Bodog Previews Canada’s World Cup Odds
Most Canadian soccer fans won’t remember the last time our national men’s team played in the FIFA World Cup. It was way back in 1986, and the hardscrabble side we put together didn’t create any memorable highlights, going scoreless while getting swept out of the Group Stage. As we preview Canada’s World Cup odds, we’re confident that 2022 will provide more highlights.
The 2022 World Cup promises to be different. This is already one of the strangest events in the history of the tournament, with Qatar hosting and the start delayed until November 20 to account for the desert heat. But it will be even stranger for Canadians. Not only have we qualified for the World Cup, Canada will actually field a competitive team – easily the best men’s team we’ve ever had.
It’s still a long shot for Canada to actually win the World Cup; however, with a team this talented, you know the betting action will be plentiful at Bodog Sportsbook. Let’s take a closer look at Team Canada’s position on the World Cup odds board, and the different ways you can bet on Canada at Bodog.
Canada’s World Cup Odds
It’s not ideal to see your best player get injured just before the World Cup, but that’s the situation Canada face heading into Qatar. Alphonso Davies, the exquisite and multi-talented left-back/winger who plays club soccer for Bayern Munich, strained his right hamstring on November 5 and had to sit out the next two Bundesliga matches.
That news took Canada’s World Cup odds at Bodog Sportsbook down a peg from +12500 in mid-October to +15000 as we go to press. But there’s no need to panic. Davies says he will be “100%” for the tournament and was officially named to the squad this past Sunday.
As long as Davies is healthy, Canada have a chance to shine on soccer’s biggest stage. We’ve pulled off the improbable before; Canada took down the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup, still the only time that event has been won by someone other than Mexico or the United States. Canada also won the 1985 CONCACAF Championship, the predecessor to the Gold Cup as the most important tournament in this region.
Sadly, defender Doneil Henry (leg) won’t be available for Canada after he was hurt during the warm-ups for last week’s friendly against Bahrain. We’ll also be without defender Scott Kennedy (shoulder) and goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (leg) in Qatar. But with Davies playing up front alongside Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan, Canada have a real chance of pulling off at least one major upset at the World Cup.
Canada’s Group F Opponents
Advancing to the Knockout phase would be an achievement in itself. Canada have been placed in Group F, one of the tougher foursomes at the World Cup – but not insurmountable. Even a single point against one of the top two favourites in this group could be the difference-maker.
Belgium
This should be the toughest matchup for Canada. The Red Devils are the No. 2 team on the FIFA World Ranking as we go to press, and were No. 1 as recently as March. They’re also +1600 to win their first-ever World Cup, one of nine quality teams with a reasonable chance of victory in Qatar.
Belgium’s odds are longer than their European colleagues because of health concerns surrounding forward Romelu Lukaku (hamstring), who was included in the squad even though he might not be ready until the knockouts. Eden Hazard will have to carry more of the load up front if Lukaku isn’t up to snuff.
Croatia
Canada’s chances of stealing a point – or even three points – against Croatia (+5500) look considerably better. The Blazers are No. 12 on the FIFA rankings, and haven’t enjoyed much success since reaching the final at the 2018 World Cup.
Midfielder and team captain Luka Modric is one of the few reliable veterans from that squad still in uniform, and at age 37 is not quite the player he was when he won the Ballon d’Or in 2018. If Canada can work their way through Modric, scoring against Croatia’s vulnerable defence is a very real possibility.
Morocco
If Canada’s World Cup odds are going to shorten, then this is a game we have to win. Morocco (+25000) had very little difficulty qualifying out of the CAF, but they’re not as strong as their No. 22 FIFA ranking would suggest; much like Croatia, the Atlas Lions will depend on their midfielders to hold the fort and squeeze the life out of their opponents, hoping for star defender Achraf Hakimi to work his magic on the counterattack.
Morocco’s World Cup hopes also took a serious blow on Sunday when forward Amine Harit sprained his left ACL playing for Marseille in France’s Ligue 1. Harit is likely to miss the entire tournament, having just been recalled by new head coach Walid Regragui in an attempt to breathe new life into this otherwise stagnant offence.
Best Canada World Cup Odds & Bets
With the Group Stage matches already set, here are Bodog’s top three ways to bet on Canada at the 2022 World Cup:
1. Canada +600 as Top North American Team: After our first-place performance during CONCACAF qualifying, Team Canada are a bargain compared to the +120 co-favourites from Mexico and the USA.
2. Canada +195 to Beat Morocco: This match will take place on Thursday, December 1, and it’s the last of Canada’s three Group Stage matches, so those three points should be vital for both sides.
3. Canada +260 to Draw Croatia: Canada’s second Group Stage match on Sunday, November 27 is pivotal; a point here and a win over Morocco could be enough to advance.
FIFA World Cup: Crypto Betting
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It’s not just Bitcoin, either – Bodog is also pleased to accept Bitcoin SV, Ethereum and Litecoin, as well as other popular digital coins. Start with our Bitcoin video tutorials if this is your first time using crypto, then cheer on Team Canada as we get ready to shock the world.