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As we are getting closer to the kick-off date, we take a look at the World Cup 2022 groups. The tournament starts on the 21st of November and ends on the 18th of December. With just 28 days, this will be the shortest World Cup tournament since the one in 1978.
32 teams enter the tournament. Only one can be the champion. The latest odds put Brazil, France and England as the top three contenders, while Spain, Argentina, and Germany are not that far behind.
Read our World Cup 2022 groups review to find out more about fixtures and the latest odds.
Let's now take a look at the World Cup 2022 groups and analyse their chances of qualifying. We base our analysis on their previous performance and their power rankings.
We have Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, and the Netherlands in group A. The Netherlands are the favourite to finish as group winners, with Senegal estimated to be the runners-up. Ecuador is just behind Senegal, while Qatar is estimated to have low chances of qualifying.
Additionally, Qatar qualified for the World Cup 2022 as the tournament host. Thus they are estimated to be the weakest team in this group. However, they have shown good form in their recent matches. Nonetheless, their chances are very close to zero.
Ecuador finished fourth in the South American qualifier with seven wins, six losses, and five games ending in a draw. It was not the best score, but it was enough to get them to the tournament's group stage. If they manage to surprise Senegal, they just might advance further.
On the other hand, Senegal finished first in the second stage of the Africa qualifier and then went past Egypt to qualify for the World Cup 2022. If the predictions are correct, Senegal should finish second in their group, with the Netherlands in front of them.
Finally, the Netherlands are not only the group favourite but also one of the top ten teams favoured to win the tournament. Their performance in the qualifier confirms what the odds are implying, as they only lost one game and finished as group winners.
| Odds to win group A |  |
 |
 |
| Qatar | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Ecuador | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Senegal | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Netherlands | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
*Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change
In group B, we have England, Iran, the USA and Wales/Scotland/Ukraine. This seems like an easy task for England, and the odds put them as favourites to win the group.
Iran finished as a group winner in both stages of their qualifier. However, with the drastic change in their opponents' strength estimate, they are currently last according to odds to qualify for the main event.
The USA performed well enough to qualify for the World Cup 2022, but not well enough to be considered a threat to teams such as England. However, if they can get past Iran, their chances of advancing to the main stage increase drastically.
On the other hand, England, led by Harry Kane, has shown determination to seize this championship. As they currently rank pretty high on the power ranking scale, it is no wonder they are also favoured to win the group.
As a European team, Wales/Scotland/Ukraine have decent chances of advancing past the group stage. While England seems pretty secure and strong, they have good chances of beating Iran and the USA.
| Odds to win group B | |
|
|
| England | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Iran | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| USA | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Wales | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
*Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change
In group C, which just might be the most exciting group in the tournament, we will see a clash between Argentina, Mexico, Poland, and Saudi Arabia. Currently, Argentina is favoured to win the group, but the other teams might have something to say about that.
Saudi Arabia is going to have a tough time in this group, despite their excellent performance in the qualifier. They have shown promise, but their participation in the tournament probably stops here with such a draw.
Mexico currently has the same odds of qualifying for the main event as Poland. The Tricolors finished second in the qualifier with the same amount of points as Canada, the group winners. They certainly have the players to make it to the main stage, but we will see how they do against Poland and Argentina.
On the other hand, Poland didn’t make it past the group stage in World Cups since 1986. Lewandowski’s eight goals and four assists show his determination to take his national team as far as he can in the World Cup 2022. He will most likely succeed this year.
Argentina’s history in World Cups speaks enough about players from their country. Despite not losing a single game in the group stage of the South America qualifier, they finished second. Their top scorers were Martinez and Messi, with seven goals each. Additionally, aside from winning the group, Argentina is also one of the contenders for the championship.
| Odds to win group C | |
|
|
| Argentina | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Saudi Arabia | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Mexico | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Poland | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
*Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change
Group D brings France, Denmark, Tunisia, and Peru/United Arab Emirates/Australia together. The defending champions France, and Denmark, are estimated to advance. But things are never set in stone, and the other two will be looking to hinder the favourites.
France has what appears to be an easy group. Denmark might be the only one that can threaten them for the top of the group. Their lineup of superstars such as Mbappe, Benzema, Griezmann, and others seems unstoppable. Furthermore, the Blues are one of the favourites to win the cup.
