Tomás Yelmini
The 2022 FIFA World Cup, which begins on November 20 in Qatar, will have the entire soccer world, including those who are not usually involved in the sport, focused on the top event for a whole month. There will once again be a colorful parade of fans from the 32 participating countries, all eager to see their teams advance as far as possible.
This will also be a unique opportunity to see most of the major stars from the top leagues competing in their national teams’ jerseys at the same tournament. This will be an atypical edition, which for geographical and climatic reasons will not be held in June, as is tradition, but near the end of the year.
It’s not long until the ball rolls in Qatar, and at JefeBet we are keeping an eye on all the details in the countdown. Here are our FIFA World Cup predictions and early odds, so you don’t get caught off guard during the tournament.
FIFA World Cup Predictions, Early Odds, Betting Preview and Early Favorites for Qatar 2022
When does the group stage of the Qatar 2022 World Cup begin?
The ball will start rolling on November 20, 2022, when the host country will make its debut against Ecuador in the city of Jor.
The competition rounds are scheduled for the World Cup 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
All odds shown are courtesy of DraftKings.
Favorites
1. Brazil (+450)
For several months now, Brazil has been the main favorite to win the World Cup, which would be the sixth World Cup in its history. They finished first and undefeated in the South American qualifiers with 40 goals scored and only five conceded. They will be part of Group G along with Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.
Tite has a true group of stars at his disposal, with the attackers who shine in top-level teams standing out: Neymar Jr, (PSG), Raphinha (FC Barcelona), Antony (Manchester United), Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Richarlison (Tottenham).
2. France (+550)
The defending champions are the second favorite according to the bookmakers. France finished Group D undefeated, winning five games and drawing three, scoring 18 goals and conceding three. And they have, within one of the brightest teams in the world, the man of the moment, Kylian Mbappé.
France won the title in Russia 2018, as well as in its home country in 1998. It will be part of Group D along with Denmark, Australia and Tunisia.
3. England (+600)
The English team is another one of the great favorites, despite the fact that this year they have lowered their level a little in terms of the matches they have played. In the playoffs, it finished undefeated and in first place in Group I, where it won eight games and drew two. England scored 39 goals, the best in this category, and conceded only three (two against Poland and one against Hungary).
Coach Gareth Southgate is at the helm of a talented squad, led by striker Harry Kane.
3. Argentina (+750)
Argentina is the Copa América champion, having beaten none other than Brazil in the final in Rio de Janeiro, and also had a very good World Cup qualifying season in which it finished second without losing a single match.
With Lionel Scaloni at the helm, Argentina has gone 34 games unbeaten and has not lost since July 2019. The “Albiceleste” team is another favorite in the betting, led by a more mature Lionel Messi and featuring a group of lesser-known players but who share a common goal.
Sleeper
Germany (+900)
After the embarrassment of the Russia 2018 World Cup, in which they were eliminated in the group stage, and the poor performance at Euro 2020, in which they were knocked out in the round of 16 by England, Germany is a sleeping giant that could wake up in Qatar.
Although they haven’t lost in the Nations League this year, their performance has not been convincing either: they beat Italy at home and drew their 3 remaining matches.
Despite the fact that several of these players may be playing in their final World Cup (Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Ilkay Gundogan), they belong to a generation that might make an impact this year.
Dark Horse
Netherlands (+1200)
The Netherlands has come close to reaching the World Cup three times, but each time they were defeated. The Dutch know that this could be a great opportunity, considering that they have a team without big stars but with the potential to go far.
Led by an old fox like Louis Van Gaal, they have been performing very well in the Nations League, where they remain unbeaten. With a majority of young players and only Memphis Depay or Frenkie De Jong as the brightest names, the Netherlands could spring a big surprise.
