World Cup 2022 prop betting odds: Our expert handicapper finds the best value bets from the Qatar tournament

Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen (10). © Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports

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• Group stage picks and predictions

• Round of 16 picks and predictions

• Quarterfinal picks and predictions

• Semifinal picks and predictions

• Final picks and predictions

• USA picks and predictions

• Canada picks and predictions

• Mexico picks and predictions

• Brazil picks and predictions

• France picks and predictions

• England picks and predictions

• Spain picks and predictions

• Argentina picks and predictions

World Cup 2022 group stage predictions

The group stages of a World Cup are about navigating the opening stages of the tournament, building form for later on, but not peaking too early. We've picked out three teams who we think will ensure qualification to the Round of 16 without too much fuss.

World Cup Group H free prop bets

• Portugal to win Group H (-150)

Portugal are a very unpredictable team when they play international tournaments. They can either underachieve, as seen in their 2014 World Cup group stage exit, or overachieve and reach the highest highs - like their Euro 2016 final victory against host nation France.

Portugal has an exciting roster with young talent, experience and depth - and although they finished second in their qualifying group behind Serbia - they should be proud of their performances in the knockout qualifiers when put under pressure. It is this perfect mix of players that makes them a favourite group winner in any World Cup betting prediction. They have been placed in Group H with Uruguay, Ghana and South Korea.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates. © Sipa USA-USA TODAY Sports

We believe Portugal’s team will have more than enough star players to see them top this group . In what most likely will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup , expect him to score goals in Qatar. He has been Portugal’s top goalscorer at every tournament since 2004, so we can see them topping the group.

World Cup Group B free prop bets

• England to win Group B (-400)

England will look to build on the progress they have made in the last two tournaments and go one step further with their first international trophy since 1966. In a group with USA , Iran and Wales, the Three Lions will want to top their group for a more favorable place in the World Cup prediction bracket.

While England's recent form hasn't been great Gareth Southgate has proved that he knows how to navigate tournament football. A semifinal at the last World Cup and beaten finalists at the 2020 European Championships with a roster that will contain much of the same faces. Wales should pose some threat, but failure to make it out of the group would be an unmitigated disaster for this England side. Bar the Welsh pair of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, England boast the best calibre of players in Group B . They just have to go out and prove it.

World Cup Group F free prop bets

• Belgium to win Group F (-189)

Sportsbooks have Belgium as -189 to win their group which is a generous price considering who they play in the first three games of the tournament. They have been drawn in Group F with Canada , Morocco and Croatia. Belgium has a roster of world class players and has won all group stage matches in their last three major tournaments, so we think this is an extremely generous price.

Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne against Brazil at World Cup 2018. © Sipa USA-USA TODAY Sports

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World Cup 2022 Round of 16 predictions

Should things go as expected there will be some juicy fixtures in the Round of 16, with international heavyweights meeting. There could even be an all-South American meeting that will have World Cup fans salivating.

World Cup Round of 16 free prop bets

• Spain to make the quarterfinals (+200)

If our World Cup group stage predictions are correct, we expect to see Spain up against our predicted runners up in Group F - Croatia.

In what would be a close to call but entertaining game, we believe Spain would have too much style and creativity for Croatia. The two sides met in Euro 2020 where it ended 3-3 after two late Croatian goals. Spain showed their class and scored twice in extra time to progress.

World Cup Round of 16 free prop bets

• Brazil to make the quarterfinals

In what would be an all-South American knockout match, Brazil would go to battle against Uruguay in a fascinating encounter.

This game would be a feisty clash – and we back Brazil to progress due to their superior roster and higher number of in form players such as Neymar, Vinicius Junior and Raphinha. You would also need to go all the way back to 2001 to find a Uruguay victory when playing their South American counterparts.

Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho celebrates with teammate Neymar. © Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

World Cup Round of 16 free prop bets

• Belgium to make the quarterfinals

After topping their group, Roberto Martinez’s men would play Germany in this Round of 16 knockout match in Qatar.

