World Cup Preview – Free Bets and Betting Offers

Welcome to all the World Cup 2018 free bets you will need from new and existing bookmakers including the latest hot betting offers like Early Payouts on World Cup matches.

The Bookmakers around the globe have a number of great offers and promotions for the tournament in Russia.

Bettors will be able to follow all the football action while taking advantage of these deals. The World Cup only happens every four years, so don't miss out on the great World Cup 2018 free bets and promotions on this page. Claim these highly rated bookmaker World Cup 2018 free bets today and bank your free bookie bonus money.

Our new bookmakers list includes new welcome offers like the STSBet sign up offer for UK players and is one of many rewarding betting bonuses from the highly rated newer bookies on our list. See the complete list of new betting sites on our page here.

Apart from the World Cup free bets you can also claim extra bookmaker betting offers. These promotions are for new and existing customers and cover the winner of the World Cup, Top Goalscorer and lots more. See our selected sample of hot World Cup betting offers below and then check out the full list on our betting offers page here.

World Cup Bookmakers

The best rated online World Cup bookmakers and their popular new football betting offers.

#1 Bet365 World Cup

Bet365 has a number of great promotions bettors can select from ahead of this year's World Cup. The famed betting company is offering punters the chance to wager on Cristiano Ronaldo to outscore rival Lionel Messi. Bettors can also wager on the two forwards' combined goals.

The sports betting company is offering odds on Harry Kane to finish as England's top goal scorer. The Tottenham Hotspur man was given odds to finish as England's main scorer. Of course, things are never as easy for the Three Lions when they get to the World Cup.

#2 William Hill World Cup

William Hill gives World Cup 2018 punters the chance to wager on enhanced odds. Bettors will be able to get enhanced betting odds each day of the tournament that they won't find on other sports books.

The sportsbook is also offering the chance to get flash odds. These limited time prices don't last long. So, punters who are ready to pounce on them can enjoy odds other World Cup 2018 bettors will miss out on.

#3 Betfair World Cup

Betfair has the World Cup covered this year and punters can find great odds on England and the 31 other nations competing at the event. The sportsbook betting site Betfair is running a special on England and Gareth Southgate's squad's chances in Russia. When will the team be eliminated, how many group points will they earn and more can be wagered on ahead of this year's event.

World Cup 2018 Group Stage Betting

See which team is the bookmakers favourite for their World Cup Group and who to watch out for.

World Cup Group A

The World Cup 2018 kicks off on June 14 in Moscow. Host nation Russia will take on Saudi Arabia in the first game of the tournament. It will be a match-up of the two lowest FIFA ranked teams involved in the World Cup. The two nations are joined by Uruguay and Egypt in the group stage. The Uruguayans are the heavy favourites to progress and win Group A at odds of 10/11.

Despite being poor, Russia will be playing at home. The team is expected to go through to the knockout round with 1/3 odds to qualify. Although Egypt are 6/4 to qualify, the Pharoahs shouldn't be counted out. Mohamed Salah is coming off of a career season with Liverpool. Don't be surprised if he leads them through to the next round.

World Cup Group B

Portugal and Spain are the heavy hitters in Group B. The two Iberian rivals will meet on day 2 of the tournament. Neither nation should have difficulty making the knockout stages as Morocco and Iran are just happy to be in Russia.

Spain has the better side on paper. At ½ to win the group, the Spanish should perform far better than they did four years ago in Brazil. At the 2014 World Cup, Spain didn't make it through the group stage.

Portugal are 2/9 to qualify behind Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo has improved his club play since Christmas and has Real Madrid in the Champions League final. He will want to perform well again after Portugal's Euro 2016 win in France.

World Cup Group C

France should have little resistance in winning Group C. The French are 2/7 to win the group and progress to the knockout round. Didier Deschamps' squad is stacked with talent. Captain Hugo Lloris will be difficult to beat in goal and the French have talent at every position. Making them even more difficult is the fact that France have players on the bench who can slot in without missing a beat.

The real challenge will be for second place. Denmark lead the odds to finish second at 8/13. Australia are 10/3 and being that the Socceroos placed manager Bert van Marwijk in charge just for the tournament doesn't bode well for their chances. Peru haven't been to a World Cup since 1982. Could the team cause a shock and qualify at odds of 9/4? It is doubtful.

World Cup Group D

Argentina are the favourites to win Group D. Lionel Messi and company are 8/13 to win the group. Despite being runners-up four years ago, Group D may not be as straightforward as many believe. Argentina have plenty of issues and rely heavily on Messi.

Iceland are the most improved team in international football. The country is playing in its first World Cup. After playing so well at the Euro 2016 competition, Iceland will be full of confidence. The Icelanders are 11/4 to qualify, which is a great price for this team of fighters.

Croatia are expected to qualify behind Argentina at odds of ½. But this Croatian team has disappointed time and again. The nation struggled through qualifying and only made the World Cup through the UEFA qualifying playoffs. The Croatians are too hyped.

Nigeria are an interesting team of exciting young players. The forward line of Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi could surprise fans in Russia. Nigeria is 9/4 to qualify for the knockout round.

