World Cup Football Betting Guide & Offers
The 2022 World Cup is the most anticipated football event of the year. On this page Match.Center experts have prepared the World Cup Betting Guide and collected useful information for those who are going to bet on matches of the 2022 World Cup, which in many ways will be unique.
For the first time the 2022 World Cup will be held in the Middle East, in Qatar. It will be the last in the usual format with 32 teams in the final stage. The World Cup finals will be played in winter for the first time. And a semi-automatic VAR system will be used to determine offsides.
Best Betting Sites for World Cup in UK
The 2022 FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events of the year, with billions of fans around the world waiting for it. Almost all bookmakers in the UK will be accepting bets on World Cup events, and some companies have already set odds on the group stage matches and long-term events of the tournament in Qatar. Match.Center has compiled a list of the UK bookmakers offering the best World Cup betting markets.
Last updated: 09.6.2023
FIFA World Cup format
There are 32 national teams playing in the final phase of the World Cup. In the preliminary stage, the participants will be divided into 8 groups of 4 teams. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the playoffs. The knock-out stage is from the last 16.
Before you start betting on World Cup 2022, you should first take a look at the features of this year's tournament. The tournament will be held at 8 stadiums in 5 cities in Qatar. The event will be unique for several reasons:
In addition, for the first time in the last 88 years, the World Cup will be hosted by the tournament's debutant, Qatar. Back in 1934, the Italian team played that role. By the way, the Italians took the title back then. Will Qatar be able to repeat that unique success?
This year, for the first time since 2006, there will be no reigning European champions among the participants. The Italian team failed to qualify for the World Cup. Squadra Azzurra could have been reckoned as favourites to win the 2022 World Cup, but they were beaten in the group stage before losing to Northern Macedonia in the knock-out rounds of the World Cup qualifiers. Several other strong and attractive teams will also miss the World Cup: Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, Chile and Colombia.
For the first time, the main football tournament of the year will be held in a Muslim country where the sale of alcohol is banned. Therefore, organisers have decided to ban the sale of beer at stadiums. According to Reuters, the possibility of allowing fans to drink alcohol outside arenas is being discussed. Provisionally, the sale of beer outside the stadium might be allowed only before and after some matches.
Previous FIFA World Cup Winners and Results
Year | Winner | Runner-up | Host Country |
|---|---|---|---|
2018 | France | Croatia | Russia |
2014 | Germany | Argentina | Brazil |
2010 | Spain | Netherlands | South Africa |
2006 | Italy | France | Germany |
2002 | Brazil | Germany | Japan |
1998 | France | Brazil | France |
1994 | Brazil | Italy | Usa |
1990 | West Germany | Argentina | Italy |
1986 | Argentina | West Germany | Spain |
1982 | Italy | West Germany | France |
1978 | Argentina | Netherlands | Argentina |
1974 | West Germany | Netherlands | West Germany |
1970 | Brazil | Mexico | Italy |
1966 | England | West Germany | England |
1962 | Brazil | Czechoslovakia | Chile |
1958 | Brazil | Sweden | Sweden |
1954 | West Germany | Hungary | Switzerland |
1950 | Uruguay | Brazil | Brazil |
1938 | Italy | Hungary | France |
1934 | Italy | Czechoslovakia | Italy |
1930 | Uruguay | Argentina | Uruguay |
TOP 10 Football World Cup Betting Sites in UK
Many bookmakers accept bets on the World Cup and other football events in the United Kingdom. But World Cup betting offers, odds, markets, and features vary widely. Match.Center experts have assessed everything and selected the top 10 World Cup Football Betting Sites in Great Britain.
When compiling the ranking, we focused on the following parameters:
Markets and odds for the World Cup. The list of matches on which bets can be placed, the available markets and the amount of the payout if the bet wins. A separate consideration was whether the bookmaker offered advance bets on World Cup group stage matches or only Outright bets.
Bookmaker's reputation. At Match.Center, we only feature betting sites which are legally operating in the UK. All of the companies on the top list are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and have been on the market for years.
Payment Methods. Most customers use one or two deposit and withdrawal methods. But numerous supported payment methods show that the bookmaker has made sure that everyone will feel comfortable making deposits and withdrawals.
In Play betting. The more events you can bet on after the match has started, the better. Also the odds, stats, and features offered for In Play markets are very important. It is a big advantage if the bookmaker offers live streaming of football matches on the website or app.
Customer support. Any customer will have questions sooner or later. At the best bookmakers, the support team will help solve problems quickly, and there are various ways to contact them: by email, phone, chat on the website or messengers.
World Cup betting offers and bonuses. The best bookmakers offer free bets for signing up, enhanced odds for certain football bets or selected World Cup games, cashback or risk-free bets.
Additional features. The best betting sites in the United Kingdom offer Bet Builders on football, selections with special odds or other options. It makes betting more exciting.
Statistics and tips. Some Football World Cup Betting Sites offer not only betting on the website and in the app, but also statistics, analytics on each team, and tips from experienced bettors or celebrities. Being able to get all the information on the betting site saves the bettor's time when making a prediction.
In the table below, Match.Center experts have compiled the Best Betting Site for the World Cup according to various criteria as of November 2022.
Best World Cup betting site | William Hill |
Best odds | Betfair |
Best conditions for In Play betting | Bet365 |
Best World Cup betting offers | BetVictor |
Best statistics and tips | Unibet |
William Hill 2022 World Cup Betting
William Hill is a major betting company from the UK, operating since 1934. They accept bets on a variety of sports, as well as non-sports events. Football betting, including the World Cup, is one of the company's priorities.
William Hill, World Cup line
William Hill has started preparation for the main football event of the year early. The bookmaker accepts bets on the results of particular matches as well as on the Outrights. Even several months before the start of the Championship, the bookmaker offers more than 200 markets for each match including many In Play markets. And as the start date of the competition approaches, the number for the top games will reach 700.
For football betting fans, William Hill provides a lot of options and betting offers, including: Enhanced Odds, Flash Odds, #YourOdds, Bet Boosts and Cash Out.
William Hill offers not only pre-match, but also In Play betting. The In Play betting selection for World Cup matches is usually huge. There is live streaming of some top games available directly on the bookmaker's website or in the app.
William Hill is a reliable bookmaker with an excellent reputation and a wide range of markets for the World Cup. In addition, the company has plenty of options to make betting more exciting.
Betting on World Cup with BoyleSports
BoyleSports is an Irish bookmaker founded in 1989 by John Boyle. BoyleSports is famous for its large selection of sports and numerous promotions for new and active customers. There are plenty of deposit methods: Visa and MasterCard debit cards, Bank transfer, Skrill, Neteller, Paypal, paysafecard, Google Pay, Apple Pay and cash.
Boylesports, World Cup football stakes
BoyleSports has about 120 football tournaments of different levels to bet on. The widest range of markets is available for the top European club competitions - European Cups, English, Spanish, French, German and Italian leagues. Apart from the top divisions, there are also minor leagues, women's leagues, youth, junior and amateur tournaments. The Competition section features such exotic tournaments as the leagues of Angola, Bangladesh, San Marino and Tanzania. There is a wide choice of competitions for Brazil (5 tournaments), Iceland (4 tournaments), Norway (6 tournaments), Sweden (6 tournaments) and USA (6 tournaments).
Long before the start of World Cup 2022, BoyleSports provides markets for all first-round group stage matches of the tournament, as well as Outrights - on the winner of each group and the future world champion.
For the sports section, BoyleSports has prepared a bonus for accumulator bets. To take part in the All Sport Acca Loyalty promotion, the customer must place a winning accumulator bet of five or more sporting events with accumulated odds of 3/1 (4.00) or greater. Once the bet has been settled, the bookmaker will credit a €5 free bet to the client's account.
