World Cup Predictions: Group F

Belgium are currently ranked second in the FIFA world rankings and Roberto Martínez’s men are expected to top Group F and comfortably qualify for the knockout stage.

Croatia, who were runners-up four years ago, look the most likely to join them in the round of 16, although both Morocco and Canada will hope they can cause an upset.

Two-time semi-finalists Belgium are 1.666* to finish the group in the top spot, while Croatia can be backed at 3.100 (+210)* to finish above Europe’s highest-ranked team.

Morocco are available at 3.250* to qualify for the round of 16, while Canada – playing in their first World Cup since 1986 – are priced at 3.850* to get out of Group F.

Some may suggest that Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ are past their peak, but their squad is still packed with world-class players. Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne will pull the strings in midfield, while the likes of Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku pose a serious threat in front of goal, though Romelu Lukaku is currently a doubt for the team (at the time of writing).

Croatia have their own creative playmaker in Luka Modrić, while Chelsea’s Mateo Kovačić and Marcelo Brozović of Inter Milan could also play key roles in midfield.

There are several European-based players in the Moroccan squad, with PSG star Achraf Hakimi and former Wolves man Romain Saïss giving the defence a reassuring solidity.

Morocco will look to Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri of Sevilla to deliver the goods going forward.

There is no doubt as to who Canada’s star man is – Bayern Munich ace Alphonso Davies normally plays as a left-back for the Bundesliga giants but he will be utilised further forward for his national team.

If everything goes according to the FIFA rankings, then the European pair should make it through to the round of 16. In the Dual Forecast market, Belgium & Croatia can be backed at 1.769*, while Croatia can be backed at 1.775* to claim over 4.5 points.

Things don’t always go to plan in a World Cup, though, and if anyone can spring a surprise, then it is likely to be Morocco, who are looking to reach the round of 16 for the first time in 36 years.

Canada’s lack of top-level players and squad depth will likely mean John Herdman’s men will finish bottom. The Maple Leafs are available at 2.070* to finish fourth in Group F.