World Cup betting tips & predictions: Who are the bookies backing to lift the trophy?

World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, with the action set to get under way on June 11. The tournament is not just the pinnacle of football. It sits at the very top of the list of the biggest sporting events on the planet. 

The upcoming edition will be 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, Brazil and Argentina are among the favourites to lift the trophy, but who will triumph in North America? Here is everything you need to know about the premier spectacle in football, including the latest World Cup tips and predictions.

Latest World Cup winner odds

• Spain – 24/5 with SBK
• France – 5/1 with Betfred
• England – 13/2 with Sky Bet
• Argentina – 8/1 with Tote
• Brazil – 9/1 with talkSPORT BET
• Portugal – 10/1 with 247Bet
• Germany – 16/1 with SBK
• Netherlands – 16/1 with Spreadex
• Norway – 28/1 with 247Bet
• Belgium – 33/1 with BOYLESports
• Colombia – 40/1 with Betfred
• Japan – 40/1 with BetVictor
• Morocco – 66/1 with Paddy Power
• Uruguay – 80/1 with BetMGM
• Croatia – 80/1 with bet365

*Odds correct as of June 5 and are subject to change

The favourites to win World Cup 2026

The following five teams are currently considered the favourites to win World Cup 2026 by the bookies.

Spain 

Spain are in pole position to win World Cup 2026, according to the latest betting odds provided by online bookmakers. Luis de la Fuente knows international football inside out, and his team’s triumph at Euro 2024 was thoroughly impressive: Spain beat Germany, France and England in the knockout phase of that tournament.

La Roja have a fixed style of play which gives them coherence and continuity regardless of which 11 players are picked in each match. Their possession-based approach should help them to conserve energy in what could be an energy-sapping World Cup in the heat and humidity of North America.

Back Spain to win the World Cup at 24/5 with SBK

France

Winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, France are targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final. This will be Didier Deschamps’ final tournament at the helm of his country, with Zinedine Zidane expected to take over after the conclusion of the campaign in North America. Deschamps will be desperate to go out on a high.

France’s squad is, as ever, bursting with talent. A possible front four of Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Kylian Mbappe will strike fear into the hearts of France’s opponents. Les Bleus have a tricky group, though, with Norway and Senegal among their early opponents.

Tip France to win the World Cup at 5/1 with Betfred

England 

Thomas Tuchel made some big calls when it came to selecting his squad for the World Cup, leaving out big-name players such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Tuchel is a strong-minded individual and he will do things his way this summer – for better or for worse.

England have a gifted group of players at their disposal. Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world, while Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have had a fantastic club campaign. The defence does not look the strongest on paper, although England did not concede a goal in qualifying.

Go for England to win the World Cup at 13/2 with Sky Bet

Argentina

Argentina won their third World Cup in Qatar four years ago, as Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the trophy. The Inter Miami man will play in his final World Cup this summer, as Argentina attempt to become the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1962. The bookies rank them as fourth-favourites as of early June.

Argentina’s squad has not changed much since 2022. Lionel Scaloni has largely kept faith with the players who succeeded on that occasion, although Angel Di Maria has retired from international football. Bear in mind, though, that no one has ever retained the World Cup outside their home continent.

Choose Argentina to win the World Cup at 8/1 with Tote

Brazil

Brazil, the only ever-presents since the tournament began back in 1930, are fifth in the market for World Cup 2026 winner odds as things stand. They had their problems in qualifying, finishing fifth in the 10-team South American section, but the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti has raised optimism levels ahead of the big kick-off. 

There is always significant expectation and pressure on the Selecao, and that will not be any different in 2026. Brazil have won the World Cup a record five times, but their last success came way back in 2002. Make no mistake, though: they have the players and the manager to go all the way.

Select Brazil to win the World Cup at 9/1 with talkSPORT BET

Who else could challenge?

The following three sides will also hope to challenge for the trophy at World Cup 2026.

Germany 

This is not the greatest Germany squad of all time, but the best collection of players often does not win the World Cup. The Nationalelf still have quality at their disposal, with Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah and Jamal Musiala providing a Bayern Munich core, and Florian Wirtz offering creativity at the top end of the pitch.

There is no top-class centre-forward, though, with Kai Havertz set to lead the line. But Julian Nagelsmann is a terrific coach and his Germany side played some good football at Euro 2024 (albeit on home soil). Besides, the Germans may be happy that there is less pressure on them.

Back Germany to win the World Cup at 16/1 with SBK

Senegal

Senegal won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on the pitch, only to have the title stripped from them by the Confederation of African Football. That issue remains in the courts, but for now the Lions of Teranga are fully focused on the World Cup, where they intend to do much more than merely make up the numbers.