The usually successful Germans have stumbled out of the last two international tournaments before the quarterfinals with the 2018 World Cup being a particular low point as they lost two out of their three group games failing to make it out the group stages. Premier League Player of the Season Kevin De Bruyne should help his side ease their way into the next round.

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World Cup 2022 quarterfinal picks and predictions

There are bound to be upsets along the way – there always are – but it is very difficult to look past the South American pair of Argentina and Brazil making it deep into the tournament. Brazil are revitalized after some poor (by their own ludicrously high standards) tournaments, and Lionel Messi's men are coming off a Copa America success.

World Cup quarterfinal free prop bets

• Argentina to make the semifinals

Argentina’s journey to this stage in our predictions saw them come first place in Group C . The South American team would then be expected to beat Denmark in the Round of 16 to qualify for the quarterfinals. Lionel Messi’s side will likely face Netherlands at this point in the tournament to determine who makes it to final four. Netherlands would have done well to make it to this stage in the tournament however we believe the Argentinians will send them home.

Lionel Messi (10) chases the ball between France midfielder Ngolo Kante (13) and midfielder Blaise Matuidi (14) Pic: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports

World Cup quarterfinal free prop bets

• France to make the semifinals

France will play against England in the 59th game of the 2022 World Cup to decide who makes it into the semifinals. With the quality players France has on show, if they turn up then they will be the team to beat in Qatar. England will put up a good fight however as seen in past tournaments; they can struggle to be creative in front of goal when up against the top nations.

France players celebrate winning the 2018 World Cup. © Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports.

World Cup quarterfinal free prop bets

• Brazil to make the semifinals

Brazil will likely go on to play Spain in the quarterfinals. Both teams have differing styles of play which will make for an interesting watch.

Spain play a possession based game with slow but precise soccer whereas Brazil will attack with pace and skill. In this match, we would see the World Cup favorites Brazil progress to the semifinals.

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World Cup 2022 semifinal predictions

The semifinals could see a European tie and a South American one, with both games seeing countries who border each facing off to make it to the final. Here we pick who we think will make it to the biggest game is soccer.

World Cup semifinal free prop bets

• France to make the final

After beating England in the last round, France play Belgium in the semifinal. The two sides have played each other twice in the last four years.

The last meeting saw France stun Belgium with a second half come back in the Nations League to win 2-3. Their last World Cup meeting was in 2018 during a semifinal clash which also ended in a French victory with Samuel Umtiti scoring the only goal of the game.

Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne battles Antoine Griezmann. © Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports

We believe that this 2022 semifinal result would be a repeat of 2018 in what would be another entertaining game with an abundance of attacking talent on show.

We expect France to prevail as winners of the tie due to their offense, which boasts Kylian Mbappe’s pace and attacking nature along with Karim Benzema’s and Antoine Griezmann’s experience at major tournaments.

World Cup semifinal free prop bets

• Brazil to make the final

In another all-South American tie. Brazil will face Argentina in the other 2022 World Cup semifinal. The two sides are not unfamiliar with each other having met four times in the past three years.

Argentina came out on the winning side in two of those, while Brazil won once and the other game was a draw. In these four games, there has been an average of seven cards in each match showing there is a lot of tension between Brazil and Argentina when they meet.

We predict Brazil to progress.

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USA World Cup free prop bets

• Christian Pulisic top team goalscorer

• USA not to qualify for the knockout stages (-139)

The USA are placed in Group B alongside England , Iran and Wales . The United States and England have interesting history in the World Cup dating back to the 1950 tournament where the States beat England 1-0 in what was dubbed the ‘greatest World Cup upset ever.’

The USA’s standout player, who is leading the team’s next generation of stars, is Chelsea man Christian Pulisic. He was a key player in the team’s difficult qualifiers scoring five goals. The States came in third place in their qualifying group behind Canada and Mexico, only just guaranteeing their spot due to superior goal difference to Costa Rica.

