World Cup winner odds: Leading contenders for Qatar glory

They won a first major trophy of the Lionel Messi era with last year’s Copa America success and were well fancied heading to Qatar after a 36-match unbeaten run so their stunning defeat against minnows Saudi Arabia in their opening game was one that few predicted, especially after Messi’s early penalty.

Argentina have been impressive since then and that early setback could prove to be a blessing.

Routine wins against Mexico and Poland saw them progress as group winners before a 2-1 win against Australia which was easier than the scoreline suggested.

They threw away a two-goal lead and needed penalties to get past the Netherlands but the dream of Messi winning the World Cup is still alive – boosted by avoiding a showdown with Brazil – and Argentina are now second in the World Cup outright betting at 13/8.

Croatia

Croatia were runners-up in Russia in 2018 and are 7/1 to go one step further by winning the World Cup for the first time.

They only finished second in their group and have been taken to penalties in both knockout games but have held their nerve in the shoot-outs to beat Japan and, more impressively, Brazil.

Knocking out the favourites will have boosted their confidence and Luka Modric is in fine form so a repeat of the 2018 final and the chance to get revenge against France remains a possibility.

Morocco

Morocco are through to the semi-finals for the first time in their history and are now dreaming of becoming the first African winners of the World Cup.

They beat Belgium in the group phase and claimed another huge scalp after winning a penalty shoot-out against Spain following a goalless draw in the round of 16.

That was followed by a 1-0 victory over Portugal as they sent Cristiano Ronaldo home in tears and the only goal they have conceded remains an own goal against Canada.

Morocco remain the outsiders in the World Cup betting at 9/1 but have shown they are a match for the European heavyweights ahead of their meeting with France.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication