The 2022 World Cup slate Monday features three games in Groups A and B. These early group stage games can really define the outcome of the tournament, so their importance cannot be understated. With that said, let us dive right into our favorite 2022 World Cup bets for Monday.
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World Cup Odds: USA-Wales Odds
| USA Moneyline | +135 |
| Wales Moneyline | +230 |
| Draw Moneyline | +215 |
| Over/Under 2.5 Total Goals | Over: +145, Under: -180 |
| Location | Al Rayyan Stadium, Ar-Rayyan, Qatar |
| Time | 2 PM ET |
| TV | FOX |
Best USA-Wales Bet: USA Moneyline (+135, DraftKings) & Goal For Either Team Before 15th Minute (+290, DraftKings)
The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) enters with redemption on its mind, stemming from a World Cup absence in 2018. This is the youngest USA squad in history, but also arguably the most talented, with half of its talent playing in Europe’s top five leagues. Expectations are high as it enters into Matchday One versus Wales.
The USMNT has endured some shaky form (2-1-2 past five) but does have a clean bill of health here. In fact, Weston McKennie looks fit to shine in the midfield, which could prove to be the difference. The Juventus midfielder gets 2.64 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes, which puts him in the 92nd percentile of midfielders in Europe’s top divisions. Alongside Yunus Musah of Valencia, these dynamic midfielders can help turn the screw against a compact Welsh side.
Gareth Bale is the obvious threat for Wales. But his endurance is questionable, and his mere 355 minutes for LAFC this season is proof of that. The USMNT defense is quite strong aerially, which helps subdue his threat.
Additionally, the Welsh had a horrific summer in terms of form, 1-1-5 since June, letting in 11 goals. Favor the USA to win here, but do realize draws are about 5% more common on the first day in the past three World Cups. Unfortunately, the preferred draw no bet play has been splashed with juice recently, so a straight moneyline play in favor of USA offers the most value at +135. Also, favor a half-unit play on a goal for either team before the 15th minute. The USMNT has scored or conceded before the 10th minute in every Matchday One game since 1998, and +290 is value you cannot pass on.
World Cup Odds: Senegal-Netherlands Odds
| Senegal Moneyline | +550 |
| Netherlands Moneyline | -180 |
| Draw Moneyline | +300 |
| Over/Under 2.5 Total Goals | Over: +115, Under: -140 |
| Location | Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar |
| Time | 11 AM ET |
| TV | FOX |
Best Senegal-Netherlands Bet: Netherlands Clean Sheet (-105, DraftKings)
The second game to take a peek at is Senegal vs. Netherlands in Group A. This one is rather interesting as each side will be without its star attacker, Memphis Depay and Sadio Mane.
The Netherlands has quite a bit of depth in attacking, which should see them still winning this match. Nonetheless, their moneyline odds of -180 are too juicy to take a swing at in the World Cup bets.
Instead, the third of the World Cup bets for Monday is the Netherlands to hold Senegal to a goose egg. Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake, each of the Premier League, will be manning the center of defense, which is a nightmare for Senegal. Those two are respectively in the 96th and 85th percentile for aerial duels won per 90 minutes (3.41 and 2.80) compared to other defenders in Europe’s big five. With three defenders next to them, the Dutch will be very difficult to break down.
Conversely, Senegal can expect to struggle without its captain Mane. He is accountable for five of their past eight goals and is the spark plug for the Lions offense. Ismaila Sarr is probably its next best option, but he is nowhere near good enough to create an upset this massive for Senegal.
