Best World Cup Odds and Picks for Every Game Today (Qatar Can Hang with Ecuador in Opener)

The 2022 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off as host nation Qatar takes on Ecuador in a standalone match on Opening Night (11 am ET).

Despite welcoming the world to their country, this is the first ever World Cup game for Qatar. But that doesn't mean they're not ready to compete. This is still a team that won the AFC Asian Cup back in 2019.

As for Ecuador, this is their fourth World Cup and their last since 2014. Their best performance came in 2006, making it to the round of 16.

Both teams are way down on the board to win it all, with Ecuador +15000, while Qatar is even lower at +37000.

Both teams compete in Group A. On Monday, the other two teams compete in their group when The Netherlands and Senegal face off. The top two teams from the Group Stage round will advance to the knockout stage.

Who has the edge as the games begin?

Here are the best available odds for today's matchup, along with where the lines first opened:

Ecuador vs. Qatar Best Odds for World Cup Group Stage (Sunday, November 20)

Ecuador vs. Qatar Prediction and Pick

Qatar didn't have to qualify to make this year's World Cup as the host nation, but the line movement suggests they can make this opening round a bit more interesting and hang with a talented Ecuador roster.

While weather shouldn't impact this game, it's important to note that Qatar has been training in these conditions for several months now, and.

Qatar also plays fast. Via Brad Cunningham, they average less than five passes over each possession, looking to attack through their top player Akram Afif. It's a unique strategy to not own time of possession with several other countries fighting through the heat, but perhaps their pace can catch opponents napping as they start to get a bit more fatigued.

As for Ecuador, I think they'll be tempted by Qatar's pace to run with them early, but with only seven days to adjust, I could see that leading to mistakes on their end, potentially offering up more chances for Qatar to neutralize. I'll take the over on a short number of goals as the World Cup gets underway.

Follow all of Ben's betting plays in real-time HERE!

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.