Denmark is the second favoured team in the group. While they have some chance of finishing first, it is not likely. On the other hand, if they enter their games unprepared, any of the remaining teams can easily drop them from the tournament. The return of Eriksen is a massive plus for The Red and Whites.
Tunisia has never made it past the group stage. They have qualified for the group stage for the sixth time, and they will be looking to make the best out of this one. This year with players such as Mejbri, Skhiri, and Rekik, they have some chances, although very slim.
Peru/United Arab Emirates/Australia were unlucky to end up in a group with France and Denmark. Although they have done relatively well in the qualifiers, going up against some of the strongest teams in the world will probably end up badly for them. Nonetheless, we would still not write them off.
| Odds to win group D | |
|
|
| France | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Australia | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Denmark | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Tunisia | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
*Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change
Group E consists of Spain, Japan, Germany, and Costa Rica/New Zealand. Let's look at each team’s chances of winning in the group.
Spain is the favourite to finish as the group winner. After winning the 2010 World Cup, they had a rough period. In 2014 the Netherlands dropped them from the group stage, and in 2018 Russia beat them in the Round of 16. This year with quite a few superstars such as Rodri, Alba, Morata, and Torres, they have set their eyes on the championship again.
Japan have qualified for their seventh World Cup in a row. However, they have never made it past the Round of 16. Looking at the group now, Spain and Germany will most likely drop them in the group stage this year.
Germany is looking even better than the group favourites Spain. Although according to the latest odds, they will finish in second place. Nonetheless, if someone has the chance to beat Spain, it is Die Mannschaft. Their squad is stacked with superstars such as Neuer, Muller, Rudiger, Draxler, Havertz, and Sane, to list a few.
Costa Rica/New Zealand were extremely unlucky to end up in Group E. On paper, every other team in the group are way stronger than them. They will have to play perfectly to upset any of the others, and even then, it is improbable that they will go past the group stage.
| Odds to win group E | |
|
|
| Spain | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Costa Rica | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Germany | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Japan | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
*Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change
In Group F, we have another exciting combination of teams. Belgium, Canada, Morocco, and Croatia clash, but only two can come out on top.
Everyone expects Belgium to reach very far in the competition if not even win it. They have not dropped a single game during their qualifier and finished with a goal difference of 25:6. This generation is considered the golden one and includes impressive players such as Lukako, Hazard, Tielemans, and De Bruyne.
Canada has shown a lot by finishing as a group winner in the North America qualifier. They are notorious for their defensive playstyle. However, with players such as David and Larin, they also have some firepower in the offence. Will it be enough, though? The odds estimate it will not, considering they are going up against Belgium and Croatia.
According to the World Cup odds, Morocco is the weakest team in the group. The Atlas Lions have shown potential in the qualifier, but that probably won’t be enough going up against some of the toughest European teams, such as Belgium and Croatia. They have some chances of beating Canada, but the other two are most likely to annihilate them.
Finally, Croatia is the second favourite in the group. Last World Cup runner-ups had quite the chance to win it last time, and we can expect them to reach far this year. With names such as Modric, Kovacic, Brozovic, and Kramaric, they look pretty strong. Maybe we can expect to see them in the semifinals even.
| Odds to win group F | |
|
|
| Belgium | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Canada | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Morocco | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Croatia | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
*Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change
Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, and Cameroon make up what might be the strongest group in the World Cup, Group G. Whatever the outcome, we can definitely expect a spectacle from this one.
Brazil is the biggest contender for the championship this year. They have always performed incredibly well in the World Cup, which shows in the winning of five World Cups. With Neyman, Alisson, and Paqueta, to name a few superstars, they are looking to increase their record.
Serbia has demonstrated how powerful they are this year by beating Portugal in the qualifier. Highest scoring Championship player Mitrovic (Fulham) takes the lead in trying to take his team out of the group stage. While the odds estimate Brazil and Switzerland ahead of them, we can't help but think they might end up even as group winners.
Similarly, Switzerland has also shown us a lot. They are the favourites for the second place in the group. The Rossocrociati didn’t lose a single game during the qualifier. However, this time going up against Brazil and Serbia, that is bound to change.
