Along with being one of the world’s best sporting events, the FIFA World Cup is great for a punt, with plenty of markets for us to dig into over the next month.
Here is our preview and betting tips for each nation in Qatar. For the best World Cup odds and markets, be sure to bet with TopSport.
Check Betseeker daily for free expert tips and predictions for every game of the tournament.
Group A
Qatar ($601)
Bio: Despite automatic qualification Qatar are a worthy participant after being so close to qualifying on many occasions before. Asian Cup winners in 2019 and had a run to the semi final at the Gold Cup in 2021.
Bet: Host nations have a history of playing a high scoring brand with the last four World Cup hosts averaging 6.5 goals across the group stage. Taking the overs in Qatar’s fixtures as well as Almoez Ali (9 goals in Asian Cup) anytime goalscorer markets will be the play as their H2H results will be quite volatile.
Ecuador ($226)
Bio: Qualified ahead of Columbia, Chile and Peru. A draw with Brazil in qualifying shows they can match it with the best. Ability to lock down opponents impressive with six consecutive clean sheets.
Bet: Have the defensive edge on their group rivals and while it may come down to finding the back of the net in their matchup with Senegal, the $3.20 on offer to finish 2nd in the group looks the best play.
Senegal ($101)
Bio: The Africa Cup of Nations winners will be hoping for a better showing than their group stage knockout of 2018. Edouard Mendy is rock solid in goal but their depth across the park is questionable especially with an injury cloud over Sadio Mane.
Bet: Have won their last four penalty shootouts but unfortunately may not get the opportunity to get to the knockout stage and showcase it. Will need a lot to go right to progress in a deceptively tough group. No value being even money to progress with too much doubt around key players.
Netherlands ($14)
Bio: Failing to qualify in 2018 is a blemish on their record but outside of that the Dutch are no stranger to deep World Cup runs. They have never been eliminated in the group stage, made the semis in 2014 & 2010 and have the talent and strong spine this time around to take down any team in the tournament.
Bet: Too strong defensively not to get out of the group but a lack of consistency in qualifying makes them one to avoid for outright markets as they have underwhelming performances in their repertoire. $3.50 for a quarter-final exit is appealing considering their relatively easy path could lead to a France or Argentina in that matchup.
Group Predictions
- Netherlands
- Ecuador
- Senegal
- Qatar
Group B
England ($9.50)
Bio: It was coming home in 2018 and at the Euros in 2021 before it didn’t. But England’s failures shouldn’t be looked at as such, they squeezed as much as they could out of a talented squad over those two tournaments and there is talent on tap again this campaign. The timing of the tournament really doesn’t suit the Three Lions with the majority of the England squad coming off a heavy lead up of fixtures in the Premier League so they will need to rely on their depth.
Bet: Their qualifying form left a bit to be desired but England step up for the major tournaments and a win in this group will see them face the second side from a weak Group A so at least a Final 8 berth looks a great bet. $3.15 for a quarter final exit the play.
Iran ($701)
Bio: Don’t expect high scoring fixtures with their injury woes up front and how reliant they can be on Mehdi Taremi. But as one of the dominant forces in Asian qualifying, Iran are coming in hot.
Bet: Never progressed beyond the group stage before but at $4.30 and the ability to frustrate and grind out points from opponents, Iran look a great play to progress with questions around the US and Wales.
USA ($176)
Bio: The US have proven they can slip up against some rank outsiders in the past few years of international play but lucky for them they have a strong group in Qatar. Have a great recent WC history advancing ahead of Ghana and Portugal 2014 and topping a group that included England in 2010.
Bet: Their lead up form to the World Cup was strong at home and terrible away and while they have the capability to upset their stronger opponents, it’s not something to bank on. Group stage exit with a Round of 16 game their absolute ceiling.
Wales ($301)
Bio: One of the stories of the qualifying period with Wales historically returning to the World Cup off the back of some spirited performances led by Gareth Bale. Some great Euro runs will give Welsh fans hope of a strong Cup run.
Bet: Many will point to the 2016 Euros as an example of how strong the Welsh can be but with so much pressure on the now 33-year-old Bale, in one of the tournament’s strongest groups, Wales look set for a group stage exit at $1.67.
Group Predictions
- England
- Iran
- USA
- Wales
Group C
Argentina ($6.50)
Bio: Didn’t lose in qualifying and despite being in a strong group here, they seldom slip up to lesser teams. Centre back the only position of weakness but an incredibly strong shootout goalkeeper bodes well for the knockout rounds.
Bet: Have shortened to as short as $6.50 ahead of the tournament and are worthy of the single figure price. If they can get to a matchup with Brazil they would fancy their chances but look to be on the tougher side of the draw. Would prefer to be with the Brazilians.
