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot Favorites Odds
- How To Bet On The 2022 FIFA World Cup
- Things To Avoid When Betting On The 2022 FIFA World Cup
When did the 2022 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Begin?
Qatar will make its debut against Ecuador to kick-off the tournament on November 20, 2022.
The competition rounds scheduled for the World Cup is as follows:
● Group stage – November 20 to December 2, 2022
● Round of 16 – December 3 to 6, 2022
● Quarterfinals – December 9 and 10, 2022
● Semifinals – December 13 and 14, 2022
● Third place – December 17, 2022
● Finals – December 18, 2022
Favorites To Win The 2022 FIFA World Cup Title Odds
Brazil were picked by several experts as Qatar 2022 World Cup favorites to win the tournament.
Brazil at +450 odds, leads France +550, and England +600 for the top 3 favorites to secure the World Cup
title.
See these odds and odds for the other countries below:
- Brazil: +450
For some months, Brazil has been picked as the top favorite to win the World Cup, which would be the
6th time this country won this title.
They finished first and undefeated in the South American qualifiers, scoring 40 goals and conceding 5.
Brazil makes up Group G alongside Serbia, Switzerland, and Cameroon.
Tite has a group of key players in his squad, with top-level team attackers standing out – Neymar Jr
(PSG), Raphinha (FC Barcelona), Antony (Manchester United), Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid), Rodrygo
(Real Madrid), Richarlison (Tottenham). - France: +550
France, the defending champions, are the second favorite. They finished from Group D undefeated, with 5
games won, 3 draws, scoring 18 goals, and conceding 3.
They also have in their ranks the man of the moment, Kylian Mbappé who plays for one of the brightest
teams in the world.
France will make up Group D with Denmark, Australia, and Tunisia. - England: +600
England is another of the favorites, despite the fact that this year they lowered their level a bit in terms of
matches played.
During the playoffs, the English team finished undefeated and in 1st place in Group I where it won 8
times and drew 2. England scored 39 goals, which is the best in this category and only lost 3 – 2 against
Poland and one against Hungary.
Coach Gareth Southgate holds this team together and striker Harry Kane leads it. - Argentina: +750
Argentina became Copa América champion after beating Brazil in the final in Rio de Janeiro, and also
had a great World Cup qualifying season where they finished second without losing any match.
With Lionel Scaloni heading this team, Argentina has played 34 games unbeaten and hasn’t lost since July
2019 till now.
The Albiceleste secures a spot as another favorite for the World Cup, this time led by a more experienced
Messi and supported by lesser-known players who have a common goal.
Sleeper Pick:
- Germany: +900
After losing at Russia 2018 World Cup in the group stage and their sickly performance at Euro 2022
when England knocked them out in the round of 16, Germany is tagged a sleeping giant that might wake
up at Qatar.
While they haven’t lost in the Nations League this year, their play hasn’t gotten much of a vote of
confidence either: they beat Italy at a home match and ended their last 3 matches in a draw.
Although they have Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, IlKay Gundogan, they are part of a generation that
might make an impact in this World Cup
Dark Horse:
- Netherlands: +1200
The Netherlands has gotten close to attending the World Cup 3 times, but were defeated every time.
They see this year as an excellent opportunity, especially since they don’t have any big stars in their ranks,
but possess potential.
Headed by Louis Van Gaal, they’ve been playing well in the Nations League where they’re unbeaten.
With most young players and only Memphis Depay or Frenkie De Jong as the biggest names, the Dutch
might spring a huge surprise.
2022 World Cup Odds
These are the 2022 World Cup Odds for 10 out of 32 teams playing in Qatar this year.
Country Odds
Brazil +450
France +550
England +600
Spain +750
Germany +1000
Argentina +1000
Belgium +1200
Portugal +1200
Netherlands +1400
Denmark +2800
View more odds at CBS.
Group Predictions For The World Cup
These are all the Groups competing in the 2022 World Cup and predictions accompanying each of them:
● Group A – Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
● Group B – England, Iran, USA, Wales
● Group C – Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
● Group D – France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
● Group E – Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
● Group F – Belgium, Ghana, Morocco, Croatia
● Group G – Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
● Group H – Portugal, Canada, Uruguay, South Korea
Group A Predictions
Qatar plays in the World Cup finals for the first time. They’ll reach the last 16 but encounter a tough
draw.
Also in group A are Ecuador who finished 4th in the South American qualifying group, Senegal the
current African Champions, and the Netherlands who have reached World Cup finals before.
Two possible qualifiers from group A are Senegal and the Netherlands.
Prediction: Senegal and Netherlands qualify for the round of 16.
Group B Predictions
So far, group B only has 3 teams confirmed.
England reached the semi-finals in 2018 and the finals at 2020/21 Euros. They’ll feel confident about
winning group B.
USA can qualify if they improve their poor form from the qualifiers. Iran qualified but might not make
the last 16.
Wales or Ukraine might be the last two countries to complete this group. Wales entered the finals after
beating Austria and Ukraine in the play-offs.
Prediction – England to win Group B
Group C Predictions
Argentina graces group C with Lionel Messi playing in the World Cup. This country came second in the
South American group and should qualify from this group.
Mexico and Poland might butt heads, Poland has Robert Lewandowski in its front lines. The Polish beat
Sweden in the play-offs to secure a spot in Qatar.
Saudi Arabia will likely finish at the bottom of group C.
Prediction – Argentina and Poland qualify.
Group D Predictions
Group D has also confirmed only 3 countries so far.
France who are the world champions should have no problems making it to the last 16.
