Surprises aren't expected in this group, which features two UEFA powerhouses.
Belgium headlines the group out of Pot 1 and is odds-on favorite to finish in the top spot, while Croatia — a 2018 World Cup finalist — was handed another easy draw in the group round. Both those sides are odds-on to advance from the group, with Morocco and Canada looking to play spoiler.
As for our early impressions of this group, let's dive in.
Group F Odds/World Rankings
*Odds via FanDuel
ODDS TO WIN GROUP | ACTION NETWORK | FIFA | |
---|---|---|
Belgium | -160 | 9th | 2nd |
Canada | +1300 | 26th | 38th |
Morocco | +600 | 35th | 24th |
Croatia | +290 | 14th | 16th |
The Favorite: Belgium
This tournament is basically Belgium's last chance at a major trophy and it should win the group with ease. Croatia doesn't have the attackers to keep up, while Canada and Morocco don't have the experience.
The Dark Horse: Canada
Assuming its at full-health, the 1-2 punch of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David could produce some fireworks here. While certainly not on the same level as Belgium, Canada could trouble Croatia at its best and, as noted by my colleague BJ Cunningham, is superior to Morocco.
Potential Shock Elimination: Croatia
I don't see Belgium failing to advance, which leaves Croatia as the most prone to an upset. That said, there are signs it could be in trouble. I was unimpressed by Croatia at the Euros and it has an aging roster, which could cause problems in a mid-season tournament.
2022 FIFA World Cup Odds
*Odds via BetMGM
TEAM | ODDS |
---|---|
France | +550 |
Brazil | +550 |
England | +700 |
Spain | +750 |
Germany | +900 |
Argentina | +1000 |
Belgium | +1100 |
Portugal | +1200 |
Netherlands | +1600 |
Denmark | +2800 |
Uruguay | +4000 |
Croatia | +5000 |
Serbia | +6600 |
Qatar | +6600 |
USA | +8000 |
Mexico | +8000 |
Switzerland | +8000 |
Poland | +8000 |
Senegal | +8000 |
Iran | +10000 |
Ecuador | +12500 |
Wales | +15000 |
Ukraine | +15000 |
Japan | +15000 |
Peru | +15000 |
Morocco | +15000 |
Ghana | +15000 |
Cameroon | +15000 |
South Korea | +15000 |
Saudi Arabia | +15000 |
Canada | +15000 |
Australia | +25000 |
Scotland | +25000 |
Costa Rica | +25000 |
Tunisia | +25000 |
United Arab Emirates | +25000 |
New Zealand | +50000 |