World Cup 2022 Group Stage Betting | Full Guide

Author: Steven D. Thompson

Updated: 20/12/2024 11:20 AM

If you are a football fan looking for information about World Cup 2022 group stage betting, this is the guide you need. Learn more about the dates, location, and format of WC 22, and get all the info you need about your World Cup group stage betting options. We will tell you everything you need to know about the best World Cup qualifiers group bets and provide you with some enticing World Cup group stage odds too. Let's kick things off!

Table of Contents

World Cup 2022 Group Stage: Dates, Location and Format

The group stage of the competition on Sunday, November 20th, when Qatar host Ecuador in the first match of the tournament. The group stage ends on Friday, December 2nd. The knock-out round the next day, on Saturday, 3rd of December. The final is played on Sunday, December 18th.

Group stage matches will be played across eight stadiums. These include the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Al Janoub in Al-Wakrah, the Khalifa International and Ras Abu Aboud venues in Doha, the Ahmad Bin Ali and Education City stadiums in Al Rayyan, the Al Thumama Stadium, and Lusail Stadium, where the final will be played.

How Does the WC Group Stage Work?

As for the format of the group stage, 32 nations are divided into 8 groups. During the group stage, each team plays three games, once against each opponent in the group. The best two sides from each group progress to the next phase of the tournament - the Round of 16.

Knock-Out Matches Format

In round of 16 of the tournament, the winner of Group A, plays the runner-up of Group B, the winner of Group B plays the runner-up of Group A, the winner of Group C faces the second-placed team in Group D, and so on.

After the Round of 16, the tournament continues with the quarter-finals and then the semi-finals. The losers in the semi-final round of the tournament play in the third-place playoff game, while the winners play the final at the Lusail Stadium on December 18th.

2022 World Cup Groups & Odds

The great thing about World Cup group stage betting is that you can place wagers that will most likely come to fruition when you back group favourites. However, you can also find value bets that come with enticing World Cup group stage odds. Read on to learn more about each group and the odds each team gets.

WC 2022 - Group A

Group A from the Football World cup, features WC hosts Qatar and one of the tournament favourites in Netherlands. Dark horses, Ecuador and Senegal, complete the group. As the World Cup group stage betting odds imply, Group A is Netherlands' to lose, and Senegal and Ecuador will likely fight for that second knock-out spot. Hosts Qatar make their first WC tournament appearance but bookies don't give them much of a chance to get past the group stage.

To Qualify	Powbet	LeoVegas	Greatwin	Freshbet
Ecuador	2.00	2.00	2.00	2.00
Netherlands	1.12	1.10	1.12	1.12
Qatar	6.60	4.80	6.60	6.60
Senegal	1.72	1.67	1.72	1.72

WC 2022 - Group B

England is the odds-on favorite to top Group B. As a result, Iran, the USA, and Wales all get enticing World Cup odds that you can benefit from. Both the USA and Wales can mount a serious challenge. So, they are great value bets and the perfect betting World Cup group stage candidates to back.

To Qualify	Powbet	LeoVegas	Greatwin	Freshbet
England	1.05	1.06	1.05	1.05
Iran	4.60	4.80	4.60	4.60
USA	2.00	1.91	2.00	2.00
Wales	2.11	1.91	2.11	2.10

WC 2022 - Group C

The Argentinians are the bookies' first choice to win and qualify from Group C. Therefore, the reigning Copa America champions are the best pick when betting on Group C. As the World Cup group stage odds show, Mexico and Poland have pretty much similar chances of winning and qualifying for the knock-out round. Saudi Arabia's chances of making it past the group stage look slim to none.

To Qualify	Powbet	LeoVegas	Greatwin	Freshbet
Argentina	1.08	1.06	1.08	1.08
Mexico	1.90	1.70	1.90	1.90
Poland	1.90	1.91	1.90	1.90
Saudi Arabia	5.40	7.50	5.40	5.35

WC 2022 - Group D

France will fancy their chances of winning Group D, but doing that won't be an easy feat, and the World Cup group stage betting odds reflect that. That's because both the Danes and Australians can pose a challenge, especially the former, while Tunisia comes in with an outside chance of qualifying from Group D.

To Qualify	Powbet	LeoVegas	Greatwin	Freshbet
Australia	TBD	4.80	TBD	3.20
Denmark	1.57	1.29	1.57	1.57
France	1.10	1.04	1.10	1.10
Tunisia	3.35	4.50	3.35	3.35

WC 2022 - Group E

Group E features two former WC winners and opens tons of World Cup group stage betting opportunities. The Spaniards and Germans will fight hard to win the group, but third favourites, Japan, and even Costa Rica will wait for one of the giants to slip and use that chance to qualify from Group E.

