The 2022 World Cup begins on Sunday 20 November and the outright betting market suggests that any number of teams can get their hands on the trophy. It’s Brazil who are predictably the favourites although the South American side have not triumphed since the 2002 tournament which was hosted by Japan and South Korea.
Betfair are among the bookmakers who are offering 4/1 that Tite’s side end the twenty-year drought and record a sixth World Cup victory for this football-mad nation, while it’s arch-rivals Argentina who come next in the betting and La Albiceleste were also impressive when qualifying from the CONMEBOL section.
The latter are available at a best price 6/1 with Betfred to claim a World Cup triumph in Qatar, with Lionel Messi looking to cap an amazing career which recently saw him fire his country to a success in the Copa America. They look well equipped to go deep in this competition.
As for the European contenders, France are the reigning champions and Didier Deschamps will attempt to repeat Les Bleus’ achievement of four years ago, although William Hill are among the bookmakers who are looking to take on a team who are missing Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante. They have 13/2 available that the champions come out on top.
England are also among the outright favourites and Gareth Southgate has been able to name a strong squad who will hope to go one better than Euro 2020 where the Three Lions reached the final. Bet365 have 8/1 that Harry Kane leads this nation to a first World Cup triumph since 1966 and Jude Bellingham could hold all the aces in midfield.
Spain are trading at a similar 8/1 with Ladbrokes and La Roja have made a habit of making the business end of major tournaments since winning the 2010 World Cup. Luis Enrique’s side could easily have won Euro 2020 and they have the experience of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets who have previously helped this nation prove successful.
Germany have been drawn in the same group as Spain and there is plenty of experience within the ranks. That includes Bayern Munich pair Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller who have previously helped Die Mannschaft win the 2014 World Cup. BetVictor are prepared to offer 11/1 about Hansi Flick’s side going all the way.
At a slightly bigger price, you can find the Netherlands, Portugal and Belgium. The Dutch have improved markedly and have Louis van Gaal at the helm, with William Hill offering an attractive 14/1 about a team who look to have an easy group. Portugal’s group is a little more complicated, although Boylesports have 14/1 about a talented pool of players which includes Cristiano Ronaldo.
Belgium are an 18/1 poke with betfair and much depends on whether they are able to finish above Croatia in their group, with the Blazers having reached the final of the 2018 World Cup. Odds of 50/1 looks too big that they go one better and Denmark are also appealing at 28/1 with bet365.
NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