BoyleSports is a great bookmaker for betting on World Cup matches. Customers will find good odds on World Cup group stage matches and can also get a bonus for accumulator bets on tournament games.
Betting on the World Cup at Quinnbet
Quinnbet is an international bookmaker based in Ireland. The company offers a wide range of markets on football events at various levels, from Kosovo to the San Marino Championship. However, the main focus is on major events such as the World Cup 2022.
Quinnbet, footbal World Cup page
Four months before the championship, Quinnbet already put up markets for individual matches and Outrights. Popular betting markets including over/under goals, correct score, handicaps and more are available for top matches. But as the tournament gets closer, the company usually extends the range of markets and the number of options available may well exceed 100-200.
The betting site provides good In Play service. A typical game has about 30-40 In Play betting markets available.
Quinnbet is one of the few bookmakers who offer to place accumulators on Qatar World Cup in advance, with several selections of the same event. The company also has special promotions for those who bet on football.
Quinnbet accepts bets on matches and Outrights at the 2022 World Cup, but the range of markets is not that wide. This deficiency is compensated by the option to create your own accumulator bets as well as exciting promotions for betting on football.
Betting on the World Cup at Bet365
Bet365 is a betting company that operates exclusively online. Its head office is in the UK, but the bookmaker also accepts bets in many other countries around the world.
Bet365, World Cup line
Bet365 pays special attention to the FIFA World Cup. Already in the summer of 2022, its catalogue includes included bets on both Outrights and selected WC matches.
The average number of football betting markets is around 100, with more than 150 options for some games. The number of markets in Bet365's football betting offer is really impressive. In addition to the traditional 1X2 betting, you can bet on the winner of each half, the number of goals scored, the first goalscorer, the correct score and many other markets. The number of cards shown in a match is one example of an event for which there are specific betting options.
Bet365 also has one of the best In Play betting offers. The company accepts In Play bets on almost all major football events and will offer them for the 2022 World Cup matches. There are dozens of markets available for every match in the In Play. And for the top matches Bet365 has live streaming on their website.
Bet365 is a big bookmaker with a wide range of markets for World Cup 2022. Fans who love In Play betting should pay special attention to it.
Betting on the World Cup at Betfair
Betfair is an online bookmaker that has been operating since 2000. The company offers two betting formats: classic Sportsbook and Exchange. In the Exchange, bets are offered by the users themselves. There is no margin and you can find great odds.
Betfair, World Cup markets
Four months before the start of the 2022 World Cup, Betfair offered bets on all first round matches. Customers also got the option of betting on group winners, tournament winners and more.
There is no doubt that Betfair is one of the best betting sites from a football market perspective, with a wide variety of betting markets available. The number of cards in a match, the first goalscorer, and everything in between can be bet on. You can also bet on certain events not happening in the match, which gives you the chance to win even if your team loses.
Betfair has also launched the Bet Builder for World Cup betting straight away. In it, you can build your own accumulator bet with different markets of the same match. The bookmaker regularly organises promotions with free bets for newcomers, as well as enhanced odds and other bonuses for active customers.
Betfair can be recommended for those who want to find the highest odds or try an unconventional betting format. In the Exchange section of the betting site, users themselves make offers.
Betting on the World Cup at Paddy Power
Paddy Power is a betting company based in Dublin that operates globally. Four months before the start of the 2022 World Cup, already accepted bets on matches scheduled until December 3 inclusive, as well as on teams reaching the quarter-finals, semi-finals, winning the championship and more.
Paddy Power, FIFA World Cup section
Paddy Power is one of the few bookmakers to offer special bets long before the start of the World Cup, such as on the starting line-up of the teams for certain matches. For many Qatar World Cup betting options, there is also a Cash Out feature available. It allows you to get paid out early and minimise your losses or chances of losing.