To Qualify	Powbet	LeoVegas	Greatwin	Freshbet
Costa Rica	6.60	11.00	6.60	6.60
Germany	1.16	1.06	1.16	1.16
Japan	4.10	3.75	4.10	4.05
Spain	1.11	1.05	1.11	1.11

WC 2022 - Group F

Belgium and Croatia will fight it out for the top spot in Group F. And in all likelihood, the two World Cup group stage betting favourites won't face much competition from Canada and Morocco. The Canadians and Moroccans will hope to spring a WC 2022 group betting surprise, but they will face an uphill battle.

To Qualify	Powbet	LeoVegas	Greatwin	Freshbet
Belgium	1.11	1.07	1.11	1.11
Canada	3.60	3.60	3.60	3.60
Croatia	1.57	1.50	1.57	1.57
Morocco	2.90	2.70	2.90	2.90

WC 2022 - Group G

Brazil will hope to take Group G with ease, but a group containing Serbia, Cameroon, and the Swiss is anything but easy. That being said, the team from South America has the lowest sports betting World Cup group stage odds of the four nations, and it would be a huge surprise if Brazil didn't win or at least qualify from Group G.

To Qualify	Powbet	LeoVegas	Greatwin	Freshbet
Brazil	1.11	1.04	1.11	1.11
Cameroon	3.25	3.80	3.25	3.25
Serbia	2.10	2.10	2.10	2.10
Switzerland	2.00	1.80	2.00	2.00

WC 2022 - Group H

Group H is arguably the toughest one to predict. The biggest threat here is of course Portugal, but Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea will all have something to say when it comes to those first two Group H spots.

To Qualify	Powbet	LeoVegas	Greatwin	Freshbet
Ghana	3.05	3.60	3.05	3.05
Portugal	1.18	1.13	1.18	1.18
South Korea	3.05	3.60	3.05	3.05
Uruguay	1.50	1.40	1.50	1.50

What Are the Options for Betting on the World Cup Group Stage?

We are spoiled for choice when it comes to the number and variety of World Cup group stage betting options. When placing World Cup qualifiers group bets, you can have your pick from a fantastic range of bets. You can bet on which team will win and qualify from the group, but can also wager on markets like To Finish Last, To Score the Most Goals, Number of Wins in the Group Stage, etc. Let's look at some of the most enticing WC 2022 group betting options.

How to and What Kind of Bets to Bet on World Cup Group Stage?

Group Phase Individual Match Betting

When the WC group stage kicks off, there will be tons of bets on individual matches. Let's take the England - Wales game. You can bet on whether England will beat Wales, if the match will result in Over 2.5 Goals, which country will score first, etc. These World Cup group stage betting markets, and hundreds of others, are available for all 48 group games. Pretty cool, right?

Group Stage Winner World Cup Odds

Sports betting enthusiasts can also bet on which team will win the group. As we already mentioned, the favourites, such as England, Brazil, France, and Argentina are the most likely to win their respective group. So, they are excellent World Cup qualifiers group bets. However, bear in mind that they also come with the lowest World Cup group stage odds.

Qualifying Teams From Each Group

If you are not sure if a team will win the group but are absolutely positive it will progress to the knock-out stages, then you can bet on which nations will qualify from each group. As we already mentioned, two sides qualify for the next stage from each group, so this bet is somewhat easier to get right than the group winner one.

Teams Who Will End Up In The Last Position

Another interesting market that allows you to profit from nations you know will perform badly is the "Team to End Last" bet type. During the group stage, there are five or six sides to whom bookies don't give much of a chance to do anything i.e. they expect them to finish at rock bottom of their respective groups. For instance, countries like Qatar, Costa Rica, and Saudi Arabia will find it hard to pick up points, so they are all decent options for this World Cup group stage betting market.

Number of Wins for a Particular Team During the Group Stage

When looking to profit from wins, betting on World Cup group stage games is the best. Each group contains one team that's a sportsbook favorite. This team will win most or all of its group matches. So, if you back it, you increase your chances of winning.

Team to Score Most Goals During the Qualifiers Stage

You can also back nations to score the most goals in the qualifiers stage. Once again, you can look for sides that score a lot of goals, such as the Brazilians, the Dutch, or Germans, and back them accordingly.

Team to Concede the Least Goals During the Qualifiers Stage

Sides that have a rock-solid defense also offer a lot of avenues for sports betting. WC group stage games between favourites and underdogs usually result in clean sheets for the stronger team. And if that team faces two or three weaker sides in the group stage, chances are it will concede very few goals; if they concede the least, you win with your WC 2022 group betting wager.

