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The road to World Cup glory finally gets underway on Thursday night as the 2026 tournament kicks off across North America.

Canada, Mexico and the United States will jointly host the tournament, welcoming the biggest names in international football as nations from across the globe battle for the sport’s most coveted trophy.

Argentina arrive as defending champions after their success in Qatar, but a host of rivals will be confident of ending their reign.

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2026 World Cup winner odds (Betfred):

• Spain – 9/2
• France – 5/1
• England – 15/2
• Brazil – 8/1
• Portugal – 8/1
• Argentina – 9/1
• Germany – 14/1
• Netherlands – 20/1
• 28/1 BAR

England are among the countries hoping to write their own chapter in World Cup history. The Three Lions have spent six decades waiting to add to their sole triumph in 1966 and will travel to the United States believing they have the talent required to go all the way.

Leading England’s challenge is Thomas Tuchel, who takes charge of his first major international tournament since replacing Gareth Southgate. The German has enjoyed success at club level throughout his career and now faces the task of delivering silverware on football’s biggest stage.

Drawn in Group L, England open their campaign against Croatia in Dallas before facing Ghana in Boston. Their final group fixture comes against Panama in New York, where they will hope to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Few teams can match France’s recent World Cup record. Champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, Les Bleus have consistently been among the elite sides in international football and are expected to mount another serious challenge this summer.

The tournament also represents Didier Deschamps’ final opportunity to lift the trophy as France manager. Having already won the World Cup both on the pitch and from the dugout, he will be eager to bring the curtain down on his tenure in the perfect fashion.

France’s route will be anything but straightforward. A demanding group featuring Norway, Senegal and Iraq awaits, while several heavyweight nations could stand in their way if they advance to the latter stages.

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Spain head into the competition with momentum on their side following their European Championship triumph two years ago. Luis de la Fuente’s side impressed throughout that tournament and are widely viewed as one of the strongest teams in the world heading into the summer.

La Roja have been handed a favourable group-stage draw, beginning their tournament against newcomers Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia before a potentially decisive clash with Uruguay in Guadalajara.

Brazil, meanwhile, continue their pursuit of a sixth World Cup crown. Although no nation has lifted the trophy more often, the Seleção have not tasted success on the world’s biggest stage since 2002 and will be determined to end that run.

A new era has begun under Carlo Ancelotti, whose remarkable managerial résumé includes five Champions League titles. After conquering club football, the Italian now turns his attention to international competition for the first time.

Brazil have been paired with Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in the group stage and possess enough quality throughout their squad to trouble any opponent. With passionate support expected throughout the tournament, they will fancy their chances of making a deep run.

Argentina remain one of the standout contenders thanks to the presence of Lionel Messi and a squad packed with experience. Portugal are also expected to be in the mix, with Cristiano Ronaldo hoping to finally claim the one major trophy that has escaped him during his extraordinary career.

Germany’s pedigree makes them a threat whenever a major tournament comes around, while the Netherlands will once again aim to end their long search for a first World Cup title after several near misses over the years.

From established giants to emerging challengers, the 2026 World Cup is packed with compelling storylines. With football’s biggest stars gathering across North America, the stage is set for six weeks of drama, excitement and unforgettable moments.

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