The 2022 World Cup features four games on Thursday in Groups E and F. No team has officially qualified but Spain, Croatia and Morocco have given themselves a great shot as they are all sitting on four points. Canada has already been eliminated, while Germany also could be packing without a win and some help from Spain. Let’s cover the best World Cup bets, predictions, odds and picks for Croatia-Belgium, Canada-Morocco and Japan-Spain. Check out the OddsShopper tools to find more sharp bets in any sport.
World Cup Odds: Croatia-Belgium Odds
| Croatia Moneyline | +175 |
| Belgium Moneyline | +170 |
| Draw Moneyline | +225 |
| Over/Under 2.5 Total Goals | Over: +105, Under: -135 |
| Location | Ahmad bin Ali Stadium,, Al-Rayyan, Qatar |
| Time | 10 AM ET |
| TV | FOX |
Belgium Doesn’t Deserve to Advance
Our first World Cup bet features the Croatia draw no bet versus Belgium, with odds of -115. Despite a victory in Matchday 1 against Canada, the Red Devils have had an absolutely miserable tournament. Roberto Martinez’s side looks inept of creativity, slow as tar and defensively frail. Not to mention the fact there are apparently multiple rifts in the dressing room between players. Not a good look for the long-time #1 ranked side in the FIFA Men’s Rankings.
Morocco beat them 2-0 in the last match despite only seeing 33% of the ball. Belgium just cannot seem to do anything with the chances they create. Moreover, they will be relying on Romelu Lukaku to come in here and make a difference, even though he’s not 100% fit. He scored all three goals in their last two wins against Croatia; sadly, he just is not the same player.
For Croatia, they are unbeaten in their last eight matches and have been rock solid defensively. In fact, over two World Cup games they have allowed only 0.8 expected goals, and are overperforming on xGA by about 0.5 goals per match over their last ten. The Croatians have a point advantage here, which should help them be less frantic then Belgium and pick their spots. At -115, the value here is great for the 2018 runners-up.
Final Croatia-Belgium Pick: Croatia draw no bet (-115, DraftKings)
World Cup Odds: Canada-Morocco Odds
| Canada Moneyline | +270 |
| Morocco Moneyline | +110 |
| Draw Moneyline | +235 |
| Over/Under 2.5 Total Goals | Over: +115, Under: -145 |
| Location | Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar |
| Time | 10 AM ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Morocco To Win To Nil Versus Canada
Next, follow this World Cup bet and ride with Morocco to win to nil against Canada, with odds of +230. Morocco has been a decent surprise in this World Cup, earning four points in the aforementioned 2-0 victory over Belgium and in a draw versus Croatia.
While Canada started off hot, they crashed out in Matchday 2 after their second group stage loss. They outplayed Belgium in Matchday 1, but it is apparent after two games, they struggle to convert on quality chances. In fact, Les Rouges have only scored once, despite an expected goal tally of 2.8.
Morocco will not be easy to score against either, as one of the only teams to not allow a goal in the first two matches. The Atlas Lions are also looking to hold their seventh consecutive clean sheet across all competitions. With their first qualification since 1986 still hanging in the balance, I favor Morocco to win this in strong and composed fashion.
Final Canada-Morocco Pick: Morocco to win to nil (+230, DraftKings)
World Cup Odds: Japan-Spain Odds
| Japan Moneyline | +750 |
| Spain Moneyline | -255 |
| Draw Moneyline | +370 |
| Over/Under 2.5 Total Goals | Over: -130, Under: +105 |
| Location | Khalifa International Stadium, Lusail, Qatar |
| Time | 2 PM ET |
| TV | FOX |
Japan To Mix Things Up In Group E
Finally, follow our last World Cup bet on Japan to cover the +0.5 spread versus Spain, with odds of +205. This is a big value play and obviously is one that favors the underdogs. If you do want a little bit more spread, you can still get Japan at -130 to cover +1.5. While this is juicy, they have not lost by multiple goals since a 2-0 friendly defeat at the hands of Mexico in 2020.
In my opinion, Japan is better when they are the dogs, not when they have to go out an win a game on their own ambition. They are naturally a high-pressing, energetic team that is often better out of possession. While Spain do not turn the ball over as much as a Germany, I still think their attackers can build pressure. This is especially true if Hajime Moriyasu finally turns to the likes of Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo earlier.
Additionally, Japan’s loss to Costa Rica was unlucky. They conceded just 0.1 expected goals, after limiting Germany to a goal on 3.1 expected goals in Matchday 1. If Japan shows up again tomorrow, I do not see a scenario where they do not give this game a proper go.
Final Japan-Spain Pick: Japan +0.5 (+205, DraftKings)