Top 10 World Cup 2022 Matches to Bet On from the Group Stage

Can't wait for World Cup group stage betting to start? You are not alone. Here's a list of ten games that we are super-excited about. All of these matches bring something different to the table. However, they all have one thing in common - they give you tons of ways to make the most of WC 2022 groups betting.

Qatar vs Ecuador

The opener of the first World Cup in history which is played in winter is the one where the host nation Qatar plays against Ecuador. The match may not be special, and the hosts will probably end up losing it, but the occasion will be monumental.

Germany vs Japan

The Germans have parted ways with their long-time coach Joachim Low. However, Hansi Flick comes super-motivated to show everyone how good this German team can be. Can the Japanese stop the Germans in this Group E match-up?

Brazil vs Serbia

The Brazilians are the odds-on favorite to win the group. However, Serbia will have something to say about that. Don't be surprised if Dragan Stojkovic and his men throw a spanner in the works for the Brazilians and defy sportsbook odds by nicking a draw.

England vs USA

England's first of two tricky fixtures (the other one is against Wales). If all goes according to plan, the Three Lions should take the three points. Don't forget, though, that the US surprised the world when they drew 1-1 with England at the 2010 WC.

France vs Denmark

A European derby that will bring a lot of end-to-end action and, hopefully, tons of goals too. Mbappe and co will have to work hard though; that Danish defence won't give up easily.

Argentina vs Mexico

Two sides that play with similar intensity and tenacity. Should be a fascinating battle. The match may not abound in goals, but it will definitely have a lot of heart. Those of you with a penchant for wagering on cards should mark in red this World Cup group stage betting extravaganza.

Spain vs Germany

The biggest game of the group stages and a perfect opportunity for goal betting. WC group stage games don't come any bigger than this, and the players should rise to the task. Of course, that often means lots of goals.

Poland vs Argentina

Leo Messi may guide La Albiceleste to glory at World Cup 2022, but the Poles have a world-class star themselves. Robert Lewandowski took his nation to Qatar, so don't be surprised if he wants to show everyone what he can do in this massive game for the Poles.

Crotia vs Belgium

It is never a boring game when players like Luka Modric and Kevin De Bruyne light up the pitch with their magic. This should be a brilliant match with end-to-end action and betting World Cup group stage opportunities galore.

Serbia vs Switzerland

This game will probably decide which of these two sides will progress from Group G. The match might not be pretty, but it will be pretty important and WC 2022 group betting enthusiasts will love it.

Here are the odds for the Top 10 World Cup Group Stage Matches:

Game	Powbet Home Odd	Powbet Draw Odd	Powbet Away Odd
Qatar vs Ecuador	3.25	3.25	2.22
Germany vs Japan	1.35	5.00	8.50
Brazil vs Serbia	1.48	4.33	6.66
England vs USA	1.78	3.50	4.75
France vs Denmark	1.75	3.75	4.50
Argentina vs Mexico	1.63	3.75	5.50
Spain vs Germany	2.54	3.25	2.80
Poland vs Argentina	TBD	TBD	TBD
Crotia vs Belgium	TBD	TBD	TBD
Serbia vs Switzerland	TBD	TBD	TBD

WC 2022 Group Stage Predictions & Recommended Bets

If you are looking for value in sports betting, World Cup group stage games will be right up your alley. That goes double if you go with our World Cup group stage betting predictions and recommended bets.

One such value bet is backing Belgium to win Group F. The Belgians are guided by the talented Roberto Martinez and have world-class players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku in their ranks. They will likely top their group because their rivals for the top spot, Croatia, no longer have a team where all the players are in their prime. Instead, their top stars are either on the wrong side of 30 or have just made their international debuts.

Another chance to benefit from enticing World Cup group stage odds is to go for some Danish Dynamite and back the country to qualify from Group D. Bookmakers have given the Danes quite good odds to qualify. We think that those odds represent some excellent value.

Why? Well, let's say the French win the group. It's then up to the Australians, Tunisians, and Danes to fight for that second spot. And in our books, the Danes are miles ahead of their Australian and Tunisian rivals, both in terms of squad quality and international experience. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised if the Nordic country goes on to win the group. If that happens, you will get relatively massive World Cup group stage odds.

2022 World Cup Group Phase Full List of Matches, Dates & Odds

To make the most of World Cup Group Stage betting markets, you need to have the full list of matches in front of you. That's where we come in. We list all 48 group games here and also give you the dates when they are played, as well as the odds for the match-winner market (1x2). WC 2022 group betting has never been this easy, as you can see, analyze, and have instant access to all games.

