Betting on the World Cup 2018
We hope you enjoyed the 2018 world cup! If you are looking to bet on more football now the main leagues are back, take a look our Football Betting Apps guide.
This year Russia will be hosting the tournament for the first time in its history. The 32 best national football teams in the world will all be looking to win the biggest prize in the game.
As always, there will be plenty of World Cup betting offers. So, if you’re looking into betting on the World Cup, check out some of the promotions bookies are offering.
Bookmakers will be taking bets on thousands of markets for the 64 games played over the one month period this summer. As massive football fans, we really can’t wait to start betting on the World Cup next month.
Betting on the World Cup Final
France vs Croatia
This has been a world cup full of upsets with some of the biggest teams in world football heading home already (Germany, Brazil and Spain being the most notable). That’s why we can wait for the world cup final in the hope even more drama awaits us! This also makes betting on the game that much more interesting given how the rest of the world cup has gone.
Going into the game France look like they are finding their feet after putting in a standout performance against Belgium. On the other side, you have Croatia who have been consistently solid and shown their ability make a comeback.
Whatever happens, this is going to be a great game. Both teams have shown lots of quality throughout this tournament for us to look forward to in the final.
This extensive guide to the World Cup includes betting tips along with the information on participating teams, favourites and underdogs. We aim to find profitable opportunities to help make the World Cup a punter’s paradise.
Our 2018 World Cup Betting Tips
Not only will you be able to bet on each match during the world cup, but you will also be able to place bets on dozens of other markets that cover the entire tournament.
Some of the most popular World Cup betting markets include;
- Outright winner
- Finalists
- Group winners
There are many others available across sportsbooks such as the golden glove, golden boot, top-ranked African team, top European team, and more.
Keep reading and find our World Cup betting tips for each of these markets. Also, learn what our betting experts have to say about the upcoming tournament. With our insights and your personal touch, you could make this a World Cup to remember.
Top Countries to Bet on in Russia
Hundreds of national teams competed in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers that led up to the tournament. we are now left with 32 divided into eight groups with four teams each. The tournament features the ever-present favourites like Brazil, Argentina, and Germany along with some smaller national teams looking to make some waves.
With all the fantastic teams coming to Russia in June 2018, and this World Cup promises to be one of the most competitive in decades. In this guide, we’re looking at the top team’s strengths and weaknesses, and tips for betting on them.
Brazil
Brazil are once again at the peak of their powers and the number one favourite with the bookies. They are currently offered at 9/2 to win the tournament outright. Led by Adenor (Tite) Bacchi, Brazil have a slur of talent at their disposal. A few great names come to mind such as Marcelo, Dani Alves, Willian, Coutinho and Neymar among many others.
Love them or hate them, Brazil certainly have the kind of team that can win the Cup. Given their impressive run in the qualifiers, their status as favourites seems quite justified.
Germany
Trailing just behind Brazil in the bookies eyes, Germany are priced at 24/5 and for all the right reasons. Germany are led by Joachim Loew who was the coach when they completely outclassed Brazil four years ago and proceeded to win the World Cup.
They also made easy work of their qualifiers’ group, winning all ten games and scoring an impressive 43 goals. With the likes of Toni Kroos and Manuel Neuer in the team, who could argue with Germany being one of the top guns at this year’s competition?
France
France lost the final match of the 2016 Euro on home turf to Portugal in what many consider an unlucky scoreline. Ranked the fourth favourite to win the tournament at 7/1, France feature an impressive array of talent in their team.
France’s defensive positions seem to be the only slightly vulnerable part of the squad. Though having a defensive line consisting of Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, and Layvin Kurzawa being the weak link in any team, shows how impressive they are. Lastly, with the likes of Mbappe and Griezmann in front, France do look to be a big threat.
Argentina
While not in the bookies four top-ranked teams thanks to their poor performance in the qualifiers, Argentina aren’t to be dismissed. At 11/1 to win the Cup, Argentina may be the best value in the tournament.
Their success will largely depend on a good performance by Lionel Messi, with his last chance to show the world he is the best who ever played the game. Being denied the ultimate prize in extra time by Goetze’s goal in the last Cup final is sure to spur him on this time around.
Players to Watch Out For – Golden Boot
The World Cup isn’t all about the teams, as individual player performances can be just as important. Individual player performances have turned the tide of many competitions, *cough* Maradona *cough*. How about a few other brilliant examples;
Cristiano Ronaldo – Bagged the winner for Portugal when they needed him against Sweden, 19th November 2013
Zinedine Zidane – Controlled the game when France met Brazil and played his part in the winning goal, 1st July 2006
These types of players and performances must be taken into consideration when betting on the World Cup. So, our 2018 World Cup betting guide wouldn’t be complete without pinpointing the top players to look out for in Russia.
