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Undoubtedly, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is one-of-a-kind.
One significant difference is that it will be scheduled for late fall, a considerable departure from its customary early summer timeframe.
The upcoming World Cup in Michigan marks not only the first time it is being held in the state, but also the first tournament since sports betting was legalized. Given that the World Cup is often the sole soccer event that many Americans watch, it presents a unique opportunity for residents of the Great Lake state to engage in soccer betting for the first time.
Rest assured, we’ve got everything you need. This comprehensive guide will walk you through watching the World Cup, including the United States Men’s National Team, providing insights on soccer betting, and highlighting the key players and teams worth your attention.
How to watch the World Cup
FOX will broadcast the Group A game between host Qatar and Ecuador, which will be the opening match of the World Cup. The game is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. EST on Sunday, November 20.
During the group stage, all matches will be televised on either FS1 or FOX. The daily schedule will consist of four matches at 5 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. The first two matches will be broadcasted on FS1, while the latter matches will be shown on FOX.
From November 29th to December 2nd, the concluding four days of group stage matches will feature two games at 10 a.m. and two more at 2 p.m.
In the group stage, there are a total of eight groups, each consisting of four teams. These teams will compete against each other in a round robin format. The top two teams from each group will then proceed to the knockout rounds, also known as bracket play.
All matches outside of December 4 will be televised on FOX, according to the following schedule for the knockout rounds.
- The Round of 16 matches will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. from December 3rd to December 6th.
- The quarterfinals will take place on December 9th and 10th at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively.
- The semifinals will take place at 2 p.m. on December 13th and 14th.
- The third-place match will take place on Saturday, December 17 at 10 a.m.
- Sunday, December 18th, at 10 a.m., marks the final event.
You have the option to stream the games either through FOX online or the FOX Sports app.
Peacock will provide Spanish-language livestreams for the games, granting free access to the initial 12 matches. However, a Peacock Premium subscription will be necessary to watch the remaining games.
Where to watch the World Cup in Michigan
If you have the desire to leave your home and catch the World Cup, there are numerous choices available to you. One option is to visit any of Michigan’s retail sportsbooks, where you can enjoy both watching the games and engaging in betting activities.
In Michigan, you’ll find numerous soccer bars where you can delight in the games alongside fellow enthusiasts. The following establishments, listed on the Premier League website, are dedicated soccer bars:
- The address for Regents Field is 204 S. Main St. in Ann Arbor.
- Conor O’Neill’s is located at 318 S. Main St. in Ann Arbor.
- 1460 Michigan Ave. in Detroit is the location of McShane’s Irish Pub.
- The address for Mercury Bar in Detroit is 2163 Michigan Ave.
- The address for the Royal Oak Brewery is 215 E. Fourth St. in Royal Oak.
- The location is Thomas Magee’s Sporting House at 1408 E. Fisher Service Dr. in Detroit.
- The address of the Detroit City Clubhouse is 3401 E. Lafayette St., Detroit.
- The address for J’s Penalty Box is 22726 Woodward Avenue in Ferndale.
US World Cup schedule
The United States Men’s National Team has been placed in Group B alongside Wales, England, and Iran. Remarkably, their match schedule is incredibly convenient for viewers, considering the tournament is taking place on the opposite side of the globe.
- On Monday, November 21st, at 2 p.m., there will be a match between England and Wales, which will be broadcasted on FOX.
- Friday, November 25th, at 2 p.m., the match between England and [team name] will be broadcasted on FOX.
- The match between Iran and [opponent] is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, and will be broadcasted on FOX.
Should the USMNT emerge victorious in their group (with odds yet to be determined), they will compete in the Round of 16 match scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, broadcasted on FS1.
If the USMNT secures a second place finish in the group, they will have the opportunity to advance out of group play. This would result in a Round of 16 match scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m., which will be televised on FOX.
Of course, the chances of the USMNT winning it all are slim.
How to bet on the World Cup
Michigan sportsbooks offer a wide range of World Cup betting markets, totaling in the hundreds.
There are two ways to approach betting on the World Cup. One is to simply choose a team to win the entire tournament in the futures market. The other option involves getting more involved by predicting the total number of corner kicks in the first half of a 5 a.m. game between Morocco and Croatia.
Placing bets on soccer shares similarities with betting on any other activity. You have the option to create multi-game parlays or single-game parlays, with various types of bets available such as totals, moneylines, and spreads.
Goal scorer props are essentially the same as touchdown scorer props, as you can place bets on the first, last, and anytime goals.
Beware of ties when betting on soccer
However, there is one major obstacle in soccer betting, especially in group stage games: draws.
Teams can indeed tie in soccer matches, and unlike other sports like football, there is no overtime played to determine a winner before the knockout rounds. This means that in soccer, the moneyline betting odds can offer three possible outcomes with positive odds, as opposed to football where there is typically a favorite with negative odds and an underdog with positive odds.
