These World Cup dark horses could be worth an early wager 

The 2022 World Cup in the Middle East is still several months away, but already the bookmakers are drawing up early odds. It’s no surprise that the likes of Brazil, France and England are among the favourites. A little like ante post betting in horse racing, this is the moment when you can get some of the best deals. Here, we take a look at some World Cup long shots that might just be worth a pound or two for Qatar 2022.  

Denmark 

After the disastrous opening group match against Finland in which they lost the game and almost the life of midfielder Christian Eriksen, few were tempted by even the best Euro 2020 betting odds on Denmark to make the knockout stages last year. Yet less than a month later, there they were at Wembley Stadium taking England into extra time in the semi final.  

Can they manage similar heroics in Qatar? They cantered through the group stage, winning nine of their 10 matches to finish at the top of Group F by some margin. Some bookmakers have them as long as 40/1, and it would take a brave pundit to rule them out entirely.  

Ecuador 

Unlike Denmark, Ecuador have yet to secure their berth at Qatar 2022, but their goal difference in the standings means automatic qualification is practically assured. The team proved they were up for any challenge when they held tournament favourites Brazil to a 1-1 draw. 

Ecuador have reached the final stages of the World Cup three times in recent years, twice being knocked out in the group stage and falling to England in the round of 16 in 2006. Ecuador is certainly a long shot, and some bookmakers are offering odds as long as 250/1. From the way they played against Brazil in the qualifiers, many will feel they are worth a pound or two.  

Switzerland 

There are some teams that consistently find that extra 10 or 15 percent on the largest stage. In three of the last four World Cups, Switzerland has looked dangerous and beaten some of the best in the world to make it through to the knockout stage.  

Yet it’s been 68 years since the last of Switzerland’s three quarter final appearances and many pundits feel Switzerland is due a good run. Solid performances to finish at the top of Group C, and in particular ahead of Italy, suggest that 2022 might just be the year. We all know that once the tournament reaches the knockout stages, anything can happen so the 100/1 odds on offer are hard to turn down.  

Other tempting offers 

Everyone likes a dark horse, and backing the right one can pay dividends. The three teams mentioned above are certainly tempting. Other intriguing outsiders include 2018 finalists Croatia at 50/1 and perennial nearly-men Belgium. The latter have long been talked up as potential winners, but with their superstar players now in their 30s, it could be a case of now or never.