United States forward Christian Pulisic. © Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

In what will be three highly entertaining games involving Gregg Berhlater’s men, we think the side does not have enough quality or experience to progress past the group stage. As displayed in frustrating qualifying performances, the USA still has work to do in front of goal scoring just 21 goals in 14 games meaning their ticket to Qatar was not as easily attained as they would have liked.

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Canada World Cup free prop bets

• Cyle Larin to be the team’s top goalscorer

• Canada to not qualify to the knockout stage (-400)

Canada broke a 36-year World Cup absence when they qualified for the 2022 tournament in Qatar. John Herdman’s side topped their qualifying group in style scoring the most goals (23) and conceding the least (7).

They even took four points off rivals USA. The team has an exciting crop of young talent that booked Canada’s place in just their second ever World Cup. Alfonso Davies and Jonathan David have both had impressive seasons for their respective clubs.

David has scored 20 goals in 30 games for Les Rouges and 18 goals in all competitions for Lille. He is currently +10,000 to be the top goalscorer at the 2022 World Cup. However, it was Cyle Larin who was the star of Canada’s qualifying campaign with his 13 goals.

Canada forward Jonathan David in action. Pic: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The striker will want to become the first player to score a goal for Canada in a World Cup and write his name in national sporting history in the process.

Unfortunately for Canada, they face a difficult group stage with an unfavourable fixture list which sees them face Belgium and Croatia in their first two games which could see them out of the tournament before they face Morocco unless they are to produce a stunning upset.

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Mexico World Cup free prop bets

• Mexico to qualify from the group stages (-110)

• Mexico to be knocked out in the Round of 16

Mexico booked their ticket to Qatar by finishing second in their qualifying group to appear at the World Cup for the eighth time in a row. They will hope to have a tournament to make their fans proud and optimistic for the next finals which Mexico are co-hosting alongside the USA and Canada in 2026.

Mexico has reached the quarterfinal twice in their history but have not progressed beyond that stage. They have a very decent record in the competition - not failing to progress from the group stage since 1978.

Mexico defender Edson Alvarez (21) celebrates. Pic: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports

They have been placed in Group C at the 2022 FIFA World Cup alongside Argentina , Poland and Saudi Arabia . In what will be a tightly contested group, it is difficult to call who will qualify.

However important players such as Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez no longer feature in the team meaning El Tri will not have the star talents they once had. Based on their World Cup history and their group we can see Mexico reaching the Round of 16 where they will likely play France who will knock them out of the competition.

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Brazil World Cup free prop bets

• Neymar top team goalscorer

• Brazil to win all their group games

Brazil is the most successful nation in FIFA World Cup history. They hold the record for most wins with five trophies to their name and are the only nation to have played in every tournament since its inception.

Their last victory came in South Korea & Japan in the 2002 World Cup. Can this World Cup in Qatar be the one where the Brazilians extend their lead as the best footballing nation of all time?

Currently, Brazil are the favorites to win the 2022 World Cup according to sportsbooks who have them at +450 odds to lift the trophy. The Brazilians will go into this tournament with plenty of confidence.

Brazil forward Neymar looks back during match against Peru. © Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

They enjoyed an impressive qualification campaign finishing top of the South American table undefeated after scoring on average 2.30 goals per game while conceding just five goals in 17 matches. They will head to Qatar with a lot of momentum knowing they have performed brilliantly in qualification as number one in the FIFA world rankings.

Neymar represents what many fans love about the way Brazil play soccer. The skillful star is loved by his nation and it’s no wonder why.

He’s been the team’s top goalscorer at the last two World Cups and contributed 16 goals to Brazil’s Qatar 2022 qualifying campaign. We expect him to light up the World Cup again with his tricks and flair.

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France World Cup free prop bets

• France to reach the semifinals (+150)

• France to win the World Cup (+550)

• France over 9.5 team goals

France is joint second favorites to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The French have two of the best attackers on the planet right now in Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema and plenty of talented midfielders.

