Saxo Strats’ 2022 World Cup Predictions: Third Update

It is getting closer and everything can happen, even for the Netherlands

After four matches in the first stage of the knockout phase we have chosen to update our model and subsequent monte carlo simulation. We have updated the model input by updating the 1-year Elo momentum factor and squad dynamics reflecting the underlying strength and momentum as we move closer to the finale. Emotions always run high and there will always be disagreements with expert opinion or predictions made by a model as they never fully capture the “truth” seen by the football fan.

Our new model predictions are shown below and still have the Netherlands as the favourite to lift the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy which has been a consistent prediction since the start of the tournament. The Dutch coach “Iron Tulip” Van Gaal split opinions as many criticise him for playing boring football, but his tactics are always well-thought and if we look at the 1-year change in the Elo rating, then no other team has done as well as the Netherlands. As we move into the quarter finals anything can happen as our prediction probabilities also show. The relative strength between the remaining teams in the quarter finals is so low that in a high variance game like football they can all win as luck plays a big role in football outcomes over a short sequence of games. Our model has increased the win probability for Argentina and Brazil.