Ultimate 2022 FIFA World Cup betting preview: Best bets, promos, & much more

2022 World Cup Betting preview

We’re just a few days away from the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Controversially staged in Qatar, it feels strange having a World Cup being held in the Winter. However, that doesn’t mean the action will be any colder. For betters, this World Cup is filled with red-hot bets to take advantage of.

Best World Cup Betting promos

World Cup betting: Tournament Favorites

It’s hard to look past Brazil here, but with that said, it was also hard to look past them when they got thumped 7-1 by Germany in the 2014 semi-final. Led by Neymar, Brazil are fielding one of their deepest teams in years and should have a peaceful road to the knockouts. Beyond then, it comes down to whether anyone can match their quality.

Defending champions, France, may have something to say about that. They are dealing with some pretty significant injuries (more on that later), so their odds have fallen to 7/1. But if you’re bullish on young prodigy Kylian Mbappe and the ability of the French to deliver when they need to, this could be a great value spot.

England were finalists during the most recent Euro tournament, but the consensus is that they should’ve breezed that tournament. The squad is incredibly strong and versatile, but manager Gareth Southgate continues to draw criticism for his style of play and questionable management decisions. The squad selection itself had fans just as confused as to whether Football really could come home.

Spain and Germany are two very interesting selections here. Germany’s squad is filled with veterans who have been here before, and the Spanish always look strong on paper. The two are grouped together here though and while they should both make it through, it’s going to provide the opportunity for some surprises along the way.

World Cup betting: Group winners

Group A – Netherlands -280

Group B – England -280

Group C – Argentina -250

Group D – France -225 (Denmark +225)

Group E – Germany +115 (Spain -115)

Group F – Belgium -190 (Croatia +200)

Group G – Brazil -300

Group H – Portugal -145

Most of the group winner props seem to be pretty obvious. There are only three I can see where an upset is viable. The first being Group D. France will be without Kante, Pogba, and Maignan. Denmark are hustlers. They lost their opening two games of the Euros and somehow came back to qualify. With quality offensive talents such as Mikkel Damsgaard, who had 5 assists through 9 qualifying games for this tournament, I think they will be smelling blood in the water and really push a less than 100% France to win that group.

Spain and Germany, as aforementioned, is anyone’s guess. The odds say Spain are the favorites, but I think Germany are the more reliable bet in World Cup competition. It’s personal preference, but there is a level of physicality they bring to the table that very few match.

Group F is the third wildcard. Croatia are a really strong side and always pose a threat on the global stage. Meanwhile, Belgium seem to have all the star power in the world and are forever underwhelming in the same scenarios. It’s fascinating, but in fairness, Kevin De Bruyne was at less than 100% during the Euros and is now back to his very best. Either way, I could see Croatia taking the spoils here.

World Cup Betting: Group qualifiers

Group B – USA -105

Group C – Mexico -120

Group G – Switzerland +100

Group H – Portugal -145

If you don’t want to bet on group winners, you can still find some decent value on teams to make it through the group stage. The USA, for instance, are definitely better than Iran, and in my opinion, have far more upside than the Welsh. A near-evens bet here is solid value.

Switzerland are in a group with Brazil, Serbia, and Cameroon. They should have enough quality to follow Brazil into the knockouts and are also decently prices. World Cup betting is an art form, but staying away from some obvious traps and looking for value is always a good path to take.

Top goalscorer

I’m not the biggest Harry Kane fan at the international level, but you can’t deny his goalscoring record…even if they mostly come from tap-ins and penalties. With that said, I think the value play here is Benzema at 12/1. The Real Madrid star won the Balon d’Or after an incredible 2021 campaign and he’s always delivered for France, netting 3-in-5 during UEFA Nations league play and a total of 37 in 97 international appearances. He could heat up at any time and if he does, look out.

Best World Cup betting promos

As you saw earlier, there are plenty of World Cup betting promotions running during the World Cup and we have rounded up the best five HERE: You can sign up to as MANY as you want, giving you even more FREE money to bet with!

 Glenn Gervot/Icon Sportswire