The current champions topped their qualification group scoring 18 goals and conceding just three. Mbappe and Benzema netted eight times during qualifying and have performed brilliantly during the 2021/22 season. They will both head to Qatar full of confidence.

France won the 2018 World Cup winning every game apart from a draw in their last group game. Antoine Greizmann was a standout player scoring four times and assisting twice. His experience will be important if France want to win back to back World Cups.

However, the team has a tendency for internal drama and conflict which can have a major effect on the team’s performance on the pitch, as seen in the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2020 finals. However when the roster can gel together, they are a major threat and can go far in any tournament.

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England World Cup free prop bets

• Harry Kane top team goalscorer

• England to be knocked out in the quarterfinals (+187)

England has had a resurgence in major international tournaments recently after decades of disappointment. The Three Lions were knocked out of the 2018 World Cup in the semifinals by Croatia. However, this was England’s best finish in the tournament for 28 years and showed a change in the attitude of the nation who looked upon the national team with realistic optimism and pride.

At the next international tournament, Gareth Southgate led the team one step further to the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley. The match ended in a penalty shootout which Italy won after full time ended 1-1 meaning England still has not won a trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

England defender Kieran Trippier (12) celebrates with forward Harry Kane (9) during the 2018 World Cup semifinal. Pic: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports

England breezed through their qualification group with 26 points and 39 goals averaging just under four goals a game. Harry Kane has been as clinical for his country as he has been for Tottenham Hotspur, the forward scored 12 goals in qualifying and won the golden boot in the 2018 World Cup, also scoring four goals in Euro 2020. The Spurs striker will be vital for England if they are to lift the trophy.

England has a relatively easy group however the potential knockout fixtures will be more challenging with the likes of France, Holland or Argentina likely opponents in the Round of 16 and quarterfinals. Unless England can overcome the best nations, they may be heading for an early exit.

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Spain World Cup free prop bets

• Spain under 8.5 team goals

• Spain to be eliminated at the quarterfinals (+200)

Spain dominated international soccer competitions during the early 2010s winning back to back Euros in 2008 and 2012 with a World Cup sandwiched in between.

After that era of dominance, the Spaniards had struggled in tournaments failing to make it past the Round of 16 in their next three competitions. However, they performed well at the 2020 Euros finishing in fourth place.

They proved a difficult team to face taking all their knockout opponents to extra time, whilst simultaneously displaying a lack of killer instinct in front of goal and eventually being knocked out by Italy in a penalty shootout.

Spain's Mikel Merino (8) celebrates with Dani Olmo (19) and Pedri (16). © Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports

Sportsbooks have Spain as fourth favorites to win the 2022 Qatar World Cup at +800 odds. The side are in Group E with four time champions Germany, Japan and the winner of World Cup qualifier between Costa Rica v New Zealand.

In a group which Spain should qualify from, they will likely face Croatia if predictions are correct. If they progress, the quarterfinals are where Spain’s inexperienced roster may let them down.

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Argentina World Cup free prop bets

• Argentina over 7.5 team goals

• Messi top team goalscorer

Argentina are fifth favorites to win the 2022 Qatar World Cup according to most sportsbooks. After the disappointment of the 2014 World Cup final loss to Germany in extra time and what is looking likely to be Lionel Messi’s last outing in the tournament, can the little magician finally add the trophy he has been after for years to his collection?

The South American side finished their qualification group undefeated in second place. Their attack of the experienced Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria has been able to assist the exciting Lautaro Martínez.

Angel Di Maria (11) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against France. Pic: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports

The 24 year old scored seven goals during qualifying and has 21 league goals for Inter Milan in the 2021/22 season. What may be Argentina’s downfall is their defense which does not have the same talent as their offense. This can be seen in the 2018 World Cup where they didn’t manage to keep a clean sheet and conceded nine goals in just four games, we haven’t seen much improvement since meaning a repeat could be on the cards.

The Argentinians have a World Cup group which they should be able to come first in with Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia also challenging for qualification. However, the team will be reliant on their forwards being on top form if they are to go far in the tournament which is a risky strategy.

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