2022 World Cup: Group F Odds & Predictions

Group F’s World Cup schedule kicks off on November 23, which includes Belgium, Croatia, Canada, and Morocco.

This is a tight group containing the second-ranked team in the world, a 2018 semi-finalist, a team that dominated the CONCACAF qualifiers, and the only African team ever to finish atop a World Cup group

The World Cup betting and soccer odds have Belgium and Croatia advancing from Group F, but it’s likely to be a closer contest than expected. 

World Cup Group F Odds & Predictions

Odds to Win Group F

Belgium: -175

Croatia: +225

Morocco: +900

Canada: +1100

Odds to Advance from Group F

Belgium: -1000

Canada: -225

Croatia: +250

Morocco: +250

Group F World Cup Schedule

Last Chance for Belgium’s Golden Generation

Belgium was third in the FIFA World Rankings heading into the 2018 World Cup, where they were beaten in the semifinals by eventual winners France.

Roberto Martinez’s team is now second, and this will be the last opportunity for many of the country’s golden generation of players to get their hands on a trophy.

Huge things are expected of a team that contains Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan), and Eden Hazard (Real Madrid), among many other renowned players.

Belgium cruised through the World Cup Qualifiers, with the only criticism being their profligacy in front of the goal, but they still qualified at the top of their group.

They should win Group F and go far in the competition.

Croatia is Unlikely to Hit 2018 Heights

Talking about golden generations, Croatia hit its apex in 2018 when the team lost to France in the closely contested final. They did manage to advance from their group in Euro 2020 but were humbled 5-3 by Spain in the Round of 16.

The team still relies on the players that led them to the finals in 2018, with Dejan Lovern (Zenit Saint Petersburg, 33 years old), Mateo Kovačić (Chelsea, 28), Luka Modrić (Real Madrid, 37), and Ivan Perišić (Tottenham, 33) at the core of the team.

These are all hugely talented players, I just worry that the next generation of Croatian players aren’t quite ready for this tournament. The over-reliance on older players might cause Croatia problems when it comes to facing sides with pace.

Croatia should finish in second spot if these players can find the energy for one last hurrah in Qatar. However, that could be difficult when they are all still heavily involved with their respective clubs.

Canada Will Build on an Excellent CONCACAF Performance

1986 was the last time Canada was in a World Cup. They finished first in the CONCACAF table to qualify in 2022, ahead of both Mexico and United States. 

This team is filled with MLS players such as Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United) and Lucas Cavallini (Vancouver Whitecaps), as well as a few homegrown CF Montreal players. 

Alphonso Davies is undoubtedly the highest-profile player on the team, and he is currently considered one of the best full-backs in the world. The Bayern Munich player will be key to Canada’s hopes of advancing from the Group Stage.

The Canadians have a young and dynamic manager in 47-year-old John Herdman, who previously took the Canadian Women’s team to great international heights. 

The thing I like most about Herdman and his team is that they put in performances that are greater than the sum of their parts. There are few international stars on the roster, yet these players are willing to put such a shift in for each other that their lack of star power actually seems to be a good thing.

Morocco Has Players to Pull Off an Upset

Morocco at 22nd is actually ranked higher than Canada at 41 in the FIFA World Rankings. They are one of Africa’s best teams and consistently play at a high level.

They head to Qatar with a solid group of players, including international stars Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich), and Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea).

Morocco was in the 2018 World Cup, where they lost 1-0 to both Portugal and Iran and drew 2-2 against Spain. The team’s biggest players are now four years older and have more international experience under their belts.

I think Morocco is underestimated, and they could very well pull off an upset.

Group F Predictions

Belgium’s golden generation players are desperate for a trophy and have one of the best midfields in the tournament. I expect them to finish top of Group F.

The second spot isn’t as clear-cut as the odds suggest, and I can’t help but wonder if Canada can sneak in. Croatia is an excellent team, but they might lack the legs to keep pace with younger teams. So, I’m going for Canada to advance in second place.

Croatia will finish up third.

While Morocco will stay at the bottom of the Group, don’t be surprised if they take some points off of the other teams.