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World Cup Best Bets, Odds Today: Matchups, Picks, Predictions for Friday

Emanuel Rosu

Last Updated: December 1, 2022 11:46 AM EST • 2 min 32 sec read.

Casemiro and Thiago Silva of Brazil celebrate after beating Switzerland.
Casemiro and Thiago Silva of Brazil celebrate after beating Switzerland. Photo by Mustafa Yalcin / Anadolu Agency.

Germany is stunningly out of the 2022 World Cup after Thursday's action, missing the Round of 16 for the second straight tournament. Read on for Friday's top World Cup picks and best bets.

After almost two weeks of non-stop action, the group stage at the Qatar 2022 World Cup concludes on Friday with the matches in Groups G and H. Brazil and Portugal are through in their respective groups, but all the other teams can clinch a spot in the Round of 16.

Here are our best bets ahead of Friday’s World Cup matches (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook; Pick confidence is based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Friday’s World Cup Matches and Odds

(odds via FanDuel)

  • Group G: Cameroon (+700) vs. Brazil (-260)
  • Group G: Serbia (+160) vs. Switzerland (+175)
  • Group H: South Korea (+340) vs. Portugal (-130)
  • Group H: Ghana (+370) vs. Uruguay (-130)

Friday’s World Cup Best Bets

  • Moneyline: Serbia (+230 via FanDuel)
  • Spread: Brazil -1 (+105 via FanDuel)
  • Total: Cameroon-Brazil Over 2.5 (-135 via DraftKings)
  • Upset: Ghana to win or tie (+115 via DraftKings)
  • Prop bet: Serbia total corners Over 5.5 (+110 via DraftKings)
  • Parlay: Brazil-Cameroon: Over 1.5 Goals + Over 4.5 Brazil corners + at least one goal scored in both halves (+123 via FanDuel)

World Cup Top Picks for Friday

Moneyline: Serbia (+160)★★★

Serbia sit at the bottom of Group G after earning just one point following two games. Despite leading Cameroon 3-1 in their previous match, they couldn’t keep their advantage. The affair eventually ended in a draw.

Meanwhile, Switzerland also haven't been impressive, but they're still second in the group on three points, behind only Brazil. Given that Serbia have nothing to lose, they will take risks to get their three points. And the Eastern Europeans boast great quality in their attack, which should lead to a decisive outcome.

Spread: Brazil -1 (+105)★★★★

Brazil are already through, so head coach Tite is likely to start a few players who haven’t played much. But that shouldn’t sound encouraging for Cameroon and their shaky defense.

One of the best-attacking units at the tournament fuels Brazil, and Cameron struggles with its many defensive liabilities.

Total: Cameroon-Brazil Over 2.5 (-135)★★★

Brazil is already qualified for the Round of 16, but they won’t hold back from scoring if the team gets its chances. All of Brazil's attacking players possess the ability to hurt even the world's best defenders, so Cameroon’s back line is in for a tough challenge.

If you're after a larger spread, FanDuel offers a more than decent +205 for the Over on 3.5 goals.

Upset: Ghana to win or tie (+115) ★★★

Ghana were consistent against South Korea in their previous game while winning 3-2. That came just days after giving Portugal (3-2) a scare during the chase for their first points in Qatar. 

Uruguay looked tired and lacked ideas against both South Korea (0-0) and Portugal (0-2). Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, and the rest of their high-profile teammates were far from their best at this World Cup.

Ghana kept its rhythm, and Uruguay rarely looked like the threatening team from previous tournaments. Ghana winning or drawing looks like a valid option at +115. If you want to opt for an outright win from Ghana, DraftKings lists it at +390.

Prop bet: Serbia total corners Over 5.5 (+110) ★★★★

Serbia will try to make its presence felt in Switzerland's box as much as possible. Given the stature of their players, the Serbians hold a great advantage when it comes to set pieces.

Corners can play a big role in the outcome of this match, and Serbia will try to get as many as possible to bring the pressure.

Parlay: Brazil-Cameroon Over 1.5 goals + Over 4.5  Brazil corners + at least one goal scored in both halves (+123) ★★★

Goals are expected in this game, so bettors should pursue attacking stats. Brazil are relaxed and in form, but they can’t afford to lose momentum and not take Cameroon seriously. The difference in class should be visible quickly.

Where to Bet on World Cup Picks

World Cup Betting Sites

World Cup odds and best bets from 12/1/2022 at 2:36 p.m. ET.

Written By:
Emanuel Rosu
Emanuel Rosu has freelanced as a soccer specialist for the BBC, The Guardian, FourFourTwo, Goal, and the New York Times. He's part of the "Ballon d'Or" jury, representing Romania in the vote that rewards the best soccer player in the world each year. He is based in Bucharest, Romania.