World Cup 2022 Group Stage Odds, News, Injuries: Mane Injury Among Pre-Tournament Headlines

As the World Cup draws close to kickoff, everything from injuries, to weather, to shifting odds will shape how to bet on soccer's biggest tournament. Find out the latest info as we prepare for the showcase in Qatar.

Nov 20, 2022 • 06:38 ET • 5 min read

With mere hours left until the start of the World Cup, the excitement is building for the opening matches of the group stage. 

We’re here with a quick refresher on some of the group stage’s biggest matches, as well as a few injuries and who might benefit from them for those wishing to partake in some prop action.

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Featured World Cup group stage odds

November 20: Qatar vs Ecuador

As kickoff has drawn closer, Ecuador has gone from a strong favorite to just a moderate one. While Qatar is still the underdog, money has come in on them and the draw over the past week. 

Qatar is hoping the trend of a host nation never losing their opening match will continue while Ecuador’s stingy defense could make things quite difficult. Ecuador comes into this match having yet to concede a goal in six matches this calendar year, a big reason why the price for Under 2.5 goals continues to increase. 

Neither team is dealing with any injury issues of note, so expect both sides to come out with their strongest lineups possible with hopes of getting an early start towards qualification.

November 23: Belgium vs Canada

For those like me who believe Belgium is ripe to be upset in this tournament, their performance this week against Egypt did nothing to dispel that notion. They lost 2-1 to a side not in the tournament with little to play for, despite fielding a very strong lineup for the match. 

The public appears to be leery of the European side as well ahead of their match with Canada. They’ve seen their moneyline drop from -300 to around -200 over the past 10 days. The injuries to striker Romelu Lukaku and winger Eden Hazard are also playing a role in that change.

Kevin De Bruyne will be the focal point of everything Belgium does, and it remains to be seen if

Canada has what’s required in their midfield to stop him. But the Belgians will have to contend with the speed of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, and their aging and slow back line could struggle. 

November 25: England vs USA

Both teams will hope to enter this match with three points already in the bag. However, should either side fail to get a win in their opening match, it would change how this one is played quite a bit.

England will face a stingy Iran defense in their opener, and given their struggles the past few months to score goals there’s no guarantee they will get a win. Meanwhile, the United States are dealing with goal-scoring issues of their own, with their only goal from a striker in the past five matches having come from the penalty spot. 

The moneyline has shifted more as the match approaches, with England continuing to be heavily favored. The results of their opening matches could make the lines shift even more.  

November 27: Spain vs Germany

Many feel this match could be the decider as to who wins Group E. For some, myself included, it could also prove somewhat of an elimination match. Germany has real issues in defense, as they failed to keep a clean sheet in this summer’s Nations League and allowed England to put three by them.

Japan will prove a tough test for the Germans, and were they to come into this match with zero points, it would give Spain a huge advantage. The Spaniards open with a difficult Costa Rica side, so their points are not guaranteed either.

Spain lost Jose Gaya to injury this week, but it’s not impacted the lines at all. This line has seen minimal movement since opening, with Spain a slight favorite over the Germans. 

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World Cup 2022 news

No beer being sold inside the stadiums

The big news on Friday was the announcement that beer will no longer be sold within the confines of Qatar’s stadiums. Fans and sponsors alike blasted the decision — although it appears VIPs will still have access to libations. Because, of course they will.

German soccer president slams FIFA

FIFA’s letter to teams telling them to “focus on football” didn’t sit well with the German football federation. Bernd Neuendorf criticized the organization for turning a blind eye to human rights concerns surrounding those helping prepare the nation for the event. Euro 2024 director Philip Lahm, former German star, is also boycotting the tournament and wrote a statement this week as to why.

World Cup 2022 key injuries

Sadio Mane, Senegal

After initially looking to miss hopefully just the first two matches, Mane was officially ruled out of the tournament this week by Senegal following surgery. This opens the door for Iliman Ndiaye, the striker from Sheffield United who leads the team with nine goals this season in the EFL Championship. Senegal will need him to produce, as their odds of advancing have severely dropped in the market.

Jose Gaya, Spain

Gaya will miss the group stage following a sprained ankle this past week. Young Barcelona starlet Alejandro Balde was called up to the team in the left back’s place, and he could be poised for a breakout in the tournament after having made 14 appearances already this season for the Catalan outfit. 

Christopher Nkunku, France

There are few players who were more poised to make an impact at this tournament than Nkunku, who suffered a sprained knee in training earlier this week. While unlikely to start, he’s been in stellar form for RB Leipzig and would’ve had a chance to be a super-sub. Kingsley Coman is likely to take on a larger role now coming off the bench.

World Cup 2022 weather

If you saw the photos from England’s practice this week, you’ll know it’s quite hot in Qatar. Thankfully for all involved, it’s expected to cool off a bit over the next week. However, the heat will still be a factor as will the dry air.

It could prove a slight advantage for African and South American nations, given their players have grown up in warmer environments than many in Europe. It also likely will play a role in fatigue, giving a big advantage of squads with deeper benches.

While the stadiums will have “state of the art” cooling systems near the benches and some stadiums will even have air conditioning, it’s not difficult to assume this will be one of the most uncomfortable World Cups ever for both players and fans. 

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