World Cup Group E

Brazil shouldn't have much trouble in Group E. The fourth-place finishers from 2014 are 2/7 to win the group. A lot hinges on the fitness of Neymar. The team showed four years ago it struggles without the Paris Saint-Germain star. Regardless, the Selecao should win this group.

The fight for second will be more difficult to predict. Switzerland are favoured to go through at odds of 1/1. However, punters shouldn't sleep on Costa Rica. The team is an incredibly underrated CONCACAF side. Costa Rica made the quarterfinals in Brazil and have the potential to do it again. Manager Oscar Ramirez's team is 7/2 to qualify.

Serbia have no easy task to qualify beyond the Group

Serbia round out Group E at odds of 6/5 to qualify. The nation has never qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup. In October 2017, Serbia suddenly sacked manager Slavoljub Muslin and replaced him with Mladen Krstajic. Despite the latter never holding a coaching position, he has them in the tournament. Despite some familiar names and potential big money transfer Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Serbia will have difficulty getting into the next round.

World Cup Group F

Group F doesn't look easy, but Germany are still the best of the bunch. The reigning champions have a loaded squad and Joachim Low has a deep bench to replace injured or tired players.

Germany have made the semifinals of the last four World Cups, there is no reason they won't make it there again. Low's team is 1/3 to win Group F.

Mexico are a better side than they get credit for. The Mexicans are constantly at the World Cup and this may be the nation's best squad in a while. Hirving Lozano shouldn't be missed. The PSV Eindhoven winger is poised for a big tournament and big summer transfer. Mexico is 11/10 to qualify. Sweden and South Korea will fight for qualification, but neither side has the talent this year to make it to the knockout stages.

World Cup Group G

The 2014 World Cup hipster pick, Belgium, go into the group stages at odds of 5/6 to win the group. Belgium have talent all over the pitch, and depending on fitness, could have an exciting forward line. Roberto Martinez is yet to announce his squad, but it should be loaded. Belgium are going through a golden generation and this tournament could be their last to achieve a memorable World Cup moment.

Panama will play in their first ever World Cup. It may be a fool's bet, but the team is a 40/1 longshot to win Group G, whole the side is a 9/1 bet to qualify.

England should finish second behind Belgium at 1/8 to qualify. But this English side may be better than many give them credit for. Okay, they were undefeated in qualifying, that wasn't a challenge, but Southgate's team could get to the quarterfinals. England are far better than four years ago under ol' Roy. Of course, this is said every World Cup and England could disappoint as usual. The Three Lions are 6/5 to win Group G.

World Cup Group H

Group H should be pretty straightforward. A talented Colombia go into the group stage as 5/4 favourites to win the Group H. Poland could give them a run for their money. The Polish are 7/4 to win the group. Whichever of the two sides doesn't qualify as winner will go through in second place. Colombia are 1/3 to qualify while Poland are 4/7.

World Cup 2018 betting odds

With fewer than 30 days until the kickoff in Russia, Brazil are the odds on favourite to win the Jules Rimet Trophy. The Brazilians are 4/1 to win the event, which would be their first since 2002 in Japan and South Korea.

Reigning champions Germany are just behind Brazil in odds. The Germans are 9/2 to win the tournament. Low's team has been to the last four World Cup tournament semifinals. It is likely they will get there again.

Biggest Outsiders to Win the World Cup 2018?

The longest odds at this year's event go to Panama. The Panamanians are 1000/1 to win the tournament. Why are the team's odds so long? This will be their first ever World Cup.

Panama

Saudi Arabia are also at odds of 1000/1. Interestingly, Saudi Arabia's football association paid several Spanish clubs to take their national team players on loan during the season. It was hoped the players would improve and help the national team perform well in Russia. As of last report, nearly all of the players sent to Spain didn’t play a La Liga or La Liga Segunda match during the season. Still you could use the World Cup 2018 free bets to have a wager on how far in their Group Saudi Arabia will progress.

Saudi Arabia

World Cup 2018 winner betting odds

The Top three teams in the World Cup betting market are Brazil, Germany and Spain but which team has the better chance of winning?.

Tite's Brazil side is far different than the defensive team it was under Dunga four years ago. Brazil have regained its style and flair. Injuries are the manager's biggest problem heading to Russia. Neymar hasn't played a competitive football match since February. He suffered a broken metatarsal and ankle ligament injury. Neymar's fitness could be a major factor. At the 2014 event, Brazil capitulated completely without their star. It is possible it could happen again. Tite will also be without captain Dani Alves, who will miss the tournament due to a knee injury. When you sign up for the many World Cup 2018 free bets on site you can have a bet on Brazil to win the tournamnet using the bookie's bonus money.

Germany

Germany are 9/2 to win the tournament. Low's team could have issues as the tournament starts, however. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer broke his foot last September and is only back in training 30 days prior to the World Cup's kickoff. Centre-back Jerome Boateng has fought injury problems late in the club season. Will he be fit? Also, which striker will rise up and score Germany's goals? Will it be Thomas Mueller, Timo Werner or veteran Mario Gomez? Germany has a lot of questions.

