If the last World Cup taught us anything - it's that anything can happen during the tournament. While the favourite teams may seem like 'old hands' there is still a group of underdogs who could potentially walk away with the World Cup trophy. No one expected Germany to score against Argentina in the last minute in the last World Cup to win the match 1-0, but it happened! To keep up with all of the action go to https://footballworldcup.info/.

The Bookies Favourites to Lift the 2018 World Cup

There isn't really a lot of surprises when it comes to the teams in the top 3 predictions at being the World Cup winners. With past performance being a key indicator the top 3 is a mix of the most recent winners and runners-up. Strong showings in the pre-stages have also given bookies a good baseline to judge their odds on.

Germany

Although the final was tense in the World Cup 2014, no one could have refuted that Germany deserved their win. Despite having just about managed in during extra time - they worked hard for the entire tournament and manage to put their previous bad spell behind them. They won 4/4 in the qualifying stages and are the current favourite to take away the World Cup trophy.

Brazil

Brazil are the team that have won the most World Cups in everyone who will be watching it this time around's lifetime - and they have great chances again for this year's tournament. Argentina who are an incredibly strong team were beaten by them 3-0 and Ecuador suffered the same fate. With Neymar at full fitness and a new manager, the rejuvenated Brazil team could be even more of a force to be reckoned with than they have been in previous years.

France

France and Spain have been battling it out for the third spot in the winners' list in the run-up to the tournament and some bookies still have Spain ahead. France's performance in the qualifying stages has managed to just put them slightly ahead. Their loss in Euro 2016 is not seen as a negative for such a determined team. They also have the help of a manager like Didier Deschamps who has experienced the World Cup as a player and can give first-hand guidance.

Underdogs to Win the 2018 World Cup

Surprising outcomes seem to be a World Cup standard, so there are a few underdogs you might want to keep your eye on if you are betting on the World Cup this year.

Senegal

Senegal have had an long break from the World Cup which has given them plenty of time to work out where they can improve. In 2002 they had a 'shock' run to the final 8 after a surprising victory over France. Senegal's manager has experience playing for top sides like PSG so maybe his guidance will lead to another unlikely run of events that puts them in the final 8.

Panama

This is the first time Panama have reached the World Cup finals after a win against Costa Rica that rewarded the whole nation with a days holiday afterwards, awarded by the President in all of the excitement. Although there isn't much to measure their World Cup performance on as it's their first one, sheer determination could be the factor that see's them through to the end.

Iceland

Iceland are another team that have never played in the World Cup finals, with slightly better odds against Panama.

The Bookmakers Favourites for the Golden Ball Award

The popular Golden Ball award is possibly as exciting to World Cup fans as who will win the actual tournament. Lionel Messi is a previous winner and that really sets the bar for the quality expected of the player that is going to pick up the award.

Gabriel Jesus

A relative unknown in the last World Cup - Gabriel Jesus has gained quite a following playing for Manchester City. The Brazil player could be one of the rising stars of this tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo makes every single best player list or list of contenders for awards like the Golden Ball. Still, at the top of his game - he has a great chance of beating out the new talent.

Lionel Messi

Like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi has proven time and time again that he can perform in international tournaments. The Argentinian is the favourite to win the Golden Ball this time around.

Apart from the 1xbet win a car World Cup promotion, ensure you check out the 1xbet Welcome Bonus!

Bookmaker

1xBet

BONUS

100€

Percentage

100%

Rating

9.9

To the bookie