World Cup 2022 Group H Teams, Odds, Preview & Best Bet
The 2022 World Cup draw has come and gone, as teams are most solidified for the group state of this November’s tournament. Shortly after the draw, teams’ odds started solidifying as well, as sportsbooks started posting a litany of options for early World Cup bettors to get down on.
Let’s take a look at one of the more interesting groups, Group H, and see where the value remains.
2022 World Cup Opening Odds and Best Bets >>
Portugal (-190 to Win Group H | +1200 to Win World Cup)
Few athletes in the world need less of an introduction than Portugal’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who is entering what will likely be his final World Cup at 37 years of age. While the Portuguese are seemingly always in the mix, they’ve failed to win much beyond Euros 2016 and this could very well be their final real chance this decade.
Ronaldo will need the assistance of Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes and Man City’s Bernardo Silva if they want to have a chance at a deep run. Long known for their scoring ability, Portugal’s defense has carried them as of late.
Fiving up just six goals in their past 10 matches and just one since the start of 2022, their defense prowess could be the difference this winter.
Uruguay (+250 to Win Group H | +5000 to Win World Cup)
Reaching the quarterfinals in the 2018 World Cup before losing to eventual champion France, Uruguay enters this tournament with many of the same stars at the helm. Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez and Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani are two of the best strikers in this tournament, and they need to show it early and often.
If their recent performance in the 2021 Copa America, where they suffered a quarterfinal exit, is any indication, the two-time World Cup winners are in for a rude awakening come November. They are also in the midst of a coaching change in Diego Alonso taking the helm six months ago.
South Korea (+900 to Win Group H | +30000 to Win World Cup)
Turning in one of the biggest upsets in recent World Cup memory in 2018 in their defeat of Germany, South Korea will once again look to cause a stir in group play an beyond. Led by Tottenham’s Son Heung-min, South Korea enters this tournament having won seven of eight while conceding just one goal since the start of 2022.
Appearing in every World Cup since 1982, South Korea is one of the more experienced teams in this tournament and is always a threat to cause chaos. I see this year as no exception, and for Heung-min to find help in the form of Wolve’s star Hwang Hee-chan.
Ghana (+1200 to Win Group H | +20000 to Win World Cup)
Securing their spot in the 2022 World Cup thanks to an away goals tiebreaker over Nigeria, Ghana is back in the tournament following sitting 2018’s edition out. Soccer fans will remember the Black Stars’ improbable 2010 run to the quarterfinals, losing to Uruguay in penalties.
This year’s edition of the team, however, has far less talent than the Ghana World Cup rosters of the past and will need to rely heavily on Arsenal’s Thomas Partey to have exceptional performances. Coming into these games with a goal differential of -4 (0 wins) to start the year, I expect an early exit from Ghana in what is a sneaky good group.
Best Bet of Group H: Portugal to Win Group (-190 via DraftKings)
Despite having to nearly lay $200 to win $100, I think there is tremendous value on Portugal to win this group. While Uruguay trails just behind at +250, there are few teams that have aged as significantly since their last World Cup appearance, especially at the top.
As much of a mainstay in World Cups as anyone in South America outside of Brazil and Argentina, I think Uruguay’s history and familiarity is a big reason for their shorter than expected number. In what will likely be his final World Cup, I expect an early exit from Suarez and company.
Join the BettingPros Discord Chat for Live Betting Advice >>
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts
Whether you’re new to sports betting or a betting pro, our Sports Betting Strategy and Advice page is for you. You can get started with our 101 section — including 10 Sports Betting Tips for Beginners — or head to more advanced strategies — like Key Numbers When Betting Against the Spread — to learn more.
Johnny is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Johnny, check out his archive and follow him @JohnnyCovers