close icon
popup icon
Free Picks
Discounts &
Get $15 Free
All News / Soccer, World Cup Picks

Qatar vs Ecuador Prediction and Betting Odds | World Cup Match Day 1

Allianz Arena in Munich

Qatar vs Ecuador Betting Prediction – Game Preview

From the stadium construction to the weather to the beer sales (or total lack thereof), plenty has been said about Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup. For 90 minutes on Sunday, that will be put to the side as we get to see what kind of squad the host nation has put together for the tournament’s opening match against Ecuador.

Have you downloaded the new WagerTalk TV app? If not, what are you waiting for?! Watch all of our programming – Puck Time, WagerTalk Today, Bet On It and more – on all streaming platforms. Download today on Apple, Android, Amazon and Roku

Qatar vs Ecuador Betting Odds

Sunday, November 19Qatar vs Ecuador Odds
Qatar:+220
Ecuador:+150
Draw:+210
Total:2 Goals (Odds Above Courtesy of DraftKings)
Game Time:11:00am ET / 8:00am PT

Qatar vs Ecuador Analysis

The host nation playing in the opening match of the tournament is a relatively new tradition in the grand scheme of the World Cup’s history. From 1974-2002 the defending champ played in the opening match, but that changed in 2006 and the host nation has not lost the opening match since (three wins, one draw).

Qatar has essentially been preparing for this match since December 2010 when it was announced that they would be hosting the World Cup. None of Qatar’s players play in domestic leagues outside of the country, so they will certainly be one of the more cohesive units in the tournament. Do they have enough skill? That remains to be seen.

Is Qatar Any Good?

Qatar has done a nice job of competing in international competitions outside of the Middle East. In 2019 they played in South America’s Copa America where they played Colombia (lost), Argentina (lost) and Paraguay (draw). In 2021 they played in North America’s Gold Cup where they beat Grenada, Honduras and El Salvador plus a draw with Panama before losing to the US in the semifinals.

If FIFA was looking for fireworks in the opening match, they picked the wrong opponent for Qatar. Ecuador’s last five matches have featured a gand total of one goal. Not one goal per match. One total goal in 450+ minutes of soccer.

Ecuador knows how to grind out ugly results. They earned back-to-back draws with Brazil at last year’s Copa America and January’s World Cup qualifier. During the last round of World Cup qualifying in the spring, Ecuador earned three draws in four matches including one against Argentina. There’s a reason the goal total has been set at 2 for this one.

Qatar vs Ecuador Prediction – The Betting Pick

This is not a must-win match for either team, but it’s certainly a must-not-lose match. With Sadio Mane out for Senegal, their outlook in this tournament took a big hit. Both teams will feel that if they earn at least one point out of this match, they’ll have a fighting chance to get out of the group.

Look, no one wants to put on their tin foil hat and start screaming about fixed matches, but let’s take a deep breath and remember what we’re talking about here. We’re about to watch the world’s largest sporting event played in a country that has the same population as Chicago. So yeah if Ecuador is ahead 1-0 in the second half and there’s a tight play, I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s going to bounce Qatar’s way to help them get an equalizer.

The draw is currently available at +210 at DraftKings. If you’re looking for a little boost to that price, play the draw and under 2.5 goals. That covers the 0-0 draw or the 1-1 draw. Most pundits would be shocked if we saw a 2-2 game (or higher). For more World Cup picks, visit WagerTalk’s Free Picks page.

SportsbookWelcome BonusStates AvailableGet Your Bonus
1. PointsBet$2000 in Risk Free BetsNJ, IN, IA, IL, CO, MI, VA, NY, KS, LAClaim Now!
2. Caesars$1250 Risk Free BetNJ, WV, CO, IN, IA, MI, VA, TN, AZ, NY, LA, KS, PAClaim Now!
3. BetMGM$1000 Risk Free BetNJ, PA, WV, IN, CO, TN, IA, MI, VA, DC, WY, MS, AZ, NY, LA, KSClaim Now!
4.DraftKings$1000 Deposit MatchNJ, PA, WV, IN, CO, IL, IA, TN, MI, VA, WY, AZ, NY, LA, KSClaim Now!
5. FanDuel$1000 Risk Free BetNJ, PA, WV, IN, CO, IA, IL, TN, MI, VA, AZ, NY, LA, ON, KSClaim Now!
6. BetRivers$500 in Free BetsPA, IN, CO, MI, IA, IL, VA, NY, NJClick State To Claim
7. Unibet$250 Risk Free BetNJ, PA, IN, IA, VA, AZ
Click State To Claim
8. FoxBet$50 Risk Free BetNJ, PA, CO, MI
Claim Now!

Stoppage Time | 2022 World Cup Betting Preview

The 2022 World Cup kicks off on Sunday as host nation Qatar takes on Ecuador. Which favorites will endure some trouble? Which darkhorses are ready to emerge? Join Carmine Bianco, Kevin Dolan, Pavlos Laguretos and Nick Borrman for Stoppage Time as we preview the World Cup from a variety of handicapping angles.

⚽ 2022 World Cup Picks, Predictions and Odds | World Cup Betting Preview | Stoppage Time Nov 15

2022 World Cup Group Predictions

Looking for more free sports picks and sports betting tips?

  • Latest Betting Odds and Public Action: Vegas lines updated in real time, including who the public is betting on.
  • Last Minute Handicapping Advice: Check out our extensive library of handicapping tips and advice from professional Vegas handicappers (we also recommend taking the time to look over our sports betting tips video library)
  • Want an expert opinion? Check out the latest Free Sports Picks and Best Bets from our team of expert sports handicappers.

Make sure to bookmark all the above!

«
»
Back to Top
close popup icon