World Cup 2022 Playoffs Betting Preview

The final stages of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar are on the horizon. In Europe, we have 12 teams remaining in the hunt for a place, but only three will make it, and the draw is now known, so teams know what they have to do in order to make it through.

2022 World Cup Playoffs Explained

Here is a look at the playoff format for the 2022 World Cup in the European qualifying section.

• There are three separate paths, named A, B and C, with one winner coming from each path
• In each one, we have two semi finals followed by a final between the two winners to determine who makes it through to the World Cup
• Games are played with one leg only, so the draw was also important for home advantage

What Games are Taking Place?

Path A
Scotland v Ukraine
Wales v Austria

Path B
Russia v Poland
Sweden v Czech Republic

Path C
Italy v North Macedonia
Portugal v Turkey

The winners of each game will play the winner of the other game from their path, and the winner of those three games will make the World Cup.

Games will take place March 24-29.

2022 World Cup Playoffs Betting Preview

Path A

The one that will grab the interest of British football fans, as Wales could meet Scotland in a showdown for a spot at the World Cup. This is certainly possible, with Wales facing the toughest task against Austria, but they do have home advantage for the game, and would have that in final.

At home, Scotland will fancy their chances of beating Ukraine, with the crowd behind them.

The feeling is that the winner of the game between Wales and Austria will be the team to qualify from this path, and we fancy Wales to win this one, so we are backing Wales to qualify for Qatar 2022.

Path B

Russia are very strong at home, and face Poland in their first game, one that would have been tricky away from home, but considering their home record, they should have enough to win this one. Sweden host Czech Republic, and considering how the Swedes are improving, they are fancied to win this one.

That would leave Russia v Sweden in the final, and we have to side with Sweden here. Although Russia are strong, Sweden are a team on the up, and really improving with each game and they are fancied to get to the finals.

Path C

Both Italy and Portugal are in here, so one of these teams will definitely not make the World Cup. First up, Italy should have no problem beating North Macedonia, while Portugal should have enough to beat Turkey at home.

That leaves a showdown between the big two, and we are picking Italy to come out on top. Although both squads have ageing elements, Italy have younger players going forward, and that can be the difference maker.

World Cup 2022 Playoffs Betting Tips

• Wales to win path A – 2/1
• Sweden to win path B – 11/4
• Italy to win path C – 6/4

Treble bet pays 27/1. All prices from Ladbrokes