The European Championship and Copa America are in our rearview mirror, which means it’s certainly not too early to look ahead to the 2022 World Cup.
Right?
[[ad:athena]]
If you’re the type of person who a) hates those pesky old domestic leagues b) loves the thrill of international competitions and c) relishes to tie up small amounts of money for an extensive period of time, then you’ve come to the right place!
Sure, some of these might be snap judgements and there’s so much unknown about what teams will even be making the trek to Qatar in 17 months. That said, this is as good a time as ever to try and find some value on the board that might not otherwise be there come tournament time.
Currently, Brazil (+550) are the favorites to claim their sixth World Cup crown, with 2018 winners France right on their heels at +600. Euro champions Italy sit at +800 while Copa champions Argentina are posted at 12/1.
With that in mind, here are three sides worth a look right now in the market. As always, odds come courtesy of PointsBet Sportsbook.
Future #1 - Denmark (70/1)
Some might say this is purely a reaction to coming oh-so-close to cashing a 28/1 ticket at the Euros. And you know what I say to that? You’re absolutely right.
But this is strictly a number play to me because I simply can’t believe you’re getting the Danes at this high of a number.
I’m also flabbergasted that the Euro semifinalists are posted at a worse price than all of (takes breath) Croatia, Uruguay, Chile and Colombia. Does that mean they’re going to win the tournament? It’s highly unlikely, as the odds say.
The main point is that Denmark has both a higher ceiling and floor than those teams.
Under manager Kasper Hjulmand, Denmark have already won three straight WC qualifier matches. With a relatively weak qualifying group - only Austria and Scotland could present genuine threats - I have the utmost faith Denmark will qualify for next year’s tournament.
From there, I think you need to ask this side to be able to make it to the round of 16 if not further to make this a worthwhile bet. Of the five times they’ve been to the tournament, Denmark have made it out of the group stage on four occasions.
Finally, if I’ve said it once I’ll say it 1,000 times: this is a Denmark team that - dating back to last fall’s Nations League, has only ever lost in 90 minutes to Belgium (and Finland, if you’re counting that fluke).
Bottom line - you’re getting a really good number with a really good team capable of a deep tournament run.
Future #2 - Belgium (10/1)
If the Euros was the last chance for Belgium’s golden generation, the World Cup is their final last chance.
Full credit to a friend who made this point, but it’s worth repeating: rarely do we see a golden generation come up completely empty with no titles to their name.
Germany triumphed with their golden generation in 2014, Spain came through in 2010 over Holland’s golden generation and Brazil’s golden generation got the job done in 2002.
For all their talent, it just seems Belgium has encountered some bad luck and/or produced a radically underwhelming performance that sees them exit.
However, there are some positive metrics. In their last two World Cups, the Red Devils have made it to the quarterfinals (2014 in Brazil) and the semifinals (2018 in Russia), finishing in third on the latter occasion.
Plus, the fact this edition of the tournament comes right in the heart of the domestic season could see Belgium acquire an advantage. The mid-season form of players like Hazard, KDB, Lukaku and Courtois is a lot different than those players at the end of a long domestic calendar.
Prior to their loss to eventual winners Italy at the Euros, the Red Devils were on a 12-match unbeaten streak and had won 12 of their last 15 matches, a feat that should not go unnoticed.
Who knows how many of these players will still be lacing it up come 2026, so take one final chance on them before pain ensues for this particular national team.
Future #3 - England (+750)
While I wouldn’t blame you if you waited until closer to the tournament to bet this number, I have a hunch about this Three Lions team.
Dating back to 2010, two of the last three World Cup winners -- France and Spain -- reached the final of the preceding European Championships before they went on to win the World Cup.
Furthermore, seven of the last eight finalists at the World Cup have emerged from UEFA. Only Argentina’s 2014 semifinal win (in PK’s) over the Netherlands prevented from making it a clean eight for eight.
Even though some might say England lacks a killer instinct in big games, there’s something to be said about the fact this team won every game except the final on expected goals. Additionally, this Three Lions side are currently enjoying a 13-match unbeaten run in regular time.
Gareth Southgate will always have an embarrassment of riches to choose from when selecting his final World Cup squad, meaning he can essentially handpick whoever is in top form next Winter.
The only potential worry? Key pieces pick up injuries during the Premier League season, leading to a different squad than the one we just saw.
That said, all of England’s key attacking pieces will be entering their primes and their defense has me convinced they can hold up through the duration of a tournament.
Don’t expect much movement on this number over the next few months, but I would personally take this team over both Brazil and France.
PointsBet is our Official Sports Betting Partner, and we may receive compensation if you place a bet on PointsBet for the first time after clicking our links.
