World Cup betting 2022: Ultimate guide to odds, favorites, tips, best bets and top picks

The FIFA World Cup takes place every four years. It's one of the most popular sports betting events in the world. There's expected to be a heavy volume of betting on the World cup in U.S. and around the globe. Brazil are the favorites heading into the tournament. Defending champions France will look to become the first nation to repeat as champions since Brazil in 1962. Argentina is expected by many to do well in Lionel Messi's last World Cups.

Betting on the World Cup is different from regular soccer betting. There are some handy tips to keep in mind.

The World Cup is chalky and the best teams usually win. The gulf in talent between the top sides and those who are happy to be there usually shines through. Value still matters and don't shy away from minus odds.

It's important to follow the qualification scenarios and follow teams' situations. Some teams have already qualified for the knockout stage and will play with less aggression. Teams fighting for their lives in the group stage will be extra aggressive and play more with an added flair.

As the tournament drags on, the margins get thinner and it's difficult to call a winner. The ability to read how teams match up comes in handy. Form can be a factor at the World Cup as teams play every 3-4 days.  Tournaments that are staged across a few weeks can see in-form teams rise up above talented ones.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is here. The betting market has established the echelons of teams in the tournament. There are also odds for all of the first round of group stage matches.

Brazil are the pre-tournament betting favorites to win the 2022 World Cup. France and Argentina are also given a great chance to emerge victorious. Lionel Messi will be aiming for the first World cup trophy of his career in 2022.

Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica and Iran are the biggest longshots of the 2022 World Cup. Iran is ranked 20th in the world. Costa Rican team is happy just to be in Qatar after their early stumbles in North American qualifying.

2022 FIFA World Cup betting favorites are USA (+10000 / 90.90) and Canada (+25000 / 125.00). USA drew England, Wales, and Iran in Group B, while Canada has Belgium, Croatia and a tricky Moroccan side in group F.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is taking place in the Middle East. The timing of the tournament is unprecedented.

Brazil is the favorite to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The team is one of the deepest and most talented in World Cups history. Two of world's top goalkeepers are on the team and the attack features world-class players.

France is already without N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Presnel Kimpembe and Christopher Nkunku. Karim Benzema is less than 100 percent. France have one of the softest group stage draws of any top teams in the tournament. Denmark beat France twice in recent Nations League play.

Belgium finished third in 2018 World Cup. They have not played well recently, but they are still considered one of the best teams in the world. Roberto Martinez has done well to institute a defensive mindset in his team.

Netherlands are the favorites to win Group A. Ecuador and Senegal are also favorites. Qatar is not good enough to advance from the group. Qatar won the Africa Cup of Nations. Senegal vs.Ecuador on the final matchday could decide second place. The loss of Sadio Mane to Senegal is concerning.

Canada is a sleeper pick to qualify from Group F. John Herdman is the only coach in soccer history to lead both a men's and women's team to the World Cup. Canada are set up well with young, top-level talent leading the way.

Germany is the favorite to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Japan is a team that will have an uphill battle to qualify. Spain is in a tough group with Germany and Japan. Luis Enrique's team has some questionable decisions when building its World cup roster.

The 2022 World Cup is taking place. There are a few trends to be aware of as the tournament gets underway.

In 2010, Spain were considered the betting favorite to win the World Cup. They were beaten 7-1 by Germany in the semifinals and 3-0 by the Netherlands in third place. In 2014, Brazil were the favorite, but they didn't perform well. Germany were favorites for 2018 World cup, and they crashed out of the group stage. Brazil reached the quarterfinals, while France won the trophy.

Croatia reached the 2018 World Cup final despite being given just 40/1 odds to win the tournament. Chile knocked Spain out of the 2014 World cup earlier than expected. Italy lost to Costa Rica in the same tournament, while Brazil were knocked out by Brazil in Round of 16. In 2010, hosts South Africa defeated France in a dramatic final match.