🎉 Best Sites for World Cup Betting

The choice of Qatar as the host nation has been controversial since the tiny country of 2.8 million was awarded the right to stage the tournament in 2010. Still, excitement is the predominant mood now that the big kick-off is on the horizon. Brazil and Argentina are among the favourites to come out on top this winter, while Europe's challenge is likely to be led by the likes of France, Spain, England and Germany. The staging of the competition in the middle of the domestic season may actually produce a better spectacle: the players should be less tired than they are in June and July when they have just finished playing 10 months of high-pressure, high-intensity club football. 

Fans of the sport in all four corners of the globe will look forward to the action underway on November 20. Bettors are also counting down the days until that opening game between Qatar and Ecuador. But if you feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of betting options for the tournament, you are certainly not alone. Fear not, however: we have put together this handy guide to steer you in the right direction.

Who Are You Backing to Win the 2022 World Cup?

Brazil look to have the strongest case to win the 2022 World Cup. They have a talented squad with excellent balance from back to front, while their manager Tite is an astute tactician. However, they lost the 2021 Copa America final to neighbours Argentina, for whom Lionel Messi will be desperate to lift the trophy for the first time. France have the strongest squad in the competition but have gone off the boil in recent months, as have England. Spain could be Europe's likeliest winners, although they sometimes struggle to convert possession into clear-cut chances. Germany, who have previously won four World Cups, can never be written off at major tournaments. Elsewhere, the Netherlands look to be in excellent shape under Louis van Gaal, but Belgium's golden generation is now arguably past its best.

Who Will Win the World Cup Golden Boot?

Harry Kane was the Golden Boot winner at the 2018 edition of the tournament. England's captain will expect to challenge for that prize again, although there are doubts over whether Gareth Southgate's side has what it takes to reach the latter stages. Cristiano Ronaldo is not in particularly good form for Manchester United, having spent most of the 2022/23 campaign on the bench so far. But the Portugal legend is the man for the big occasion, and he could step up in Qatar.

Lionel Messi is playing brilliantly for Paris Saint-Germain right now, and Argentina fans are hopeful that this will be the World Cup in which he finally delivers. Messi now plays a little deeper than he did in his Barcelona heyday, but he is still a huge goalscoring threat. France have two potential Golden Boot winners in, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema, two of the best-attacking players in world football. Elsewhere, Romelu Lukaku, Neymar and Memphis Depay could also challenge for the prestigious prize.