World Cup Predictions: Group A

By Chris Horton

04 Nov 2022

Chris Horton 04 Nov 2022

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Group A predictions
Group A odds and stats
Qatar vs. Ecuador predictions
Senegal vs. Netherlands predictions

Will hosts Qatar triumph in the opening match? Will the Netherlands come out on top? Inform your bets ahead of the 2022 World Cup with a deeper analysis of the odds and teams in Group A.

Hosts Qatar were drawn in Group A for this year's World Cup, alongside Ecuador, Senegal, and the Netherlands.

It comes as no surprise to see the European nation as the favourites to win the group, at 1.480*, while Senegal are currently 5.210* to top the standings.

Ecuador – playing in their fourth World Cup - can be backed at 7.060* while Qatar are the rank outsiders to top Group A at 13.640*.

The Netherlands are the highest-ranked side of the quartet, currently ranked eighth in the world, with Senegal 18th, Ecuador 44th and Qatar currently ranked 50th.

First Group A Games

Qatar vs. Ecuador predictions – November 21

There have been plenty of opening-game shocks in World Cup history and a win for Qatar would be ranked as another.

Ecuador are six places above the hosts in the world rankings, but their previous World Cup experience could also prove key in the tournament opener.

The South Americans claimed draws against both Argentina and Brazil in qualifying, although a lack of goals has been a concern of late – scoring just twice in the five matches they’ve played between June and the end of September.

Qatar have won just one of their last eight matches – with their solitary win coming against a Ghana ‘A’ team.

Bet: Qatar vs. Ecuador odds

Senegal vs. Netherlands predictions

Wins over Poland and Belgium in September’s Nations League games saw the Netherlands extend their unbeaten run to 15 matches.

They are going into the tournament full of confidence and with a strong squad, they will be amongst the favourites to lift the trophy.

They face a tough opening game though, against current Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal, who have a number of stars playing their club football in Europe’s top leagues.

The Lions of Teranga had a great chance to get out of the group four years ago, but eventually finished third and will want to make up for that in Qatar.

Bet: Senegal vs. Netherlands odds

Group A: Key players

Netherlands have a rich history in world football despite losing in three World Cup finals, and boss Louis Van Gaal has some world-class players at his disposal.

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, Stefan de Vrij of Inter Milan and Manchester City's Nathan Ake are all set to start in defence for Netherlands.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay are likely to start in the final third, while PSV Eindhoven's Cody Gakpo could be set for a massive World Cup before moving to the Premier League in January.

Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mané and Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly are the standout names from Senegal's squad, while Brighton trio Pervis Estupiñán, Moisés Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento are all set to feature for Ecuador.

All of Qatar's squad play on home soil but captain Hassan Al-Haydos – who has the most caps for his country – is their main goal threat.

Group A Predictions

The Netherlands have a squad capable of going all the way in Qatar, so they will likely top Group A easily.

Van Gaal's men are in fine form heading into the tournament, with the Dutch unbeaten in their last 15 matches. They have recently beaten Wales, Poland, and Belgium, and if they can overcome Senegal in their first game, it will be tough to see them not finishing top.

As long as Mané stays fit, Senegal will expect to make the top two, and they are 1.787* to progress from the group.

As the hosts, Qatar will open the tournament, playing Ecuador on November 20. If they're to have any chance of claiming any points, their best opportunity will certainly come during that encounter.

Looking forward to World Cup 2022? Check out the latest World Cup 2022 odds on every match, plus Outright markets and more, with Pinnacle.

*Odds subject to change.