World Cup Predictions: Group E

Group E at the World Cup 2022 includes two European powerhouses, with both Spain and Germany expected to qualify for the knockout stage.

It would take a big upset from either Japan or Costa Rica to deny the ‘big two’, who have lifted the trophy five times between them.

We have seen World Cup shocks in the past, though, and the outsiders, who are both ranked in the top 35 in the FIFA rankings, will hope they can write their name into history.

At the time of writing, Spain are the 1.952* favourites to finish top of the group, with 2014 champions Germany available to back at 2.150*.

If you fancy a Group E shock, Japan are at 4.500* to qualify for the round of 16 while Costa Rica can be backed at 9.000* to finish in the top two places.

If you fancy the outright tournament winner to come from Group E, you can back that at 5.000* while 4.330* is on offer if you think it will be the group with the most goals.

Both Spain and Germany have squads full of household names and young stars, especially for those that watch the top European leagues. 

The likes of Joshua Kimmich and İlkay Gündoğan have huge experience playing for their country, while Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, and David Raum are all up-and-coming stars under the age of 25.

Spain’s young stars include Barcelona’s teenage midfielders Pedri and Gavi, while World Cup winner Sergio Busquets can still play a key role at the age of 34.

Japan also have some promising young players to watch out for, including 21-year-old midfielder Takefusa Kubo, who plays for La Liga club Real Sociedad.

Former Arsenal striker Joel Campbell scored Costa Rica’s winner in the World Cup inter-confederation playoff clash with New Zealand and is likely to be their main goal threat.

Germany look to offer the value in the group, having lost just one of their last 15 international matches going into the tournament and that defeat, to Hungary, is the only time they failed to score during that run.

There doesn’t look to be much between Hansi Flick’s men and the Spanish squad, but there is a suggestion that Germany may just have the edge when it comes to a goal threat. Spain (2.560*) are currently the narrow favourites at Pinnacle for their match against Germany (2.790*) on November 27.

Costa Rica look like finishing bottom of the group despite showing some signs of improvement in recent months, with their 2-2 draw against South Korea being an indication of what they are capable of. At odds of 1.854*, Japan are the favourites to beat Costa Rica (4.670*) on November 27.