How to Bet on the World Cup 2022

Dating back to 1930, the World Cup is the biggest prize in football. Brazil holds the record for the most World Cup wins, with five titles. The 2022 competition will take place between November-December in Qatar. Featuring 32 nations for the last time, before 48 countries qualify in 2026, the tournament is set to attract great interest from punters. World Cup betting is always big business for bookmakers.

But just how does it work? On this page, we will explain how to bet on the World Cup, regardless of who you are backing to go all the way. Spread across eight cities, the tournament is set to be competitive, unique and entertaining. Having read our guide, you will also have a clearer idea of the conditions this winter, as well as the best football markets and our expert tips.

How to Bet on the FIFA World Cup and Win

When it comes to wagers, there is a huge number of markets to take advantage of. However, some are more profitable than others. Pre-match, live and outright options are available, with odds varying between bookies. If you are wondering how to bet on the World Cup effectively, it is essential to outline some of the best alternatives. Below are some of the most popular markets to exploit:

1X2: You can bet on the result of each match at the World Cup, with three possible outcomes - Team A win, draw or Team B. Of course, as the tournament progresses, bettors can wager on the possibility of a team winning in extra time or via penalties. However, 1X2 markets are settled after 90 minutes. For example, you could bet on England to beat Iran on the tournament's opening day. Click to check the current England World Cup Odds. 

Totals: Another popular market is Over/Under. This means the number of goals scored during the match. For example, you may wish to bet on over 2.5 goals in the opening game between Senegal and the Netherlands. This means that at least 3 goals must be scored. Other totals markets are also offered, including corners and cards.

First Goalscorer: There is arguably nothing better for football bettors than successfully predicting which player will score the opening goal of a game. Whether it be the in-form striker or an outside punt on a central defender, the odds here continue to attract. For example, wagering on Lionel Messi to score first against Saudi Arabia is likely to be priced at relatively short odds. Bets can also be placed on anytime goalscorers or on the latest World Cup Golden Boot odds. 

Outright Winner: Finally, before and during the 2022 WC, several bets will be placed on which nation will win the trophy. France is the reigning champions. However, some other countries will fancy their chances. As you would expect, Brazil, Germany, and Belgium are among the favourites in our World Cup Winner Predictions. 

How to Make Money from World Cup Betting

This is one of the biggest sporting events around. The tournament, held every four years, is a big deal for both bookies and punters. Matches come with hundreds of markets, helping to keep all bettors satisfied. So, what should you consider before betting on the World Cup?

Understand the Odds

The odds will determine how much you make from winning wagers. Whether you view prices in fractional, decimal or American formats, ensure that you understand precisely what the odds mean. In some cases, your football knowledge will be better than bookies. So, use it to find value where you believe a market has been priced incorrectly. For example, it might be more beneficial to follow Spain's World Cup Group Odds instead of backing them to win outright. 

Pay attention to the stats

Before confirming any bet, it is important to do your homework. Look at the statistics and news ahead of kick-off. Consider the recent form of teams, head-to-head records, injuries/suspensions and the venue. Such details are available online today, so there is no excuse to skip this step. Meanwhile, with this being the first competition to take place in such unique weather conditions, it could be worth seeing how players acclimatise before betting.

Pick the Right Bookmakers

World Cup bookmakers include some of the biggest names in the industry. Before placing World Cup bets, you must decide which bookie best meets your needs. Of course, nothing is stopping you from registering with multiple sites. However, consider available markets, odds, promotions, payment methods, and additional features before signing up.

Follow World Cup Betting Trends

Prices on the tournament can be impacted by trends. Based on different factors, including recent results and injuries, certain nations will receive a large number of bets. Keep up to date with the latest World Cup betting trends, as they may well impact when you bet, as well as who you wager on.

Complete 2022 World Cup Betting Guide

As part of our World Cup betting guide, we will outline our expert tips for wagering on the tournament, what to consider before betting and the schedule. Make sure to read it carefully. After taking on all information, you will have a much clearer understanding of how to bet on the World Cup.

Format & Venues

The 2022 World Cup takes place between 21 November-18 December. Involving 32 teams, the opening match features hosts Qatar, who take on Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium. After 63 games, we will know who will compete in the World Cup Final at the recently opened Lusail Stadium, which has a capacity of 80,000.

