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2018 World Cup Props and Odds: Trump, Putin and Politics

2018 World Cup Props and Odds: Trump, Putin and Politics
May 29, 2018; Nashville, TN, USA; President Donald Trump gestures during his rally at Municipal Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Larry McCormack/The Tennessean via USA TODAY NETWORK

Politics have always played a huge role in the World Cup. The world’s biggest sporting event has always been a place where world leaders have looked to show off when they know the world is watching. To that end, you can be sure that both Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump will have something to say about the month-long tournament. Putin will be ever present in one way or another with Russia hosting the event, while Trump will find a way to capture headlines during the event.

With this in mind, BetDSI is offering props related to the intersection of the World Cup and politics. Let’s take a look at some of these options.

Angels vs Mariners

Total matches Vladimir Putin attends at 2018 World Cup
Over 3.5 (-115)
Under 3.5 (-115)
Putin has already confirmed that he will be at Russia’s opener against Saudi Arabia, and it seems likely that he will be at the final too. Going to two matches would be enough for many world leaders, but Putin is known to be a huge sports fan. He might end up going to all of Russia’s matches and the final, which would put this one over the total.
However, if Russia proves to be a disappointment and does not fare well in their first match against Saudi Arabia, he may not go to another one until the final. Russia expects to get out of the Group Stage, but if it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen, Putin may only attend two matches which would make the under the winner.
Will Donald Trump attend a match at 2018 World Cup
Yes +2000
No -3000
Although much has been made about the relationship between Trump and Putin, it’s really hard to see Trump coming to the World Cup. If the United States were taking part in the tournament, there’s a decent chance he’d watch a game. Like Putin, Trump is known to be a big sports fan, and he has always been one for patriotism.
With the US missing out on the World Cup, there is no good reason for Trump to attend any World Cup matches. If he were to go to a match, he would unleash a firestorm of controversy. Although he is no stranger to that, he would not want to cause such a big hullabaloo.
Total times Donald Trump tweets “World Cup” from June 14-July 15 
Over 2.5 (-115)
Under 2.5 (-115)
This is a rather interesting proposition. Trump is notorious for his Twitter use. He could fire off an epic tweetstorm that would lead to the over cashing on the first day, or he could fail to mention the World Cup at all over the next month.
I would bet the over if i had to pick a side on this one. Trump has been on an international kick lately, and he may want to tweak both his rivals and allies with comments during the matches. He also may mention the United States’ 2026 World Cup bid at some point, which would help the over.
Location of 2026 World Cup
United 2026 (U.S./Mexico/Canada) -400
Morocco +300
The North American bid looked like a lock to win the 2026 World Cup, but recent events have changed things. There are many who are put off by Trump’s attitude, and that might lead to Morocco surprisingly beating out the joint World Cup bid from the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Morocco’s bid enjoys support from almost every country in Africa and many in Asia too. The new voting rules give every country a vote, which certainly helps out Morocco. I think it will be close in the end, but the North American bid will be able to attract the votes it needs.

Written by Jonathan Willis

Jonathan Willis has written on virtually every sport imaginable over the last decade. His specialties are college football, eSports, politics, the NFL and the NHL. He is always looking for soft markets to pounce on, and he will have you in the black by the end of the year.

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