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2022 World Cup Group B Betting Odds and Expert Predictions

by Spencer Toth - 11/15/2022

World Cup Group B betting predictions Christian Pulisic Team USA

Group B odds to win the group:

England -300

Iran +1600

USA +550

Wales +600

The World Cup is just days away, and the group stage betting lines are now open. There are numerous ways to attack the markets, and plenty of money can be made during the group stage. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the competitors.

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England:

The 3 Lions are heading to Qatar hoping to improve on their fourth place finish in 2018. Entering with the fourth best odds, England will feel they have a real chance to win their second World Cup. The deep squad England is bringing to Qatar gives them an edge in the later stages of the tournament. In attack, they have Golden Boot favorite Harry Kane and a plethora of attacking options to fit in alongside him. Their backline provides a solid defense, and an upstart midfield, led by Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, will allow them to win crucial midfield battles. Group B will prove to be a tricky test for this England squad, but I expect them to be able to pass with flying colors. Iran, Wales, and USA all have a few players on England’s level but are nowhere near as deep as the Brits.

Iran:

Iran is participating in their sixth World Cup and are hoping 2022 is the year they can finally qualify past the group stage. Ranked 22nd, Iran has one of the tougher groups on paper, as all 3 other nations are ranked higher. Unfortunately for Iran, their World Cup appearance is clouded by the ongoing political issues in Iran. Separating their on-field performance from their off-field worries will be a tall order for the Iranian players. Captain Ehsan Hajsafi will be hoping he’ll be able to put those issues behind them and lead Iran to their first knockout stage appearance.

United States:

The United States will be looking to get back to their 1990’s and 2000’s form in Qatar. After qualifying seven straight times since 1990, the United States failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Led by Chelsea frontman Christian Pulisic, the US has the youngest national team in the tournament. The youth and jubilation could prove to be a feast or famine strategy, as young players tend to either wilt or shine under the brightest lights. MLS Cup winner Kellyn Acosta will pair up with Leeds United player Tyler Adams in midfield and should allow the US to have an advantage in the middle of the park. In what should be a tight group, US’s opening match against Wales could determine whether or not the group stage will be their final destination in Qatar. No matter what happens, the growth and development the youngest squad in Qatar will obtain could prove valuable for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the US.

Wales:
“Wales. Golf. Madrid.” Welsh star Gareth Bale has always said the Wales national team is his top priority, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be his final chance to bring home international glory. Considering this is just Wales’ second World Cup appearance, and first since 1958, Bale has already done his job. Wales will be overjoyed to be participating in the World Cup all together, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to Qatar to lose. Aaron Ramsey and Bale have been able to lead Wales to surprising results throughout their career, and Group B is one of the biggest challenges yet. The sparks needed going forward are present for Wales, as Bale, Ramsey, Daniel James, and Kieffer Moore are all capable of finding the scoresheet. However, the question marks in the defense remain. Unless the Welsh defenders step up in a big way, the party ends in the group for Wales.

Best bets:

Group B is a fascinating set of teams, as they all should feel they have a reasonable chance of qualifying for the knockout stage. At the top, England enters as a -300 favorite, which is a number I will be betting. In all likelihood, the top spot of Group B will go on to face Ecuador or Senegal, both favorable Round of 16 matchups. The significance of getting first over second is more critical to Group B participants over others. At -300, I do feel England wins this group, and by a comfortable margin. None of these teams possess the depth needed for three matches in eight days, and England will prevail. However, more interesting props lie in the qualification Yes/No and to finish bottom of the group.

The next bet I will be taking is for the US to qualify at +100. US has the talent and depth to outwork Iran and Wales and should have no problem securing the second seed in Group B. At +100, it feels as though the bookies are valuing Wales (+110) at a similar level to the US, which they simply are not. The gulf in class will be apparent when the US opens their World Cup campaign with a 2+ goal thrashing of Wales.

Finally, I am loving the value on Wales to finish bottom at +333. Iran enters as the heavy favorite to finish bottom of the group at -220, but the gulf in class between Wales and Iran is far smaller than it appears to be. Wales is being led by a 33-year-old with fitness issues and will be sending out a very fragile back line. Wales and Iran clash in the second game of the group, and I’m banking on Iran to get at least a point. At +333, there is undeniable value on betting Wales’ downfall.

Group B Prediction:

England 9 Points

USA 6 Points

Iran 1 Point

Wales 1 Point

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