2022 FIFA World Cup Group Winner Value Picks: Can Senegal Surprise?
As the FIFA World Cup 2022 draws closer and players are back with their domestic clubs before taking on Qatar in November with their countries, the odds for which teams are likely to hoist the trophy are set. Let's examine the best World Cup group winner value picks.
The eight World Cup groups were determined months ago, but as more friendlies and other factors have impacted what national teams will look like come fall, betting odds have also been impacted.
There are a few groups to stay away from. Brazil should easily win Group G which is why they are placed at -300 odds via DraftKings, England is positioned to run away with Group B at -320, and France controls their destiny at -250 in Group D.
Here are the top value picks when it comes to picking a group winner in the 2022 FIFA World Cup (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook and BetMGM; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
FIFA World Cup 2022 Group Winner Picks
Group A: Senegal (+350 via BetMGM) ???Group E: Spain (-115 via DraftKings) ????Group H: Portugal (-145 via DraftKings) ????
Check out the latest comprehensive and most trusted Sportsbook Reviews by SBR.
FIFA World Cup 2022 Group-Winner Value Picks
Group A: Senegal (+350)
This pick seems odd considering Senegal aren't the outright favourite to win their group - the Netherlands are, and their talent speaks for themselves when it comes to world-class players like centre-back Virgil van Dijk or forward Memphis Depay. But the 2022 AFCON winner clinched their first-ever title after missing out in the two previous occasions and won't want their storybook year to end without continuing their fight.
New Bayern Munich acquisition Sadio Mane was voted as the AFCON tournament's best player and is a stellar playmaker who can play as a false nine. Kalidou Koulibaly is a world-class defender who has also been a key part of the Senegal's rise to 18th in the FIFA World Rankings. And now they are making their second consecutive World Cup appearance.
To top it off, Senegal and Netherlands meet in the opening match of the tournament. If Senegal can win the thrilling kick-off to the competition, their momentum will carry them through against Ecuador and Qatar.
Group E: Spain (-115)
The only thing standing in Spain's way of easily clearing their group as the winner is Germany, the team who lifted the World Cup just eight years ago in 2014. And the same Thomas Müller - who was outstanding in that tournament - is still kicking, along with the likes of Leroy Sané, Marco Reus, Kai Havertz, Antonio Rüdiger, and keeper Manuel Neuer, to name a few.
However, Spain is loaded with top-tier talent as well. And while many legendary names from their 2010 World Cup victory are no longer part of the squad, players like Dani Carvajal, Marco Asensio, Rodri, Ferran Torres, Sergio Busquets, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jordi Alba, and Koke, alongside a young threat of duo Gavi and Ansu Fati, will certainly make the past generations proud.
David de Gea and Sergio Ramos may be left out of the squad for various reasons, whether it be their fitness or performance on the pitch, but it speaks to the amount of talent that Spain carries on this squad that they have young, capable players able to step up in their absence.
Group H: Portugal (-145)
If there's one thing that is certain, it's that even at 37 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo is still a world-class player and continues to be one of the best strikers the game has ever seen. On top of that, Portugal have developed other top-tier talents.
Diogo Jota helped seal Portugal's World Cup ticket earlier in the year, and Joao Felix and Andre Silva round out the talent in the forwards. Other teams will struggle to contain their ability to find the back of the net. Add in the talents of Joao Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, and Bernardo Silva just to name a few and Portugal doesn't just have the talent to easily run their group, they have a legitimate shot at winning the whole competition.
Uruguay is the only likely foil in a group that is rounded out by Ghana and the Republic of Korea. Portugal should manage an undefeated record in the group stage, though Luis Suarez - Uruguay's all-time leading scorer with 68 goals in 132 appearances - and Edinson Cavani will be sure to put on the pressure.
Where to Bet on 2022 FIFA World Cup Picks
Finding the top-rated sportsbooks can be difficult. Here are our recommended World Cup betting sites:
SEE ALSO: All picks, odds, and sports betting news. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.
2022 FIFA World Cup value picks from 7/27/2022 at 12:06 p.m. ET.
