World Cup Qualifying Group J odds: New-look Germany still favourites despite slip
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World Cup Qualifying Group J odds and preview
Armenia are the surprise Group J leaders in World Cup qualification as they boast the only perfect record after three rounds of fixtures.
Germany, who were knocked out by England at the last-16 stage of Euro 2020, are 1/8 favourites in the World Cup qualifying Group J odds but face a testing period in third place with seven matches remaining.
First in all 10 groups will secure a berth at the winter World Cup in 2022, with the second-placed nations and the best two ranked teams in the Nations League not already qualified set to compete for the remaining three spots.
Brazil and France are 6/1 co-favourites to win the World Cup, but we’re looking at the Group J contenders ahead of the next batch of qualifiers, which take place in September.
All change for Germany
Germany are in transition as former assistant manager Hansi Flick, who left his role as Bayern head coach, takes over from Joachim Low, while Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has retired from international football following Euro 2020.
Die Mannschaft fell to a shock 2-1 home defeat to North Macedonia – their first World Cup qualifying defeat since 2001 and third in history – before this summer’s tournament and will need to bounce back against minnows Liechtenstein, which kicks off their three-game stretch in September.
Germany certainly have the quality to rise to the top and are overwhelming favourites to win Group J, which would be a huge disappointment if they fail.
One of the greats 🇩🇪#DieMannschaft @ToniKroos pic.twitter.com/GKYN4BxoHN
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) July 2, 2021
Romania are already six points off the pace and with Germany set to rebound, they need to get on a winning streak in the group.
September’s fixtures represent a good opportunity, with trips to Iceland and North Macedonia sandwiching a home clash with Liechtenstein and Romania will feel they need at least seven points from those matches to stand a chance of a top-two finish.
Romania are 8/1 in the World Cup qualifying Group J odds to top the pool, which seems unlikely, but they have a chance of making it to the play-offs despite being in the midst of a four-match losing streak.
Tough stretch for leaders
Surprise leaders Armenia have had a brilliant start to the campaign, starting with a 1-0 win at Liechtenstein followed by home victories against Iceland and Romania.
Armenia did this without influential captain Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who should be available for the September fixtures as they push for an unlikely top-two finish.
However, they have arguably their hardest stretch of fixtures as they travel to Germany and North Macedonia before hosting Liechtenstein and are 14/1 in the World Cup qualifying Group J odds to finish at the summit.
North Macedonia celebrated their first ever major tournament appearance after qualifying for Euro 2020 and will want to make it to back-to-back competitions.
Despite losing all three group-stage fixtures, Risovi proved they were dangerous and could compete in future competitions.
North Macedonia, also priced at 14/1 to top the group, can put themselves in the mix with a positive return in home matches against Armenia and Romania with a trip to Iceland in between.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
