Latest World Cup Betting Tips & Predictions from talkSPORT’s experts

We have finally reached the quarter finals of the World Cup 2026! Be sure to catch our World Cup predictions and betting tips for the final stages of the tournament.

The World Cup is not just the pinnacle of football – it sits at the very top of the list of the biggest sporting events on the planet.

This edition of the World Cup is a historic one: the first to feature 48 teams and the first to be co-hosted by three countries in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Spain, France, England, and Argentina are among the favourites to lift the trophy, but who will triumph in North America?

Find the latest World Cup tips and predictions, which we have been correct about in more than 60% of matches so far (64.71% to be exact).

Expert predictions for the World Cup 2026 quarter finals

Spain vs Belgium, Friday 10th July – Spain win at 8/13

Spain are yet to concede a goal at this World Cup, and that defensive solidity will be the foundation for their victory over Belgium.

Bet on Spain to win at SBK

Norway vs England, Saturday 11th July – Draw at 13/5

England have the better team overall, but Erling Haaland gives Norway a chance against anyone. Extra time might be required.

Bet on a draw at Sky Bet

Argentina vs Switzerland, Saturday 11th July – Argentina win at 7/10

Lionel Messi and co. have not been entirely convincing in the knockout phase so far, but they should find a way through this tie too.

Bet on Argentina to win at bet365

talkSPORT World Cup 2026 outright betting tips with latest odds

In the section below, we have shared our betting tips for World Cup 2026, forecasting which teams will make it through to the round of 16, the quarter-finals, the semi-finals and the final. 

To do this, we used a World Cup bracket predictor, entering our anticipated results from the opening game all the way to the final.

World Cup betting tips and predictions: Key takeaways

• Germany and Netherlands were eliminated in the round of 32, both on penalties, to Paraguay and Morocco respectively. The first major shocks of the knockout stage and proof that outright prices can move overnight.
• The expanded 48-team format works in favour of the bigger nations, with two-thirds of third-placed teams advancing to the round of 32, meaning the top contenders have an extra safety net before the knockout rounds begin in earnest.
• Outright odds will keep moving as the tournament unfolds — injuries, suspensions and group-stage results all feed in. So check the latest odds for World Cup before backing any team to lift the trophy.
• Bet builders are available on group-stage outcomes right now, meaning you can combine multiple group winners into a single accumulator for a more lucrative return — though the probability compounds with each selection you add.
• Most bookmakers are offering sign-up bonuses for World Cup 2026, so if you are not already registered with a sportsbook, comparing free bet offers before depositing could add meaningful value to your first wager on the tournament.

Talksport predictions so far:

Our best World Cup player tips

Top Goalscorer

Harry Kane heads into this World Cup on the back of the most prolific campaign of his club career. In 51 appearances for Bayern Munich in 2025/26, Kane made the net ripple 61 times. He is in the form of his life.

Kane is already England’s all-time leading scorer, having notched 79 goals for his country. He is a hugely dependable figure and one of the deadliest finishers in world football. Kane also takes penalties, providing him another route onto the scoresheet.

England should beat Ghana and Panama pretty comfortably in the group stage, giving Kane a chance to steal a march on the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, whose sides are in a tougher group.

Golden Glove

Emiliano Martinez is seeking to become the first goalkeeper to win the Golden Glove more than once. He is a leading contender for the prize, as is Unai Simon of Spain. But we favour Mike Maignan, a steady presence between the posts for France. 

France will keep plenty of clean sheets at this tournament. They may have a star-studded attack, but Didier Deschamps will ensure his side are not too top-heavy. Deschamps is a cautious manager, which will help Maignan to shut out opposition strikers.

When the backline is breached, Maignan has the attributes to keep the ball out of the net. A sharp shot-stopper, the AC Milan custodian is also a natural leader, as evidenced by the fact he wears the captain’s armband at San Siro.

Golden Ball

Two years ago, Michael Olise was playing for Crystal Palace and representing France Under-23s at the Olympics. Now he is set to start for the senior side at the World Cup. It has been quite the rise for the England-born forward.

Olise has had two brilliant years at Bayern Munich, making the step up look easy. He usually plays on the right flank for his club, but France will probably use him at No.10. From there, he will be even better positioned to work his magic.

Kylian Mbappe is the centrepiece of this France team, but he could be upstaged by Olise at this tournament. The left-footed wizard arrives at the tournament in fantastic form and he will be central to France’s hopes of success in North America.

Best Young Player

No one has ever won the Golden Ball and the Young Player of the Tournament award at the same time, but Lamine Yamal is in with a chance this summer. The Spain starlet is still only 18 years old, although it is easy to forget that when you watch him play.

Yamal starred at Euro 2024 as Spain won the continental trophy two summers ago, and he is even better now. La Roja will channel most of their attacks through the right-sided attacker, who will score and create plenty.

Yamal had been nursing an injury in the run-up to the tournament, but he has been passed fit and is chomping at the bit to get started. Who knows, that lay-off might actually make him fresher than he otherwise would have been.

Most Tournament Assists

Bruno Fernandes broke the Premier League’s single-season assists record in 2025/26, setting up 21 goals for Manchester United to surpass Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne at the top of the charts.

Fernandes will be a similarly creative influence for Portugal at the World Cup. Of course, the presence up front of Cristiano Ronaldo means Fernandes is not the star attraction for his country, but he is probably Portugal’s most important player.

As well as open-play invention, Fernandes regularly lays on opportunities for team-mates with his pinpoint delivery from dead balls. With a track record of providing assists for club and country, Fernandes is the strongest candidate in this betting market.

FAQ

1. Who are the favourites to win World Cup 2026?

France are the current favourites to win World Cup 2026, priced at 15/8 with SBK. Spain are second favourites at 7/2 with Betfred. The reigning European champions have a defined style of play and a settled squad under Luis de la Fuente. Argentina are third in the market placed at 4/1 followed by England at 5/1 on multiple bookies, including bet365, Betfred and BetMGM. Odds are subject to change as the tournament progresses.

2. Who are the dark horses to win World Cup 2026?

There is no consensus on what constitutes a dark horse, but for the purposes of this article we are only considering teams that are priced at 30/1 or longer. Of the remaning teams, Switzerland (40/1 at Betfred) and Belgium (35/1 at Paddy Power) have strong defences and playing styles that can cause upsets along the way.

Morocco reached the semi-finals four years ago, and is once again the last remaining team from ACFON. Priced at 33/1 at bet365, they are one of the most interesting picks for a dark horse contender in the final stages.

3. Who will win the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot?

There are numerous candidates to win the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot, the award given to the tournament’s top scorer. Kylian Mbappe (11/2) claimed the prize in 2022 and Harry Kane (13/2) was honoured in 2018. Both players are among the favourites this time around.

Other attackers in the conversation are Lionel Messi (12/1), one of the greatest players of all time; Erling Haaland (14/1), a proven goalscorer for Manchester City and Norway; and Lamine Yamal (14/1), Spain’s teenage starlet.

4. How to bet on World Cup?

By choosing a a UKGC licensed bookie, applying an offer if possible. Secondly, you need to select a game and a betting market. For game selection and betting markets you can use our tips and predictions to help you.

Remember, a responsible bettor establishes time and monetary limits before playing, only gambles with money they can afford to lose, and never chases their losses. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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