FIFA World Cup Betting Lines Update: Best Underdogs Picks & Predictions

No doubt, many soccer handicappers are looking to put a few bucks on one of the top World Cup underdogs. After favorites Brazil, France, Argentina, England, and Germany, the three teams offering odds to win the World Cup are all at +1200. Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium, Memphis Depay and the Netherlands, and Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal offer the same odds to be the the ninth nation to win the World Cup. See below for why odds on those three nations are at +1200 and whether the FIFA World Cup Odds are fair or not.

World Cup Top Underdog Odds & Soccer Betting Update for the Upcoming FIFA Tournament

2022 Qatar World Cup

When: Nov. 20 – Dec. 18

World Cup Top Underdog Odds

Why did odds drop on Belgium?

The Belgians beat Wales and lost to Netherlands in their last two Nations League matches, but the real reason so many are on Belgium is due to a lack of options. In other words, if you don’t want to bet on one of the chalk teams, France, England, or Argentina, where else do you go?

Do you side with a German squad that could be vulnerable to missing out on the Round of 16? Do you side with an inexperienced Spanish side? Do you go for Denmark at +2800?

Belgium at least has the great Kevin De Bruyne, experienced Eden Hazard, and plays in a weak enough group to almost ensure a second round spot. So the reason the odds have dropped on Belgium is because they’re a sure fire knockout stage team.

How come soccer handicappers believe the Netherlands is on the same level as Belgium and Portugal?

The Netherlands lacks experienced scoring power. The Orange’s captain is terrific backer Virgil Van Djik. But outside of Van Djik, the Netherlands is a young team.

However, the young players are exceptional. Memphis Depay is turning into a fantastic striker. Frenkie de Jong is a great midfielder. Both are under 30.

Luuk de Jong is 32. So it’s not like the Netherlands has zero experienced players. Also, among the three top underdog nations, the Netherlands has been the closest to becoming the ninth nation to win a World Cup.

Many soccer handicappers feel 2022 is the Orange’s year.

What is the prediction for Portugal’s odds heading into November?

This one is tough. Cristiano Ronaldo has had nothing but issues since suffering a tragedy over the summer. Ronaldo hasn’t been the same.

So Cristiano must pick it up in order to lead Portugal to the knockout stage. Leading Portugal to the World Cup Finals will be close to impossible. But Ronaldo’s teammates know his situation. So they will be inspired to help their leader.

Like all European teams, though, Portugal could struggle in the Qatar heat. So Portugal’s odds shouldn’t drop below +1200 while there’s a real chance Portugal ends up at +1400 or higher if there’s a run on group stage opponent Uruguay, a member of the eight nations brotherhood that has won the World Cup.

What is the prediction for Belgium’s and the Netherlands’ odds heading into November?

Belgium will struggle to beat Croatia. But the Belgians shouldn’t have trouble making it to the knockout stage. Still, the Belgians aren’t nearly as formidable this go around as they have been in the last couple of World Cup cycles.

Not only that, but Romelu Lukaku is injured and may not be one-hundred percent. Let’s peg Belgium’s final pre-World Cup odds to win at +1400.

The Netherlands could end up a +1000 choice. The Dutch have talent for days, can lean on Van Dijk’s excellent leadership abilities, and has a great striking duo in Depay and Luuk de Jong. Also, on paper at least, the Orange is more talented than Germany. So don’t be surprised if the odds on the Netherlands drops to around 10-to-1.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?