Saudi Arabia ($801)
Bio: Hard to judge the form of individual players as they mostly play in a lesser profiled Saudi League but this squad has been together for years and many of their players have World Cup experience.
Bet: Outsiders can shock in World Cup group play but the form of Saudi Arabia in qualifying leaves a bit to be desired. $2.90 to lose all group matches and a small play at $8.50 to be the lowest scoring team at the World Cup.
Mexico ($176)
Bio: The team that no one wants to play but also no one thinks they can win it all. Mexico are a picture of world cup consistency with a Round of 16 exit every tournament since the 1994 edition. They don’t get blown out, they beat teams they should and have admirable losses to the stronger nations.
Bet: Trend looks set to continue with $2.50 for a Round of 16 exit. Should have some high scoring matches so the overs look a play in their games too.
Poland ($176)
Bio: Poland can surprise teams boasting arguably the world’s most potent striker. But can they do it consistently? They haven’t shown the consistency required to make a lengthy tournament run but can get out of the group if their main man has three strong outings.
Bet: Lack the depth of Mexico but will be fun to watch Lewandowski try and put five past Saudi Arabia. $2.50 to finish 3rd in the Group.
Group Predictions
- Argentina
- Mexico
- Poland
- Saudi Arabia
Group D
France ($7.25)
Bio: Untimely injuries have disrupted their lead up and plagued their depth. France are looking to claim consecutive World Cup titles, which no team has done since 1962. Seemingly a moral to progress in a top heavy group.
Bet: One to avoid in outright markets as a slip up against Denmark could lead to a 2nd place finish and a potential daunting matchup with Argentina in the Round of 16. Can’t count out Benzema for a Golden Ball finish ($13) with the form he’s in if France are to go deep.
Australia ($701)
Bio: Australia has not won a match at the World Cup since 2010, and this 2022 squad is far worse than the squads of ’14 & ’18. Led by a manager that would have been fired if not for a dancing wiggle in goal. Australia will need some serious luck to win a match at this World Cup and even scoring a goal seems a far cry.
Bet: The Socceroos seem destined to finish 4th in the group while a play at Lowest Scoring Team at $13 is one of the best values of the tournament.
Denmark ($31)
Bio: Well rounded, experienced team who are shaping up as the darlings of the World Cup with a team of likeable players. Have beaten France twice in the past year so are well poised to top the group and avoid a Round of 16 matchup with Argentina.
Bet: While they don’t have the talent of France, they also don’t have the infighting and injuries that the reigning champs possess. Like $3.35 to top Group D.
Tunisia ($801)
Bio: Solid squad who don’t get blown out. Can match it with the top teams and their top tier talent hails from some of the stronger leagues in Europe.
Bet: Ability to keep a clean sheet against talented sides could see Tunisia steal points off France or Denmark but seem destined for a bottom two finish off pure talent gap.
Group Predictions
- Denmark
- France
- Tunisia
- Australia
Group E
Spain ($9.50)
Bio: Tough qualifying run and at one stage looked like they might not qualify at all. Have also underwhelmed in their two most recent World Cups. The Spaniards don’t score heavily but are stout defensively.
Bet: While they would expect to progress, Spain represent no value to win their group or advance when they are out of form. One of the big teams I’m happy to lay, Spain to fall out at the group stage at $6.00.
Costa Rica ($801)
Bio: Solid defensive minded unit that has the ability to grind down teams and take points from stronger teams. Lack the firepower up front though and they are a drastically different squad to the Costa Rica side of 2014 that advanced to the QFs.
Bet: No value in their futures odds. Could be a solid unders play on a game by game basis.
Germany ($11)
Bio: Model of consistency in World Cup history until 2018 when they got bounced in the group stage. Expect a swift bounce back from a German team with a great mix of experienced heads and youthful exuberance.
Bet: $2.10 to win the group and a play at Jamal Musiala in the top scorers markets.
Japan ($351)
Bio: Similar to Mexico in that Japan is a team you don’t want to play but also don’t have a history of progressing deep into World Cups. Not extremely strong across the back four or at the GK position but luckily they are in a group with teams that don’t pepper opponents with goals.
Bet: Round of 16 exit at $5.80 looks a great value play. If too wary of Spain & Germany – Daichi Kamada is in dominant form at club level and is a free agent next summer so looks primed to lead the Japanese in scoring at $6.00.
Group Predictions
- Germany
- Japan
- Spain
- Costa Rica
Group F
Belgium ($18)
Bio: Belgium have been the sexy pick for the last few World Cups and for good reason, big name talent from big clubs and the ability to score in bunches. Tough group with reigning WC finalists Croatia but goal difference over the lesser sides should put them ahead in the group.