Denmark will probably join the French in the knockout stages after they made the last 4 at the Euros.
Tunisia isn’t looking good enough to finish top two. Australia beat UAE and Peru to qualify for the World
Cup finals, but will find it challenging to qualify.
Prediction – France and Denmark qualify out of Group C.
Group E Predictions
Group E houses 2 European powerhouse: Spain and Germany, two countries that’ll reach the last 16.
These countries will face-off in their second group match on 27th November. If one team wins, the loser
will have to double their efforts in their final match to qualify for finals.
Japan and the play-off winners are two other countries that’ll draw the two top countries. It will be
shocking if they trouble Germany and Spain.
Prediction – Germany and Spain qualify
Group F Predictions
With so many star players in its ranks, Belgium still hasn’t won a tournament ever. Although they’ll face
little opposition in reaching the knockout stages in Qatar.
Croatia might follow them to the last 16. Canada qualified, but will find it tough to win against Belgium
and Croatia. The same thing might be predicted for Morocco.
Prediction – Belgium and Croatia qualify.
Group G Predictions
Group G countries are expected to be fierce competitors in Qatar, but it is not a Group of Death.
In 2018, Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia were in the same group. Brazil led the South American qualifying
group and didn’t lose a game.
Switzerland can be tough to beat sometimes. Serbia will compete with them for second place.
Cameroon are outsiders in this group and are unlikely to qualify for the last 16.
Prediction – Brazil and Switzerland qualify.
Group H Predictions
Portugal made their way through play-offs to get to Qatar. They defeated Turkey and North Macedonia.
Christiano Ronaldo will make another appearance in the World Cup finals.
Portugal will face Uruguay who beat them out of the 2018 World Cup, so they’ll be out for revenge.
Ghana made it to Qatar, and so did South Korea who had star players like Heung-Min Son, Hwang Ui-Jo,
and Hwang Hee-Chan.
Portugal and Uruguay are the two countries that’ll make it to last 16 from Group H.
Prediction – Portugal and Uruguay qualify.
2022 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot Favorites Odds
A lot of bookmakers already have odds for which players would win the Golden Boot for Qatar 2022.
In the absence of any injuries, there are some players that are expected to retain their favorite positions
when the tournament starts.
Harry Kane – 7/1
Harry Kane leads the pack as favorite to win Golden Boot, with bookmakers backing him at 7/1 (8.0)
odds.
Kylian Mbappe – 9/1
Kylian Mbappe backed at 9/1 odds is expected to lead the French team to victory at the World Cup.
Betting tips pick Kylian as 2nd favorite for top goalscorer award.
With Tunisia and Australia as part of Group D, France attackers will have many openings to score.
Karim Benzema – 12/1
Karim Benzema is another Frenchman backed at 12/1 (13.0) odds to win the Golden Boot. Benzema is
also favorite to win the Ballon d’Or this year. If he maintains his form, he could win this World Cup
trophy.
Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo – 16/1
Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo are both tied at 16/1 (17.0) odds to win the Golden Boot trophy.
How To Bet On The 2022 FIFA World Cup
Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament, these are some betting tips and strategies that will help
you when you’re wagering correctly on the 2022 FIFA World Cup:
- Analyze The Form Of Both Teams
Before you bet on a fixture, check how both countries played in past matches. This includes checking
their recent results in the fixtures leading up to the World Cup.
Also check the line-up in those matches, because countries don’t always use their strongest team in
friendlies. By doing an analysis, you’ll see how many goals a nation scored or conceded, shots taken, and
how their attack did. - Check Teams Line-ups
Checking the squad for a match helps you find out if some star players are absent because of injuries,
coach instructions, or being overplayed in matches.
Few times odds might be misleading when placing wagers. For example, a country may be the favorite to
win a match and the odds backing them would be low.
But, that same country may be missing a lot of players and due to that, they’ll fail to win a fixture
everyone predicted they’ll win. - Head-To-Head Results
It’s wise to look at the head-to-head results of two countries before placing a bet.
It’s even better if they’ve had a recent meeting, as current results can indicate how a new fixture will play
out.
For example, Brazil is the favorite to win the World Cup trophy, but last year they lost in the Copa
America final to Argentina. If these two countries meet again, it is possible that Argentina will still beat
Brazil in the tournament.
- Psychological Aspects Of Fixtures
Taking into consideration the relevance of a fixture is one of the most crucial Free football tips we can
give you about the World Cup.
If a team is playing to qualify through a group or finish first, they’re more motivated to win even when
their side is an outsider.This also applies when the situation is reversed.
For instance, if a country is already first in the group, and they meet a team that is playing to secure the
second position to reach the Round of 16, although they’re the favorites they’ll not be motivated to win
because they don’t need to.
Things To Avoid When Betting On The 2022 FIFA World Cup
Betting on the World Cup should be about quality, not quantity, which is why you must thoroughly
research each bet and avoid these betting practices as well.
- Betting Without Thorough Research
Research to understand as much as you can before placing a bet. - Chasing Low Odds
Restricting your bets to favorites or other markets that offer low odds is not a good strategy. Those sorts
of bets often don’t win and when they do, the value is low. - Giving Priority To Multi-bets
There are a lot of Football predictions you’ll get from MatchPlug for the World Cup, but putting all of
them on one bet slip isn’t smart.
As you increase your odds, every extra selection you put on it, only increases your chances of you losing
that bet. - Obsessing Over Losses
When betting, take out your emotions. If you get upset and over bet when you lose a wager, you’ll make
rash decisions and still lose more bets.
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