Fifteen countries have already punched their tickets to the World Cup with the remaining 17 teams being decided within the next two months. The best online sportsbooks aren’t waiting until then to post betting odds to win. It’s available right now and here’s a look at which nations are currently favored to become world champions:
| Country |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| France | +600 | +600 |
| Brazil | +600 | +600 |
| England | +700 | +700 |
| Spain | +800 | +800 |
| Germany | +1000 | +1000 |
| Argentina | +1000 | +1000 |
| Italy | +1200 | +1200 |
| Belgium | +1200 | +1200 |
| Netherlands | +1600 | +1600 |
| Portugal | +2500 | +2500 |
2022 World Cup Betting Picks
We will not be making just one 2022 World Cup betting pick. No, no, we have three different bets below. We’ve taken this approach for two reasons. One is risk management. Anything can happen from now and November 21 — when the event begins — including an untimely injury to a star player that can derail your bet before it even begins.
But reason number two, we know there are bettors with different appetites for risk. Some prefer to go the conservative route and bet on proven countries. Then there are bettors that like to “go for broke” and bet less proven teams, but ones with lucrative payouts. With that in mind, we’ve picked three countries that fit into different categories — a “safe” bet, a mid-tier wager, and a high-risk, high-reward play. Here are our betting choices:
Safe Bet — Brazil
It doesn’t get any safer than betting with Brazil, the country with the most World Cup success in history (a record five championships). Though, they’ve failed to win the tourney since 2002. But we’re here to tell you this is the best version of Selecao since that last title team led by Ronaldo (the original one) and Ronaldinho.
Brazil is currently the number-two-ranked country in the world, only six points away from knocking Belgium for the top spot. Completely cruising through CONMEBOL qualifiers has helped Brazil shoot up the rankings. They’re unbeaten in 15 qualifying games, having won 12 straight up. But Brazil isn’t just winning, they’re dominating. Its goal-differential is +27 in those games.
Offense, defense, goalkeeping — it’s all in peak form for the Brazilians. And speaking of peak, much of this team’s roster is at the apex of their careers. Key pieces such as Neymar, Fabinho, Marquinhos are between the ages of 28 and 30, and historically speaking, this is as good as they’ll ever be, certainly before the 2026 tournament rolls around (if they're still on the national team then). That desperation, plus the 20-year championship drought, should catapult the Brazilians to a classic performance in Qatar. Bet on them if you want to stick with a proven commodity.
Mid-value bet — Belgium
By now, you know the story with Belgium — the “golden generation” that came and went (?) with no hardware to show for it. A third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup and back-back-back quarterfinals exits in the Euros felt awfully disappointing for a country that’s been ranked number one since September 2018. But in Qatar, they might be playing with little expectations for the first time in a long time.
Bookies and bettors alike have largely written off Belgium. To most, this “golden generation” is now past their prime and even then, they don’t have the “clutch” ability needed to win it all. But with nothing left to lose for Belgium, why not throw a wager their way? We’re betting they figure it out in Qatar now that expectations are gone and they’re battle-tested after multiple disappointments at the international level.
Risky bet — Portugal
As it stands, Portugal is +2500 to win the World Cup. On one hand, that’s more than reasonable given they might not even qualify for Qatar. To do so, they’ll likely have to beat the Euro champions, Italy, which is a game the best soccer betting sites will likely peg them as underdogs. But on the other hand, +2500 is tremendous value for a team this rich in talent — both old (Cristiano Ronaldo namely) and young (Joao Felix and Trincaoh).
Getting the eighth-ranked team in the world at +2500 is more than worth it. Yes, a potential win-and-you’re-in matchup with Italy (the No. 6 team in those same rankings) in qualifiers is tough, but that game would be in Portugal if it happens, which could help push the Portuguese through to Qatar. We think that scenario is worth taking a flyer bet on, especially at this price.
How To Bet 2022 World Cup
The 2022 World Cup runs from November 21 to December 18 — and it’ll be loaded with betting opportunities. To bet on the 2022 World Cup, check out one of the sites below. These sportsbooks are the best for World Cup due to their friendly betting prices and variety of wagers. Explore by clicking around the table underneath.
