Some of the biggest names in soccer are about to compete on the sport’s biggest stage as 32 teams battle it out in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Of course there is a lot of focus surrounding Lionel Messi, who could be playing in his final World Cup this year. Despite scoring six goals in various World Cups throughout his career, Messi has surprisingly never scored a goal in a knockout round game before. Even though he scored four goals during the 2014 World Cup, none of them were scored during a knockout game. With Argentina being among the World Cup 2022 favorites ahead of the big tournament, is this the year Messi finally breaks that streak?

The latest 2022 World Cup odds from Caesars Sportsbook list Brazil as the favorites to win it all at 4-1, with Argentina (11-2), France (13-2), England (15-2) and Spain (15-2) listed next in line. Before locking in any 2022 FIFA World Cup picks, you need to see what SportsLine’s soccer insider Brandt Sutton has to say. 

Sutton, a former collegiate soccer player, has been SportsLine’s top soccer editor for more than five years. He has followed soccer closely for much longer and factors in managerial tactics, projected lineups and past performances to make the most-informed decisions possible, keeping his finger on the pulse of the game all over the globe.

Sutton also has been on a roll with his best bets, going 148-112-1 over his last 261 soccer picks this year, returning more than $2,300 for $100 bettors.

Now, Sutton has analyzed the 2022 World Cup bracket from every angle and revealed his top picks, predictions and knockout bracket. You can head to SportsLine now to see Sutton’s 2022 FIFA World Cup picks — and while you’re at it, sign up for our new newsletter covering the beautiful game in all its glory, including daily updates about the World Cup, here.

Top FIFA World Cup 2022 predictions 

Sutton is fading France, even though the defending champions are among the favorites at 13-2. France undoubtedly has one of the best rosters in the world, but they’ve been struggling to get results. In fact, Les Bleus have won just one of their last six games heading into the World Cup, which includes two defeats against Denmark. 

France and Denmark will square off in the group stage at the World Cup, and if France fails to win Group D, they could find themselves playing Argentina in the Round of 16. In addition to their recent form, the World Cup hasn’t seen a nation win back-to-back titles since Brazil in 1958-62, which doesn’t bode well for France’s chances in Qatar. 

“France will feature one of the deadliest attacks at the 2022 World Cup, with Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann spearheading the front line. However, I expect the defending champions to struggle without Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante in the middle of the pitch,” Sutton told SportsLine. “In addition, four of the last five defending World Cup champions have been eliminated in the group stage at the following tournament.”

Another surprise: Sutton expects Belgium to make a deep run in the 2022 World Cup bracket, even though they’re 16-1 longshots in the 2022 World Cup odds. The expert believes this club has a much more talented roster than sportsbooks are giving them credit for, and have a surefire chance at fighting for the crown.

One superstar who will garner a lot of attention is Romelu Lukaku, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury while competing for Inter Milan this season. But while the superstar striker has been limited to just five matches for the Italian Serie A club this season, he has scored two goals during that span. Lukaku also had an MRI on Monday that showed his condition is improving, which is a good sign for a Belgian side looking to make a deep run.

“Manager Roberto Martinez said he hopes Lukaku will feature in the group stage, but plans to have him available for the knockout rounds should Belgium make it that far,” Sutton told SportsLine. See Sutton’s other 2022 World Cup picks at SportsLine.

How to make 2022 World Cup picks

Sutton has locked in his best bets to win the 2022 World Cup, along with his top futures plays and his full knockout bracket prediction. He’s revealed how far the USMNT, Brazil and Spain will advance in Qatar. He’s also high on a dark horse team that “has a shot at being this year’s Croatia, who surprisingly made the World Cup final in 2018.” You can only see them here.

So who will win the World Cup 2022? And which longshot could stun the soccer world? Check out the odds below and then visit SportsLine to see Brandt Sutton’s best bets for the 2022 World Cup, all from the proven expert who is more than $2,300 on his soccer picks in 2022, and find out.

2022 FIFA World Cup odds 

Brazil +400
Argentina +550
France +650
England +750
Spain +750
Germany +1000
Netherlands +1400
Portugal +1400
Belgium +1600
Denmark +3000
Croatia +5000
Uruguay +5000
Serbia +7000
Mexico +10000
USA +10000
Poland +10000
Senegal +10000
Switzerland +10000
Wales +12500
Ghana +15000
Canada +15000
Ecuador +15000
Morocco +20000
Cameroon +25000
Japan +25000
South Korea +25000
Tunisia +30000
Qatar +30000
Australia +40000
Costa Rica +50000
Iran +50000
Saudi Arabia +50000

2022 World Cup groups 

Group A
Qatar
Ecuador 
Senegal 
Netherlands

Group B
England
Iran 
USA 
Wales

Group C
Argentina 
Saudi Arabia 
Mexico 
Poland 

Group D
France 
Australia
Denmark 
Tunisia 

Group E
Spain 
Costa Rica
Germany 
Japan

Group F
Belgium 
Canada
Morocco 
Croatia 

Group G
Brazil 
Serbia 
Switzerland 
Cameroon 

Group H
Portugal 
Ghana
Uruguay 
Korea Republic