After four long years of waiting, soccer fans across the globe finally get to watch another edition of the FIFA World Cup. Qatar might not be everyone’s first choice of host nations, but the best players in the world are there (at least most of them) and the group phase is set to begin on Monday morning.
We’re going to be bringing you previews and betting tips for all the key matches at the World Cup, which you can find by checking out our Soccer Tips page. Here, however, we’re looking at the best futures bets for the tournament, including the outright winner, Golden Boot, and more!
2022 FIFA World Cup: Futures Betting Tips
Outright Winner
There are probably nine legit contenders in Qatar, although most of the early hype has been about the Brazilians who boast an abundance of world class attackers. However, the $4.50 or so price you’re getting about them pre-tournament is just too short in my opinion.
Brazil’s South American rivals in Argentina are my pick of the bunch to take it out this year. They have one of the easiest groups for a top nation, they enter Qatar having gone 36 matches unbeaten, and they’ve also gone 2-1-0 in their last three matches against Brazil. On top of that, a World Cup is probably the only elite trophy Leo Messi doesn’t have in his cabinet, so you can be sure the GOAT is going to leave it all out there in his last ever attempt to lead his country to glory.
If you’re looking for a little bit more value, then one country I can certainly entertain at a double-figure quote is Germany. The Germans have a rich history of performing well on the big stage and have a squad that is a little bit underrated. They have stars littered all over the pitch and are a team that no one will want to face in the knockout stages.
Value: Germany $12 at Ladbrokes
Golden Boot Winner
The Golden Boot is awarded to the highest individual goal scorer at the World Cup. Obviously, the more matches a team plays the more goal scoring chances players will get, so you want to be betting on someone from a legitimate contender.
Kylian Mbappe is someone that fits the bill and is primed to have a fantastic tournament. He made his World Cup debut for France in Russia as a 19-year-old where they obviously went onto win the tournament, and he would score four goals including one in the final. Fast forward to the present day and Mbappe is clearly one of the best players in the world. He will get plenty of chances to fill his boots in the group stage against Australia and Tunisia, which should set him up for a high-scoring tournament.
Group Bets
Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
After failing to qualify for Russia in 2018, the Netherlands will be desperate to make their mark in Qatar and boy have they been given the draw to do just that. The Dutch will go into all three of their group matches as the odds-on favourite and should be topping this group without much trouble.
Netherlands to Win Group A ($1.50 at Ladbrokes)
Group B: England, Iran, USA, Wales
Another pretty straightforward group for the favourites here in England. Like the Dutch, the Poms will go into all three of their group matches as heavy favourites. There’s not much value in them here but they should be good enough to top this group.
England to Win Group B ($1.36 at Ladbrokes)
Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
Argentina are my tip to go all the way in Qatar, so it’s of no surprise that I like them to top Group C. Although it isn’t the weakest group by any means, Argentina are the only genuine powerhouse of the four teams and should be winning comfortably.
Argentina to Win Group C ($1.40 at TAB)
Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
The Aussies find themselves in a group with France and Denmark for the second straight World Cup, which is fairly tough going. France are the defending champions and should have no problem topping Group D once again.
France to Win Group D ($1.50 at TAB)
Group E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
The first mini upset I’m predicting in the group stages is for Germany to top Group E instead of favourites Spain. The Germans have been rejuvenated by some superstar youth they have coming through and will have genuine selection predicaments due to immense depth. If they get things right early, they could certainly win this group and go deep in the tournament.
Germany to Win Group E ($2.10 at TAB)
Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
There are two standout teams in Group F in the form of Belgium and Croatia. The former are the higher ranked of the two, although the latter were runners-up in Russia. I’m surprised to see the Croats as the big underdogs considering their recent history at big tournaments, coupled with their superb form in the lead-up games. Seeing them top Group F instead of Belgium would be no surprise.
Croatia to Win Group F ($3.50 at TAB)
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
The Brazilians are the favourites to win the tournament and should be topping this group at their odds-on quote. The other three teams in this group are all threats on their day however, so it’ll be important for the 5x World Cup winners to not take anyone lightly.
Brazil to Win Group G ($1.40 at TAB)
Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea
Portugal will be quietly pleased with the group they’ve been drawn. Their superstar in Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously declining a bit but there’s still plenty of quality around him. They’re a dark horse to make a big run in Qatar and should be winning Group H.
Portugal to Win Group H ($1.65 at TAB)