Finally, Cameroon, the weakest team on paper in the group, have only made it once past the group stage. And looking at the other teams in the group, that number will remain the same after this World Cup. However, with Aboubakar, Ekembe, and Bahoken, we just can’t write them off so easily.
| Odds to win group G | |
|
|
| Brazil | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Serbia | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Switzerland | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Cameroon | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
*Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change
Group H brings us Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea in a battle for the knockout stage of the World Cup. Let’s see where they stand in the group.
Portugal are the favourites without a doubt. However, after their mediocre performance, we can't help but think they might not have what it takes this time. This is probably Ronaldo’s last World Cup, and his team are certain to give their absolute best. Will it be enough though?
Ghana had a thorny path on their way to the World Cup. They were going against odds in multiple matches, and they still qualified. Tough times never last, but tough people do. And players such as Partey, Ayew, and others brought Ghana into the group stage. However, this time with Portugal and Uruguay, their odds are very slim.
Uruguay, with Suarez at the head of the team, are looking sharp this year. Their performance in the World Cup has generally been overlooked, yet, they have always made it far. We can probably expect them to go past the group stage, but after that, it is a mystery.
Lastly, South Korea, who are making their eleventh appearance in the World Cup, have slim chances of going past the group stage. Son will have to take the lead, and take his team past the group stage. Accompanying him are Hee-Chan Hwang, Woo-Yeong Jeong, and In-Beom Hwang.
| Odds to win group H | |
|
|
| Portugal | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Ghana | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| Uruguay | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
| South Korea | TBA* | TBA* | TBA* |
*Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change
In our World Cup 2022 groups review, we offer the dates and times for every match to be played over the course of 28 days. The hosts pushed the dates to late November as a means to fight the heat in Qatar.
Looking at the World Cup 2022 calendar, we can see that the championship kicks off on the 21st of November and will end on the 18th of December. There are eight venues where the matches will be played. Those are:
21 November (Monday)
22 November (Tuesday)
23 November (Wednesday)
24 November (Thursday)
25 November (Friday)
26 November (Saturday)
27 November (Sunday)
28 November (Monday)
29 November (Tuesday)
30 November (Wednesday)
1 December (Thursday)
2 December (Friday)
3 December (Saturday)
4 December (Sunday)
5 December (Monday)
6 December (Tuesday)
9 December (Friday)
10 December (Saturday)
13 December (Tuesday)
14 December (Wednesday)
17 December (Saturday)
18 December (Sunday)
Looking at the World Cup 2022 groups and fixtures and the odds for each group, we can list what could be the group winners. The teams with the best chances of winning their groups are the Netherlands, England, Argentina, France, Spain, Belgium, Brazil, and Portugal.
On the other hand, teams estimated to finish second are Senegal, USA, Poland, Denmark, Germany, Croatia, Switzerland, and Uruguay. However, any of these could easily finish as group winners.
Furthermore, you can find the comparison of all the World Cup 2022 group odds in the tables above. Please note that the odds are subject to change.
| World Cup Group Favourite | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands to win Group A | 1.40 | 71.4% |
| England to win Group B | 1.33 | 75.2% |
| Argentina to win Group C | 1.40 | 71.4% |
| France to win Group D | 1.40 | 71.4% |
| Spain to win Group E | 1.83 | 54.6% |
| Belgium to win Group F | 1.53 | 65.4% |
| Brazil to win Group G | 1.44 | 69.4% |
| Portugal to win Group H | 1.66 | 60.2% |
Odds courtesy of bet365 | Commercial content | 18+ | T&C's Apply
*Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change
The following section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the World Cup 2022 fixtures and groups.
The World Cup 2022 will be played in Qatar. There are eight venues planned across five cities in Qatar. The towns are Lusail Doha, Al Khor, Al Rayyan, and Al Wakrah.
There are 32 teams qualified for the World Cup. If you look at the World Cup 2022 fixtures in our text, you can find the list of qualified teams.
There are eight venues planned for the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail), Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor), Stadium 974 (Doha), Al Thumama Stadium (Doha), Education City Stadium (Al Rayyan), Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan), Khalifa International Stadium (Doha), Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah) are all the stadiums that will be used.
The World Cup 2022 finale is scheduled for the 18th of December. For a more detailed calendar, please look at our World Cup 2022 fixtures section.
You can find the match preview for the World Cup 2022 on SmartBets. They cover the World Cup, and they will have match previews with odds for all of the WC matches, as well as a World Cup 2022 calendar and fixtures.
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