World Cup 2022 Odds: Is it time to back the USMNT?

Originally posted on Philly Sports Network
By Liam Jenkins | Last updated 6/19/22

Several huge cities in the USA would’ve been overjoyed going into the weekend knowing that the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted on their doorstep. Philadelphia and New York are just two of the markets that will play host to the most magical sporting event on the planet. There’s a long way to go between now and then, including this Winter’s tournament in Qatar.

The field for the upcoming 2022 World Cup is finally set. Unlike most World Cup’s, this will take place in the Winter. Although unconventional, we can still expect plenty of fireworks throughout to heat up the cold time of year for most of the western world. But who is the hottest team according to Vegas?

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To the surprise of nobody, Brazil are the odds-on favorites to win it all at +400. They’ve won the World Cup five times and are in a group with Serbia, Switzerland, and Cameroon. They would face the #2 seeded team from Group H if they win, which if we assume Portgual clinch the group, leaves Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea. The path through the first-knockout round looks extremely easy for the South American powerhouse.

France were able to win the World Cup in explosive fashion last time out and they’re the second-most expensive team when it comes to betting at a price of +550. With a group of Australia, Denmark, and Tunisia, it’s hard to bet against them soaring into the knockout stages.

Surprisingly, England have the same odds as France to win it all. The EURO 2020 runners-up had their hearts shattered by a team who were unable to even qualify for this upcoming World Cup, further rubbing salt in the wound. England have the best squad we’ve seen in over a decade, but poor management decisions have held them back. Has Gareth Southgate learned from his mistakes? Is football coming home?

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The United States will have something to say about that, as will Wales and Iran who are grouped with Southgate’s men. After embarrassingly missing the last World Cup, the USMNT has responded well, large in part to a youth infusion. Young stars like Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic, and Leeds United’s Brendan Aaronson, who both hail from around the Philadelphia area, have stolen the spotlight over the past year or so.

Although the stars in the midfield put up the numbers, it’s very fair to be concerned about the lack of finishing quality up front. There’s no bonafide striker in this team and Gregg Berhalter may just decide to ride the hot hand, leaving ample opportunities for names like Jordan Pefok to prove himself worthy.

The USMNT have odds of +6600 to win the 2022 World Cup, which is definitely exciting for bettors. They’re still yet to prove their mettle on the global stage and both Wales and England will prove to be tough competition for such a young team. However, if you’re all in on the next generation of national soccer stars, there may be no better spot to bet them.

This article first appeared on Philly Sports Network and was syndicated with permission.

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