World Cup preview and betting guide

The World Cup is taking place in Qatar this winter. It will be an unprecedented tournament held in the Middle East during the winter months.

Harry Kane won the Golden Boot in Russia four years ago. He is favourite to do it again in Qatar. Kylian Mbappe is second favourite, while Cristiano Ronaldo is level with Lionel Messi at 14/1. Robert Lewandowski and Lautaro Martinez are also in the running.

The World Cup's Player of the Tournament will win the Golden Ball. Luka Modric won the award in Croatia's run to the final in 2018. Brazil are favourites to win this year's tournament. Neymar has been in fine form for Paris Saint-Germain this season. France are expected to contend with Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema. Qatar offers Lionel Messi a last chance to play at a World cup.

Portugal are 12/1 to win the tournament. Denmark reached the semi-finals at Euro 2020 and Uruguay 40/2. Senegal 90/3 and Serbia 100/5 are also potential dark horses. Serbia topped their group and qualified unbeaten. Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic is the joint-leading scorer in the 2022/23 Nations League.

Brazil are 4/1 favourites to win the World Cup. Argentina and France are second and third respectively. England are priced at 13/2. Spain are 15/20 and Argentina are 13-2 in betting markets. France is 6/10.

England are aiming to win the World Cup. Gareth Southgate's side are on a six-game winless run. They are in a group with Iran, the United States and Wales. If they win that group, they will play either Qatar, Ecuador or Senegal in the last 16. England have reached the semi-finals just twice since 1996.