FIFA World Cup Groups Drawn
On Friday, December 5, the draw was held for the World Cup, an event that is already being awaited with impatience. Everyone wants to see how this competition will function in its new format, which will feature as many as 48 national teams. This means that almost every fourth country in the world will be playing football in the host nations—Mexico, Canada, and the USA—which at first glance seems unusual, to say the least.
Historically, World and European Championships were benchmarks of quality, places reserved for the very best at that moment, making it very difficult to get there. Over time, criteria have loosened, and what we are seeing now might have gone too far regarding rule changes, allowing almost all national teams a shot at qualifying. Many argue this is driven by money: more teams mean more matches, more spectators in the stands, and more ad revenue. However, the situation won’t change, and for fans eager to follow the action and odds on platforms like MerkurXTip, all that remains is to see which groups we will be watching next year.
Groups A and B
In Group A, the teams will be Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and the winner of the European qualifiers involving the Czech Republic, the Republic of Ireland, North Macedonia, and Denmark. At first glance, this is a fairly balanced group without a distinct favorite, so all four teams will likely have a chance to advance to the second round.
Group B consists of Canada, Qatar, Switzerland, and the winner of the European qualifiers featuring Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wales, Italy, and Northern Ireland. Since everyone expects Italy to qualify for the World Cup, that selection could be the favorite to claim the top spot in this group.
Groups C and D
Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland will play in Group C. It is certain that Brazil is the absolute favorite to finish first, which bookmakers will surely confirm, but Morocco will try to spoil their plans and perhaps secure a better spot for themselves. It remains to be seen what Scotland can do and whether they can finish second or as one of the best third-placed teams to advance to the next phase.
Group D comprises the USA, Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of the European qualifiers involving Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey, and Romania. If the Turks qualify, they will be favorites in this group, where the host team still had some luck with the draw, giving them realistic chances to reach the next round.
Groups E and F
Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador will compete in Group E. The Germans had a lot of luck in the draw this time, and it surely won’t be hard for them to top this group. The Ivory Coast is expected to be second, while we wait to see what Ecuador and, particularly, the debutant Curacao can offer.
Group F will consist of the Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, and the winner of the European qualifiers, involving Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, and Albania. Whoever qualifies won’t pose a major problem for the Dutch in this group. Admittedly, the Japanese team can surprise, but they really aren’t expected to finish ahead of the Netherlands after three rounds.
Groups G and H
Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand will play in Group G. The Belgians are certainly favorites, but their variable performances don’t guarantee they will justify that status—something many who engage in sports betting on this team have felt. Egypt has a good chance here to show themselves as a mature team, though it remains to be seen in what form and mood their best player, Mohamed Salah, arrives at this Championship.
Group H consists of Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. Aside from Spain, who will likely be first, all other teams will fight for second place. Perhaps Uruguay is the slight favorite among them, but we need to see if Marcelo Bielsa will lead them at the World Cup and how he prepares the team for a cup competition like this.
Groups I and J
France, Senegal, Norway, and the winner of the intercontinental qualifiers—where Iraq will host the better of the Bolivia vs. Suriname duel—will compete in Group I. The French will surely be favorites for first place, but Senegal and Norway certainly won’t present an easy task, making this group potentially interesting for some surprises.
Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and Jordan will play in Group J. Anything other than first place for the Argentines would be a surprise, while second place could be taken by any of the other three teams.
Groups K and L
Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, and the winner of the intercontinental playoff—where DR Congo will host the better of the Jamaica vs. New Caledonia duel—will play in Group K. Portugal may be the favorite, but Colombia will try to continue their good performances, create a surprise, and spoil the Portuguese plans for first place. Their head-to-head duel will surely be more than interesting for all those who love live betting.
Group L features England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. The two European teams will look for a way to claim first place, while Ghana might, in some case, surprise one of them, or at least try to reach the next round as one of the best-ranked third-placed teams.