Paddy Power regularly runs various promotions for new and active customers. You can get free bets, increased payouts or other World Cup betting offers.
Paddy Power is a reliable bookmaker with great promotions and plenty of options for World Cup 2022 betting. The company has added bets on Outrights and individual matches in advance, but it does not yet have a wide range of markets.
Betway World Cup Odds & Markets
Betway betting company was founded in Malta in 2006. The company is oriented towards European customers, with many European languages available in the settings. It is worth noting the wide variety of events available for betting: sports, showbiz, politics, culture and Esports. There are also casino and live casino sections.
Betway, World Cup line
Betway offers betting on more than 85 football tournaments from all over the world. Over 50 countries are represented. There are exotic tournaments such as the lower divisions in Nepal, South Korea, Japan and other countries. Betway focuses on the top 5 European championships, European Cups and international tournaments. There is also a wide range of tournaments for Australia, Japan, Norway and others.
A few months before the World Cup, Betway has already introduced the markets' line-up for all first and second leg group stage matches, the group winners and play-off participants from each group for the 2022 World Cup, the tournament's top scorer and the next World Cup winner. There are up to 100 markets available for each match, and it is also possible to create a unique bet through the Bet Builder.
Betway does not offer any special bonuses for betting on football, but the Betway Free Bet Club promotion is suitable for football betting. The company provides 2 x €5 free bets for accumulators or Bet Builder bets involving three events. To get the bonus, the bettor needs to spend €25 or more in a week on these bets.
Betway is a great place for betting on the FIFA World Cup for the unassuming users. There are plenty of World Cup bets, the range of markets is quite average, but still include all the main popular betting markets.
Sky Bet World Cup Betting
Sky Bet is a bookmaker that was founded in 2000. Its head office is in the UK, but it also operates legally in other countries. The company is known for its extensive markets' line-up and a strong focus on online betting.
SkyBet, World Cup football
For the World Cup 2022, Sky Bet has started offering bets months before the main event. Bets on matches have already featured in the catalogue four months before the first round matchups. In addition to the classic betting on the victory of one of the teams, Sky Bet offers bets on Over/Under Goals, "both Teams to Score" and more. There are around 70-100 markets for each match. The bookmaker also offers bets on the team winning the group, the tournament, the quarter-finals and semi-finals and others.
Sky Bet has launched the Sky Bet Club loyalty programme for its customers. Members receive free bets and other bonuses. During major tournaments such as the World Cup, the company also often runs special promotions for football betting.
Sky Bet can be recommended for those looking for unusual betting options on the Outright winner or intending to place In Play bets. Four months before the World Cup 2022, the range of markets is not the widest, while World Cup Free Bets and other exciting promotions are likely to appear only shortly before the tournament.
888sport World Cup Betting
888sport was founded in 2008. The bookmaker is now legally operating in the UK. They offer football fans betting on the results of competitions in more than 50 countries, as well as international tournaments.
888, World cup matches
For the FIFA World Cup 2022, a few months before the tournament, 888sport already offered betting on first-round matches. The bookmaker offers limited markets and long-term bets on teams advancing from the group, participating in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, as well as winning the World Cup.
888sport usually offers 10-50 markets for In Play bets. Just as many options are likely to be available for In Play betting on the World Cup 2022.
The bookmaker regularly runs promotions with betting offers for football and other sports fans. They most often provide free bets and enhanced odds.
888sport can be recommended to those who are going to place a long-term bet on the World Cup. It's a reliable bookmaker with a great reputation, but at the moment the range of markets for World cup matches is pretty average. However, this is likely to change by the start of World Cup 2022 and the company will offer a few hundred markets for each match.
BetVictor World Cup Betting Odds
BetVictor was founded in 1946 by William Chandler, owner of Walthamstow greyhound racing stadium. Today betvictor.com offers customers a wide range of gambling activities - pre-match and In Play sports betting, casino and live-casino, Esports and bingo.