The FIFA World Cup betting is now complete, and we know who the United States Men’s National Team will face in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The United States is in a group with England, Iran, and Wales, the winner of the European playoff.
Brazil, the five-time World Cup champion, is the pre-tournament betting favorite to win it all. FOX Bet has Seleço Canarinho at +450 to win the trophy.
England, two-time champion France, Spain, and Argentina round out the top five contenders. The United States is further down the list, with odds of +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010) to win the World Cup.
Following the draw, FOX Sports soccer writer Doug McIntyre shared his thoughts on the USMNT’s group.
“It’s a manageable group for the US; England is the favorite, but the Americans know their players and match up well against them; they also won’t be afraid at all, which they might not have been if they had drawn another Pot 1 side like Belgium or Brazil.”
“Iran is better than many think — they beat the USMNT in their only previous meeting at the 1998 World Cup — but Gregg Berhalter’s team could’ve done a lot worse, especially for what could be a pivotal group stage finale.” Then there’s Wales, who will make their debut on November 21. However, the United States is still likely to be favored against any of those teams. In addition, facing a U.K. A game against the Scots or the Welsh would be the best possible preparation for the marquee second game against England (which, by the way, has failed to beat the Yanks in two previous World Cup meetings).”
What must happen for the Americans to win it all if they leave their group?
McIntyre believes the US needs to find a player or two who can consistently put the ball in the back of the net. Yes, Christian Pulisic scored a hat trick against Panama in a World Cup qualifying match, but the team will need more scoring to beat the best in the world.
“There’s still a glaring hole at striker,” McIntyre said, noting that the US has scored through fullbacks, central defenders, and wingers. That’s fantastic. However, teams that go deep in the World Cup usually have an elite specialist up top who can convert his chances, which don’t come often at the highest level. The US has eight months to find one.”
For context, here are the previous ten World Cup finalists (host country in parentheses):
- France defeats Croatia in 2018 (Russia)
- Germany defeated Argentina in 2014 (Brazil).
- Spain defeated the Netherlands in 2010 (South Africa).
- Italy defeated France in 2006 (Germany).
- Brazil defeated Germany in 2002 (South Korea/Japan).
- France defeated Brazil in 1998 (France).
- Brazil defeated Italy in 1994 (United States).
- West Germany defeated Argentina in 1990 (Italy).
- Argentina defeats West Germany in 1986 (Mexico).
- Italy defeated West Germany in 1982 (Spain).
Here are the nations that have won World Cups:
- 5 Brazil
- Italy 4
- 4 Germany
- 2 France
- Uruguay No. 2
- Argentina No. 2
- 1 England
- Spain 1
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