Here are the top five favorites slated to go to the World Cup in Russia next summer, and if four of those can make it to the semifinals, we will have some great soccer on our hands.
Germany
Odds To Win World Cup: 5
The defending champions from Germany are favored at +500, and they should have much of the same team back that won in 2014, with most still in their prime. The likes of Toni Kroos and Mats Hummels will be back, but Germany also has a lot of good young players that can push the older players and Manuel Neuer is still the top keeper in the world. They’re in a group with Mexico, Sweden and South Korea, which should be a good test for Germany to get them going into the knockout stages.
Brazil
Odds To Win World Cup: 5.5
The Brazilians are listed at +550 and are in a group with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia, and they are looking to erase memories of 2014, especially the 7-1 demolition at the hands of Germany. Neymar missed that game, but now he is one of the top four or five players in the world and Brazil will lean heavily on him. But Gabriel Jesus is one of the brightest young players in the world and Philippe Coutinho leads a very good group of midfielders. Brazil definitely has what it takes to win its sixth World Cup if they can take pressure off Neymar.
France
Odds To Win World Cup: 6
France is listed at +600 and should stroll through a group with Australia, Peru and Denmark, but they can be maddeningly inconsistent at times. Top to bottom, France might be the most talented group in the world, led by Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante in midfield and Antoine Griezmann up front, but they tend to play down to their competition. France has the talent to win, but they have to show that they have the head and heart to do so as well.
Spain
Odds To Win World Cup: 7.5
Spain comes in at +750 and are grouped with Portugal, Morocco and Iran, and while they’re not as good as the group that won World Cups and European Championships in 2008, 2010 and 2012, they’re still a force to be reckoned with. Players like Isco and Koke are looking to take over for Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, although both can still do the job. Alvaro Morata looks to be a top striker and their defense is experienced as well. Don’t sleep on Spain. They might be the most consistent of the favorites outside of Germany.
Argentina
Odds To Win World Cup: 9.5
Argentina is rated at +950 and are grouped with Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria, and they have plenty of good players, like Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero among others. However, they’re only going to go as Lionel Messi can take them and if he can get a little help, Argentina could stun the other favorites. He was exhausted after carrying Argentina to the final against Germany in 2014; all Messi needs is a slight bit of help and he can finally add a World Cup to his legendary resume.
Looking for the odds to win the 2018 World Cup? Check out Play Shangrila to get the odds for matches, props and betting lines to win it all!