For example, consider the USMNT’s opening match against Wales. The US team is favored with odds of +165, whereas Wales is given odds of +195, and a draw is also priced at +195.
In soccer, the “draw no bet” option is available to remove the possibility of a tie. When you choose either team in this type of bet and the match ends in a draw, your wager will be considered a push, and your money will be refunded to you.
The group stages are quite simple to understand, but when it comes to betting on the knockout rounds, it is important to pay close attention. If your bet specifies “after regulation” or “after 90 minutes,” keep in mind that if your team wins in extra time, you won’t receive any payout.
5 Teams to watch at the World Cup
The favorites to emerge victorious in the competition are the South American powerhouses Brazil and Argentina, closely pursued by the top contenders from Europe including France, Spain, England, and Germany.
Make sure to watch these five teams outside of that group.
United States
Alright, you were already planning on watching them, but consider this as additional verification. The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) currently boasts an exceptional pool of players with extensive experience in European clubs, making it one of the strongest in its history. Moreover, the team is notably youthful, with the majority of its top players being under the age of 25. While forward Christian Pulisic, whom we proudly claim as our own in Michigan, is widely recognized and capable of delivering breathtaking performances, it is midfielder Weston McKennie from Juventus who truly embodies the spirit of this team. Anticipate him becoming a well-known name in households across the nation by Christmas.
Netherlands
Group A consists of the Dutch team, which is considered to be in the easiest group of the tournament. Despite being ranked fourth in the world according to ELO ratings, the Dutch have favorable odds to win the entire competition. Their squad is led by Virgil van Dijk, a center back from Liverpool, and is also comprised of talented players from Ajax, their country’s top club team. This could potentially give them an advantage in a winter World Cup.
Mexico
Playing together at Monterrey, three out of Mexico’s four anticipated defensive starters possess a significant advantage in the tournament. Unlike most players from top teams who were previously playing with unfamiliar teammates, Mexico’s defensive cohesion is a valuable asset. Moreover, the attacking prowess of Hirving Lozano and Raul Jimenez adds to Mexico’s potential danger on the field.
Belgium
Previously seen as a rising star among European nations, its current status has diminished significantly despite respectable FIFA (2) and ELO (5) rankings. The defensive unit is noticeably aged, and certain prominent attacking players have experienced declines in recent times. However, their midfield boasts the exceptional talent of Kevin De Bruyne (more on him later), and they can rely on Thibaut Courtois, arguably the world’s finest goalkeeper.
Japan
Japan’s placement in Group E alongside formidable teams Germany and Spain, along with a potential surprise package in Costa Rica, is far from ideal for their chances of progressing. However, for spectators, it is the perfect scenario. The Japanese team arrives at the tournament with the coolest nickname, “The Samurai Blue,” and a playing style that guarantees captivating matches. Given the significance of every point in this group, it is bound to be an enjoyable and thrilling experience.
5 players to watch at the 2022 World Cup
It is hardly unexpected that the teams favored to win boast numerous top-tier and highly acclaimed players from around the world.
Sports fans are likely to have some level of familiarity with Neymar (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Harry Kane (England), and Kylian Mbappe (France). Additionally, Cristiano Ronaldo will be representing Portugal on the field.
However, take a glance at these five players who deserve your attention in the upcoming month.
Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium
De Bruyne, as mentioned earlier, is undeniably one of the best playmakers in the world. Even though he may not have the same caliber of teammates or play in a similar system as he does at Manchester City, that should not hinder him from delivering exceptional passes that are worthy of being displayed in the Louvre.
Karim Benzema, France
In 2006, we saw a World Cup without Messi or Ronaldo as the reigning Balon d’Or champion. However, this year, Benzema has claimed that prestigious title and undoubtedly deserves it as the world’s finest player in 2022. He consistently demonstrates his ability to score crucial goals in crucial moments.
Vinicius Junior, Brazil
Vinicius, aged 22, has already earned a reputation as one of the most vibrant forwards worldwide. With a Champions League-winning goal under his belt, he joined Real Madrid before reaching 18 years old. The upcoming World Cup might pave the way for him to surpass Neymar’s international fame.
Alphonso Davies, Canada
Since 1986, our northern neighbors have been absent from the World Cup. However, thanks to Davies, they have made a comeback. Despite playing as a left back for Bayern Munich, he primarily takes on the role of a forward for Canada, highlighting his incredible versatility. Although a hamstring injury might hinder his performance slightly, it will still be an enjoyable experience witnessing one of the most talented young players in the world on the grandest platform.
Darwin Nunez, Uruguay
The forward, aged 23, made headlines this summer as one of the costliest transfers in the Premier League, moving from Benfica to Liverpool. With his impressive speed, knack for positioning himself in scoring zones, and the partnership with experienced player Luis Suarez, he has the potential to become a formidable threat in the upcoming month-long tournament.
