Media by Associated Press – Brazil’s Gabriel Martinelli waves at the end of the World Cup group G soccer match between Brazil and Serbia, at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. Brazil won 2-0. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
The group stage is just past the halfway point of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Some of the odds have changed after upsets in the group stage that have had an impact on the possibilities for teams to advance and what their paths will be in the knockout round.
So far, only France has secured a spot in the 16-team knockout round heading into Monday’s games. Brazil, Switzerland, and Portugal can join them on Monday before the final round of group games get underway on Tuesday.
On the flip side, host Qatar and Canada are the only two teams officially eliminated after play on Sunday. They are the only teams to have played two games and come away with zero points. Cameroon, Serbia, and Ghana could all be eliminated with losses on Monday.
Let’s take a look at the updated odds on the top three teams to bet on.
Brazil +275
Brazil began the tournament as the favorite, and they remain in that position. Brazil was +400 at most books at the beginning of November and down to +350 by the start of the World Cup. After a convincing 2-0 win over Serbia in their opening game of Group G, the Brazilians are now +275
The opener wasn’t easy for Brazil as they have two games against solid European teams to start the group stage. They had 60% of the possession against Serbia and got nine shots on goal, but Serbia earned four corner kicks and made the Brazilians work. The game was scoreless at half before Richarlison netted a pair of goals midway through the second half.
The key for Brazil is keeping superstar Neymar healthy. He absorbed multiple hard fouls against Serbia, and Switzerland will likely use the same strategy against him in the second game. Neymar left the field limping in the second half with an injured ankle and is expected to miss at least one game.
The good news for Brazil is they have a loaded and deep bench with Premier League goalscorers like Gabriel Jesus, Rodrygo, Gabriel Martinelli, and Antony to turn to. One of those will join Richarlison, Vinicius Junior, and Raphinha in attack. Brazil should be able to navigate the group stage and even a round of 16 game while hoping to get Neymar back for the final push.
France +550
France, the defending champions, were +550 over the summer. With injuries to starters like Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema, they went to +650 before the tournament started but are now back to +550.
In the opening game, France didn’t miss a beat as they crushed Australia 4-1 with two goals from Olivier Giroud, along with strikes from Adrian Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe. They clinched a spot in the knockout round with a brace from Mbappe against Denmark. He scored the opener in the 61st minute and the game-winner in the 86th.
France can clinch the group with a draw against last-place Tunisia in their final group game. They could be facing a round of 16 mouth-watering clash against Argentina, who were upset by Saudi Arabia. Argentina’s title odds have dropped from +525 to +750, and they need a result against Poland on Wednesday to advance.
Spain +600
The Spaniards were +850 on November 1 and still at the same spot when the World Cup began. They were behind Argentina (+525) and England (+800) before group play began.
But then Spain slammed Costa Rica 7-0 in their first game with goals from six players. Ferran Torres had a brace, and Spain led from the 11th minute on, with a 3-0 lead at half.
Spain and Germany were tied 0-0 at half on Sunday. Alvaro Morata scored in the 62nd minute, but Germany tied the game in the 83rd minute. Spain can win the group with a victory over Japan and will advance even with a draw.
Winning the group could get Spain a date with Belgium and put them on a collision course with Brazil in the bottom of the bracket.
Stay tuned for more WC 2022 Qatar betting picks and previews!