Neymar
Brazil aren’t short on quality going into the competition with Jesus, Firmino and Neymar spearheading their attack. Neymar will need to be firing on all cylinders if Brazil want to make it to the final. Given his recent form, we wouldn’t put it past the Brazilian magician to have the tournament of his life.
Messi
The one name that we can’t leave out of our list of players to watch for betting on the World Cup, is Lionel Messi. No explanation needed, as his performances have consistently shown what an immense asset he is to football.
Argentina would not be at the World Cup if it weren’t for the wonder that is Messi. Win or lose, we know the Barcelona captain will give his all. With Argentina starting out in a group that may prove to be the most indecisive at the tournament, he’ll need to.
Griezman
France’s Antoine Griezman is another player you need to look out for. The striker just scored two goals in the Europa League finals and will be looking for blood come June. With the impressive lineup behind him and the incredible talent Griezman has repeatedly shown, we expect him to make a big impact.
Ronaldo
Like him or not, Cristiano Ronaldo is a true game changer who can make all the difference on the pitch. With Portugal starting in a fairly polarized group, we expect them to do well with Cristiano playing a key role. The current European champions should stride past Iran and Morocco alongside Spain into the knockout phase.
Betting Markets
The World Cup brings the entire football world together, meaning all the betting action will be on it. It is for this reason the bookies have prepared dozens of exciting markets for the tournament. If you plan to bet on the World Cup, below are some betting tips on the big markets.
Betting on the Group Stages
Luck plays a big part in the World Cup, and getting past the group stage can require a lot of it. With just three group games played by every team, the group draw is extremely important.
Like every year, winners and runners-up in some groups look certain before they even start. We are happy to see uncertainty in few groups though and have the group of death to enjoy.
Group D
Group D is attracting the most attention, with Argentina and Croatia being drawn alongside Iceland and Nigeria. While Argentina and Croatia are both favourites, Iceland proved last time that they are to be overlooked. Nigeria are also capable of surprises, so betting on who will advance may be trickier than it seems.
Group F
In Group F, Germany looks poised for a place in the knockouts. Mexico and Sweden will aim to outdo each other and both do better than South Korea for the second spot.
Group C
Group C is another one that is quite undecided as France go up against Denmark, Australia, and Peru. the second spot seems up for grabs for all three contenders.
There are a few teams outside the top 10 to look out for that might reach the knockouts. Costa Rica in group E, Peru in Group C, and a long-shot Iceland in Group D are looking like promising bets. For a full list of the groups and game schedule, take a look at the great coverage from BBC Sport
World Cup 2018 Outright Winner
See the updated section at the top of the page for latest outright winner odds!
At the end of the 2018 World Cup, one nation will have the right to celebrate and go home with the bragging rights. Lots of games stand between us and knowing which nation will win, but the bookies are having their say. Here are the bookies best World Cup betting tips for the outright winner of the tournament:
Brazil and Germany are the favourites in terms of odds, but we prefer better value bets. Teams like Belgium, France, and Argentina are looking like tempting punts.
The World Cups Biggest Matches to Bet on
The tournament hasn’t begun yet, but we know that some major forces will clash on the pitch. What’s great is that we can bet on these initial big matches today.
Our tip would be to start betting on the big games ahead of time so the odds are hot. The single benefit we see in betting closer to the first day is to see what kind of shape each team is in.
Spain v Portugal
The second day of the tournament brings the massive clash of Spain and Portugal. A win for either side would likely secure first place in the group for that team. We expect a super competitive game, and with Portugal priced at 37/10 to win, it could be worth a punt.
Argentina v Croatia
One of the most competitive games in the group stages should be between Argentina and Croatia. Argentina are close to even money to win it all and Croats priced at 45/17 to take a single point. With Argentina’s recent form you may want to chance a Croatia win, returning 4/1 on your bet.
England v Belgium
One of the last games of the group stages will see England and Belgium face off. Be ready for a trivial match as both sides should have 6 points at that stage. A draw priced at 12/5 may be a good option to look into for this match. Should either of the two countries drop points ahead of this meeting, there’s no telling what could happen.
England FIFA World Cup Betting Tips
It has been too long since England have exceeded expectations at the World Cup. The last time we claimed the title came back in 1966. Think that Southgate’s boys can finally reclaim the football world cup as their own this year? You can get 18/1 odds with several major bookmakers.
Betting on England to advance from the group stage won’t win you much, but it is likely to happen. If you like to play it safe you could make some profit. For some more stats on this take a look at the England at the FIFA World Cup Wikipedia page
A more interesting bet is on Harry Kane to receive the Golden Boot. Kane will land you £16 on every £1 you bet, which is quite a return on the prolific striker.
That’s all for this short guide to betting on the World Cup. We hope you have found the kind of World Cup betting tips you were looking for. Stay tuned for useful updates as the spectacle approaches and we can start placing bets.