World Cup 2022 Best Bets Today | November 23

World Cup 2022 continues apace on Wednesday, as Groups E and F get underway in Qatar.

Can Germany and Spain avoid upsets against Japan and Costa Rica? And will Croatia and Belgium be able to hold off the challenges of Morocco and Canada? Here are the best bets for day four.

The odds for November 23 have been taken from the Caesars sportsbook, where you can get up to $1250 in free bets by creating an account.

Morocco vs Croatia (Group F, 05:00 AM EST)

My Pick: Croatia (+101)

World Cup finalists in Russia 2018, Croatia have refreshed parts of their team since then. A midfield three of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic will be familiar to everyone - it is arguably the strongest engine-room trio in the whole tournament - but there are changes elsewhere, most notably in defense. 

Croatia recently qualified for the Nations League Finals ahead of Denmark, France, and Austria. They have what it takes to go deep in the World Cup again, although they were eliminated from Euro 2020 the first time they met a genuine heavyweight (Spain).

Morocco have recently changed their manager, but there is a talent within the side - not least at wing-back, where Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui will get forward at every opportunity. Back Croatia in this one, though. 

Germany vs Japan (Group E, 08:00 AM EST)

My Pick: Draw (+195)

Germany are looking to move level with Brazil by winning the World Cup for the fifth time this winter. But after they crashed out in the group phase under Joachim Low four years ago, the Nationalelf’s principal focus is on getting out of the group.

That might not be as straightforward as many expect. Group E contains three good teams in Germany, Spain, and Japan, while Costa Rica showed in their run to the quarter-finals in 2014 that they should not be underestimated.

The two main question marks over Hansi Flick’s Germany team are at full-back and upfront. They are strong in other areas, but Japan have a technically gifted side that will be able to take the ball away from their opponents at times. The odds on a draw are too attractive to overlook.

Spain vs Costa Rica (Group E, 11:00 AM EST)

My Pick: Spain (-625)

The pre-tournament consensus is that this could be South America’s year, with Brazil and Argentina both looking strong. If there is to be a challenge from Europe, Spain might be the team to do it.

Luis Enrique will be grateful for a relatively kind start to the campaign: Costa Rica should not be written off but this team is not as strong as the one that reached the last eight in 2014. 

There is a healthy blend of youth and experience within this Spain squad, and the effectiveness of their press-and-possess approach means they are unlikely to concede many goals in Qatar. 

Spain should be able to get off to a winning start without getting out of second gear. Deep down, Costa Rica would probably settle for a narrow defeat.

Belgium vs Canada (Group F, 02:00 PM EST)

My Pick: Draw (+325)

Belgium finished third at World Cup 2018 but there is a sense that the country’s golden generation is now past its best. Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois are still world-class, but there are question marks over the form, fitness, and age of other key players.

The biggest cause for concern is an aging defense that still contains former Tottenham Hotspur duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen. Belgium’s possession-based style requires their backline to push up the pitch to stop the team from becoming disjointed, but this means that they are vulnerable to runs in behind.

Canada are a fearless side with plenty of pace in attacking areas, and they could have some joy down the flanks if they are able to get the ball forward quickly. Belgium are understandably strong favorites, but it might be worth tipping a draw in this match.

How to Watch World Cup 2022

• Location: Qatar

• Dates: November 20 - December 18

• How to Watch: Fox Sports, Telemundo, fuboTV