World Cup 2018 will see 32 nations come together from all over the globe to compete in Russia for football’s most prestigious trophy, with at least one team from each FIFA confederation and continent represented. Picking the overall World Cup 2018 winner is very tricky indeed but we may have found a few other angles of attack which we can exploit!
As part of BSB’s comprehensive betting guide for World Cup 2018, for this preview we predict the winner from each continent and give you all of our best bets to make you a winner. Onto our World Cup 2018 Continent Betting best bets.
EUROPE
(Germany 13/5, France 16/5, Spain 16/5, Belgium 13/2, England 10/1, Portugal 12/1, Russia 18/1, Croatia 22/1, Poland 22/1, Switzerland 28/1, Sweden 40/1, Serbia 66/1, Denmark 66/1, Iceland 80/1)
Our World Cup 2018 Continent Betting pick: Spain (16/5)
The 2010 World Cup champions are undefeated since Julen Lopetegui took over as manager and La Roja look primed for success in 2018. This long unbeaten run includes wins over Italy, Belgium and France without conceding a single goal. Oozing with class and experience, the likes of Busquets, Iniesta, Koke, Isco, Asensio, Silva, Morata and Pedro are all formidable parts of the Spanish armoury.
SOUTH AMERICA
(Brazil 13/10, Argentina 17/10, Uruguay 9/2, Colombia 11/2, Peru 18/1)
Our pick: Brazil (13/10)
Neymar, Coutinho and Jesus on their own are enough to strike fear into the hearts of even the most resilient defenses. The five-time World Cup winners look determined to put right their 2014 shortfall as some of their brightest talent reaches fruition at just the right time. Also playing in the infamous yellow-and-green under manager Tite are superstars Marcelo, Alves, Paulinho, Casemiro, Willian and Fernandinho.
AFRICA
(Senegal 39/20, Nigeria 11/5, Egypt 13/5, Morocco 13/2, Tunisia 13/2)
Our World Cup 2018 Continent Betting pick: Senegal (39/20)
After nearly missing out on World Cup 2018 due to a match-fixing scandal in a qualifier against South Africa, Senegal are through, and favourites to win the African confederation. Liverpool’s Sadio Mane is their danger-man and if the winger continues his sublime form the West Africans could make a good run. Captain and central midfielder Kouyaté from West Ham as well as striker Diouf from Stoke are other players which are integral to the makeup of Senegal manager Aliou Cissé’s squad.
ASIA
(Japan 7/4, Iran 100/30, South Korea 100/30, Australia 100/30, Saudi Arabia 9/1)
Our World Cup 2018 Continent Betting pick: South Korea (100/30)
South Korea have participated in nine consecutive World Cups and are also the only Asian side to reach the semi-finals, which they managed in 2002. World Cup 2014 was a huge disappointment for South Korea, earning just 1 point in their fairly straightforward group. Manager Shin Tae-yong will hope that Tottenham winger Son Heung-Min can replicate his domestic form when he dons the red jersey for South Korea at World Cup 2018.
NORTH AMERICA
(Mexico 3/20, Costa Rica 19/4, Panama 9/1)
Our World Cup 2018 Continent Betting pick: Mexico (3/20)
Without the USA representing the North American confederation at World Cup 2018, the winner becomes a very simple selection for us. Although surprise 2014 quarter-finalists Costa Rica cannot be written off entirely, even a mediocre Mexican side should finish above them. Though Eli Tri manager Juan Carlos Osorio will be sweating the return of Rafa Marquez to his squad due to legal reasons who would bring much experience to World Cup 2018.