Bet: Genuine chance to go all the way here. $4.00 for Belgium to win all their group matches and a play at them to win it all at $18.
Canada ($501)
Bio: The loveable underdogs had an incredible qualifying run but the level of quality in this group is a stark contrast to the teams in the CONCACAF qualifying route.
Bet: Will need forwards Jonathon David and Cyle Larin to explode to give Canada a sniff at securing a win. One to play the overs on for each of their matches considering the low quality of their defenders.
Morocco ($301)
Bio: Morocco don’t jump off the page as a World Cup team to watch and while they likely won’t be ones to progress, they could surprise a few and finish with a handful of points in this group.
Bet: A well distributed goal scoring squad headlined by the much maligned Hakim Ziyech ($6.00) but there is value in the top team goalscorer market here. QPR’s pocket rocket Ilias Chair is a thrill to watch and has the burst and flair to catch teams off guard for a goal or two. Value play at $26.
Croatia ($51)
Bio: 2018 finalists who battled through extra time or penalties in every knockout win at that World Cup. 4 goals allowed in 10 qualifying matches. Croatia can lock teams up like no one else at this tournament.
Bet: Tough and experienced enough to progress but a potential Round of 16 matchup with a top team from Group E make it unlikely for a repeat effort from 2018.
Group Predictions
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Morocco
- Canada
Group G
Brazil ($4.80)
Bio: Did not lose a match in qualifying with 40 goals scored and only 5 against in 17 games. Their depth is unmatched. Brazil’s reserves would be favourites to progress from this group.
Bet: Rightly favourites and anything but a trophy lift will be a disappointment. Vinicius Jr gives off Mbappe 2018 vibes so a play at him for top goal scorer at $29 or Golden Ball at $17 and Brazil to lift the cup at $5.00.
Serbia ($101)
Bio: Finishing ahead of Portugal in qualifying says plenty about the strength of this squad.
Bet: Advancing will come down to their match with Switzerland which looks a coin flip so if you want a sure thing – Aleksandar Mitrovic to lead the team in scoring, the man is unstoppable at the national level.
Switzerland ($91)
Bio: Big factor in keeping Italy out of the World Cup with their ability to secure points from almost every qualifying game. One of the dark horses for this World Cup after a surprising deep Euros run.
Bet: The fact Xherdan Shaqiri is $9.50 for top team goal scorer is blasphemous. The man turns into super man when he puts on the Swiss kit. If Switzerland is to make noise at the tournament it will be Shaqiri who does the damage.
Cameroon ($401)
Bio: A third placed finish at the Africa Cup of Nations and a late winner against Algeria to qualify for this tournament will give Cameroon some hope of putting up a fight in all their group games. Andre Onana will be peppered in goal by their opponents and while he is a talented shot stopper for Inter, the firepower from Serbia and Brazil will be too big an ask to keep out for the full 90 minutes.
Bet: No value in a likely 4th place finish but Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has the skill and experience to find the back of the net once or twice across the tournament.
Group Predictions
- Brazil
- Serbia
- Switzerland
- Cameron
Group H
Portugal ($16)
Bio: No longer a one-man band, Portugal have a strong squad for the World Cup with a ‘pissed off’ Cristiano Ronaldo flanked by the Mancunian duo of Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes. The Ronaldo factor will be interesting to watch if his comments bring the team tighter or cause a rift.
Bet: Ronaldo’s age and poor form at club level could see his impact limited but Portugal’s deep roster should be enough to win the group and earn a matchup with the 2nd placed side from Group G. $3.75 for a quarter final exit looks the play for this side.
Ghana ($401)
Bio: An unlikely deep run in 2010 saw Ghana come within an inch of the semi-finals before Luis Suarez stuck his hand out to seal their fate. Ghana have the chance for revenge with Suarez and Uruguay in their group but the talent gap seems to be a little wider this time around.
Bet: Since 1966 (when this data was introduced) Ghana average the most shots per game of any side with 19. So taking the overs in Ghana’s matchups will be the likely play.
Uruguay ($46)
Bio: The fact Cavani and Suarez have a combined age of 70 years old may see people steer clear of backing Uruguay for a deep run but they have the talent to at least progress out of the group.
Bet: A second place finish will see Uruguay likely face Brazil in the Round of 16 so can’t see them being a deep run danger unless they can somehow top the group.
South Korea ($251)
Bio: Recent heavy losses to strong sides doesn’t bode well for South Korea entering their 11th World Cup campaign. Star forward Son Heung-min is battling a facial injury and his omission would be devastating for their hopes.
Bet: A group stage exit looks likely. Will be a game-by-game betting proposition.
Group Predictions
- Portugal
- Uruguay
- Ghana
- South Korea