Football World Cup betting will not be much different to previous years. However, the fact that it is being held in Qatar does mean that there will be a unique feel. Each of the eight stadiums used is within 21 miles of Doha. Powered by solar panels, the venues are armed with cooling systems, while between 40,000 and 80,000 football fans can watch the matches in person.

How to place a bet on the World Cup

Thanks to the efficiency and usability of bookmakers today, placing a bet on the World Cup is relatively simple. However, being successful is another matter entirely. To maximise your chances of winning, bet on teams you know of while watching matches live, monitoring cash out and live odds in the process. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to place a wager:

• 1
  Open a betting account: Look at the online bookies on our list. Decide which best meets your needs and sign up. Do so by entering the required personal details, including your full name, email address and date of birth.
• 2
  Find the match you want to bet on: While it is tempting, avoid betting on every single game. Instead, focus on those involving teams you know well, whether it be England, Brazil, or others.
• 3
  Choose a market: We recommend sticking to a select few markets when wagering on the WC for the first time. For many, this will be the WDW or an outright wager on the tournament winner.
• 4
  Evaluate the odds: Look at the prices in your chosen market. If you believe that the odds represent good value, add it to your bet slip. Odds can change until kick-off, so consider when the best time to bet is too.
• 5
  Enter the stake: Before the tournament, set a budget for World Cup betting. Remember that you should risk money that you can afford to lose. Keeping this in mind, enter the stake in the relevant field. View the potential returns and confirm.

What are the Easiest World Cup Bets to Win

While following the action is entertaining, punters also want to win money. Therefore, it is worth noting that some markets are more realistic than others. For example, a single BTTS bet is more likely to come through than a 10-fold accumulator. Let’s take a closer look at some of the easiest World Cup bets to place before and during the tournament:

Draw No Bet

Given the element of insurance involved, draw no bet markets are often utilised by players. Here, you will receive a refund if the match ends in a draw. For example, if you back Wales to beat the USA in Group B, but the final score is 1-1, your stake will be returned. Because of the insurance, odds on DNB markets are not as appealing as 1X2. Many World Cup betting strategies will be formed based on such options.

Double Chance

There are three possible results in a football match, Team A win, draw, and Team B win. However, with DC, two possible outcomes can be backed. Options here are Team A win/draw, draw/Team B and Team A/Team B win. When placing such bets, 2/3 of the possible possibilities are covered, giving punters a 66% chance of winning.

Both Teams To Score

When it comes to our World Cup betting guide, markets do not get much simpler than this. As the name suggests, you are wagering on whether both teams will find the back of the net during the 90 minutes or not. “Yes” and “No” are the two options, with the timing or goals and goalscorers not being important.

What else should I know before I start

No World Cup betting guide would be complete without some expert assistance. So, to increase your chances, make sure to follow the tips underneath.

⏩ Use your football knowledge: If you are betting on the World Cup, it is likely that you already hold an interest in football. So, use your understanding of the beautiful game to your advantage. Consider the players involved, including their strengths and weaknesses, before wagering.

⏩ Do your research: Even football experts should complete their homework. Look at recent results, head-to-head records and past performances. Meanwhile, injuries and suspensions can also have a huge impact. Many statistics are available surrounding the teams and players involved in Qatar later this year. Using World Cup Live Streaming Sites can also be helpful. 

⏩ Learn the main markets: Especially important for beginners, master the simple betting options before potentially moving on to more complicated ones. Nothing is worse than losing a bet because you have not understood how it is settled.

⏩ Control your emotions: In the heat of the moment, before, during and immediately after matches, it can be tricky to think clearly. So, ensure that you are in the right frame of mind before placing bets. Use your head rather than your heart, and put any allegiances to one side.

⏩ Take advantage of bookmaker promotions: World Cup betting offers are always common during the tournament. Due to the popularity of the event, almost every sportsbook will include daily promos to accompany your betting activity. 

Can Betting on World Cup 2022 be Profitable

If you follow the information on this page, you will put yourself in the best possible position to win. So, take advantage of the top bookmaker odds before reading World Cup betting tips and news articles. Only when you are confident should you place bets. If you are new to gambling on sports, ensure you 100% understand how to bet on the World Cup. Also, remember to decide with your head, not your heart. The team that you want to win may not be the one celebrating after 90 minutes.