Spain

Spain are 6/1 to win the World Cup, and after a nightmare performance four years ago, the team looks like a great wager. Spain have veteran leadership in Sergio Ramos, David De Gea and Gerard Pique. But the team also has great young talent in Marco Asensio, Isco and Saul. Julien Lopetegui hasn't lost a match since taking over post-Euro 2016. This team will be exciting. Take advantage of the World Cup 2018 free bets listed on our site to wager your bonuses on Spain to win the World Cup.

Who has won the most World Cups?

Brazil are aiming for their sixth World Cup victory. The national team hasn't won a Jules Rimet Trophy since 2002 in Japan and South Korea. On that occasion the Brazilians defeated Germany.

Since winning their first World Cup in 1958, Brazil's current winless streak is their second longest. Between 1974 and 1994, Brazil did not win a World Cup. Brazil haven't even made a final since 2002.

Germany and Italy have each won four World Cups. Italy will not have a chance to make it five as the Azzurri was unable to qualify for this year's event.

The Germans could equal Brazil's record.

Argentina and Uruguay have won two World Cups each. The Argentines' last triumph came in 1986 behind the play of Diego Maradona. Uruguay's two wins came in the first 20 years of the competition. The South Americans won the inaugural event in 1930 and two decades later in 1950. They have never won the tournament outside of South America.

England, France and Spain have each won the tournament once. Could this year see a new nation take the Jules Rimet Trophy home? It is possible, but it is more likely a previous winner will do the honours.

How many times have Brazil won the World Cup?

Brazil have won five World Cups. Their first came in 1958 as a young Pele scored two goals to help his team beat Sweden 5-2. Four years later in Chile, Brazil topped Czechoslovakia 3-1 in the 1962 final. The Brazilians came back from an early deficit to win the match in front of more than 68,000 fans.

In 1970, Brazil defeated Italy, 4-1, in Mexico City to win their third trophy. An aging Pele scored the Selecao's first goal as they romped with three second half goals. After a two-decade drought, Brazil final secured their fourth World Cup trophy at USA '94. In what some called a dull final, the Brazilians beat Italy on penalties.

Brazil's fifth World Cup, and most recent, came in 2002. The site was Japan and South Korea in what was one of the wildest tournaments due to time changes, referee decisions and local fans. Brazil dominated Germany 2-0 in Yokohama thanks to two Ronaldo goals.

This year's World Cup Cinderella Team could be Columbia at 40/1

The World Cup always has a Cinderella team. This year it could be Colombia. The South American country is 40/1 to win the World Cup, and as the team progresses, those initial odds will look great for anyone who locked them in. Utilise the World Cup 2018 free bets on this page to have a free wager on Columbia.

Colombia have plenty of talent in the squad. The nation made the quarterfinals four years ago, and with more experience and development, Colombia could go further. James Rodriguez had a great season for Bayern Munich and is in-form heading to Russia.

Golden Boot Winner

Lionel Messi is favourite to finish the tournament as top scorer. The Argentine is 9/1 to be the Golden Boot winner. Messi has only scored five career World Cup goals. Four of those came in Brazil. An outsider to win the trophy could be more likely. Antoine Griezmann is a great option to win the Golden Boot. The Frenchman is 12/1 to win the award.

Where to watch the 2018 World Cup?

Football fans in England will be able to watch the entire 2018 World Cup on BBC and ITV. The two British terrestrial channels will alternate the coverage of each match.

ITV will kickoff the 2018 World Cup coverage on June 14 with the live presentation of Russia versus Saudi Arabia.

BBC will host its first match the following day as Egypt and Uruguay kick off at 13:00 GMT.

When is the 2018 World Cup?

The 2018 World Cup starts on June 14 in Moscow.

The first match will see host nation Russia taking on Saudi Arabia. Over four weeks later, the tournament will conclude back in Moscow with the final. Thirty-two teams will compete in Russia for the right to be crowned World Cup champions.

How to bet on the 2018 World Cup?

The World Cup is one of the most popular sporting events to bet on. There are several ways a punter can bet on the 2018 World Cup. The most popular is the moneyline or win bet. The bettor simply picks which team they believe will win the match.

The moneyline bet isn't the only way to wager on matches or the 2018 World Cup. Each match will have prop bets that punters can explore. These range from number of corner kicks to the total number of goals. Each is a great way to follow the action in Russia and to get closer to the games being played.

Bettors can also take advantage of futures bets ahead of the tournament. Punters can select which team they believe will win the event before it kicks off. If the selected nation wins the World Cup, then the bettor wins. There are several futures bets to select from.

Don't Miss the World Cup 2018 Free Bets

The 2018 World Cup will be one of the most bet on events this year. People from around the globe will wager on the tournament and some punters could finish the World Cup with a large pot of winnings.

To get in on the excitement of the 2018 World Cup, all you have to do is open an online sportsbook account. Once you do, you will be able to take advantage of the World Cup promotions like the Betfred free bet and other promos from the online bookmakers. The World Cup is a perfect opportunity to wager on football using your mobile. If it is your first time, don't miss the excitement of the World Cup. It only comes along every four years, so start your account today and enjoy World Cup 2018 free bets and promotions from leading betting sites and sportsbooks.