Date	Game	Powbet Home Odd	Powbet Draw Odd	Powbet Away Odd
Monday, November 21	England vs Iran	1.35	4.75	9.50
Monday, November 21	Senegal vs Netherlands	5.50	3.75	1.64
Monday, November 21	USA vs Wales	2.50	3.10	2.90
Tuesday, November 22	Argentina vs Saudi Arabia	1.18	6.50	16.00
Tuesday, November 22	Denmark vs Tunisia	1.47	4.20	7.00
Tuesday, November 22	Mexico vs Poland	2.80	3.10	2.62
Tuesday, November 22	France vs Australia	1.22	6.00	13.00
Wednesday, November 23	Morocco vs Croatia	4.50	4.50	1.83
Wednesday, November 23	Germany vs Japan	1.35	5.00	8.50
Wednesday, November 23	Spain vs Costa Rica	1.28	5.33	11.00
Wednesday, November 23	Belgium vs Canada	1.28	5.50	10.00
Thursday, November 24	Switzerland vs Cameroon	1.84	3.33	4.50
Thursday, November 24	Uruguay vs South Korea	1.83	3.40	4.50
Thursday, November 24	Portugal vs Ghana	1.54	3.80	6.50
Thursday, November 24	Brazil vs Serbia	1.48	4.33	6.66
Friday, November 25	Wales vs Iran	2.12	3.14	3.66
Friday, November 25	Qatar vs Senegal	3.60	3.25	2.08
Friday, November 25	Netherlands vs Ecuador	1.70	3.75	5.00
Friday, November 25	England vs USA	1.78	3.50	4.75
Saturday, November 26	Tunisia vs Australia	2.85	3.00	2.66
Saturday, November 26	Poland vs Saudi Arabia	1.71	3.66	5.00
Saturday, November 26	France vs Denmark	1.75	3.75	4.50
Saturday, November 26	Argentina vs Mexico	1.63	3.75	5.50
Sunday, November 27	Japan vs Costa Rica	2.33	3.00	3.33
Sunday, November 27	Belgium vs Morocco	1.52	4.20	6.00
Sunday, November 27	Croatia vs Canada	1.78	3.60	4.50
Sunday, November 27	Spain vs Germany	2.54	3.25	2.80
Monday, November 28	Cameroon vs Serbia	3.50	3.10	2.25
Monday, November 28	South Korea vs Ghana	2.71	2.90	2.90
Monday, November 28	Brazil vs Switzerland	1.50	4.25	6.50
Monday, November 28	Portugal vs Uruguay	2.10	3.25	3.60
Tuesday, November 29	Netherlands vs Qatar	TBD	TBD	TBD
Tuesday, November 29	Ecuador vs Senegal	TBD	TBD	TBD
Tuesday, November 29	Wales vs England	TBD	TBD	TBD
Tuesday, November 29	Iran vs USA	TBD	TBD	TBD
Wednesday, November 30	Australia vs Denmark	TBD	TBD	TBD
Wednesday, November 30	Tunisia vs France	TBD	TBD	TBD
Wednesday, November 30	Poland vs Argentina	TBD	TBD	TBD
Wednesday, November 30	Saudi Arabia vs Mexico	TBD	TBD	TBD
Thursday, December 1	Croatia vs Belgium	TBD	TBD	TBD
Thursday, December 1	Canada vs Morocco	TBD	TBD	TBD
Thursday, December 1	Costa Rica vs Germany	TBD	TBD	TBD
Thursday, December 1	Japan vs Spain	TBD	TBD	TBD
Friday, December 2	South Korea vs Portugal	TBD	TBD	TBD
Friday, December 2	Ghana vs Uruguay	TBD	TBD	TBD
Friday, December 2	Serbia vs Switzerland	TBD	TBD	TBD
Friday, December 2	Cameroon vs Brazil	TBD	TBD	TBD

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Teams will Qualify from Each Group at the 2022 World Cup?

The best two sides qualify from each WC group. That means 16 countries will progress to the knockout stages of the first World Cup tournament that's held in winter.

Which Nations are the Favourites to Win Group in WC 2022?

Nations like France, Brazil, England, and Spain are odds-on favourites to go to the next round. However, other sides such as Belgium, Serbia, South Korea, and Uruguay have decent chances too.

Which are the Weakest Teams in WC 22?

There are no weak countries in football and sports these days, but hosts Qatar, together with Costa Rica and Saudi Arabia will find it hard to collect points and will most likely be on the losing end in most games.

When does the Draw for the 2022 WC Finals Take Place?

The draw for WC 2022 took place on April 1st.