Senegal are widely regarded as Africa’s best team right now. They have a healthy mix of youth and experience in their ranks, and it also helps that their talent is spread across the pitch. Their group is far from easy, though, with France and Norway both capable of beating them.

Pick Senegal to win the World Cup at 125/1 with bet365

Uruguay

World champions in 1930 and 1950, Uruguay have a track record of punching above their weight in this competition. Victory this summer would be an even greater achievement given the strength in depth of the global game in 2026, but Uruguay is a nation that loves proving doubters wrong.

Their build-up could have been smoother. Marcelo Bielsa could easily have been sacked earlier this year after a string of disappointing results. He remains in charge for the World Cup, but a couple of bad results in the group stage would see the criticism mount. If things click, though, Uruguay could take people by surprise.

Tip Uruguay to win the World Cup at 80/1 with BetMGM

Who could win their first ever World Cup?

The following three teams will be attempting to win the World Cup for the first time in their histories.

Portugal 

Portugal have never won the World Cup before, but they are heading to North America this summer with the intention of going all the way. Roberto Martinez divides opinion, but he is an experienced international manager who is about to coach at a third World Cup. He also led Portugal to the Nations League title at the last edition.

Portugal have some tremendous players in their ranks, including Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Ruben Dias. The elephant in the room is Cristiano Ronaldo, who will start up front at the age of 41. Whether he is more of a help or a hindrance will be one of the World Cup’s most interesting subplots.

Choose Portugal to win the World Cup at 10/1 with 247Bet

Netherlands

The Netherlands hold the unwanted record of reaching the most World Cup finals (three) without ever getting their hands on the prize. Beaten finalists in 1974, 1978 and 2010, the Dutch are targeting a glorious summer in 2026 under the guidance of head coach Ronald Koeman.

Their challenge will be built on a tight defence which features Denzel Dumfries, Jurrien Timber, Virgil van Dijk and Micky van de Ven. Frenkie de Jong will control the tempo in midfield, but it is unclear whether the Netherlands will score enough goals. Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen will have to step up.

Go for the Netherlands to win the World Cup at 16/1 with Spreadex

Belgium

Belgium finished third at World Cup 2018, with the country’s golden generation losing narrowly to eventual champions France in the semi-finals. A few members of that group remain, including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, but there has been an influx of younger players more recently.

Up against Iran, Egypt and New Zealand in the group stage, Belgium should finish top without too much trouble. In theory, that would give them a kinder draw in the knockout phase. The Red Devils have gone under the radar ahead of the World Cup, but that might suit them.

Put money on Belgium to win the World Cup at 33/1 with BoyleSports

Who could spring a surprise?

The following three sides are among the outsiders aiming to spring a surprise at World Cup 2026.

Norway 

This will be only the fourth time Norway have competed at a World Cup, and their first appearance since 1998, but they are one of the teams that neutrals will be most looking forward to seeing because of one man: Erling Haaland. 

The Manchester City goal machine already has over 150 goals in under four seasons in England, and has averaged over a goal a game for his country. Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth and Crystal Palace’s Jorgen Strand Larsen will also feature, supported by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard. 

Choose Norway to win the World Cup at 28/1 with 247Bet

Colombia 

Any analysis of potential first-time winners would be incomplete without mentioning Colombia, another football-mad country in South America. Los Cafeteros reached the final of the most recent edition of the Copa America, while they qualified for the World Cup with a degree of comfort. 

James Rodriguez is still involved with the national team, while Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz, Crystal Palace wing-back Daniel Munoz and Galatasaray centre-back Davinson Sanchez provide further quality. 

Back Colombia to win the World Cup at 33/1 with bet365

Japan

Japan caught the eye at World Cup 2022, beating both Spain and Germany in the group stage. They were subsequently eliminated by Croatia on penalties, but the Samurai Blue showed enough four years ago to suggest they could be contenders to go deep in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Japan are a technically proficient side, and Hajime Moriyasu has created a well-coached collective. They breezed through qualification in Asia, although that campaign may have been too easy for Japan. The main question mark is whether they can be ruthless in the final third.

Tip Japan to win the World Cup at 66/1 with BetMGM

About the World Cup 2026 draw

The draw for World Cup 2026 was made on December 5 at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.

The 48 teams were split into four pots of 12, largely based on the FIFA World Rankings. The three co-hosts were placed in Pot One, along with the strongest sides on the planet.

US sporting icons Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Aaron Judge and Wayne Gretzky then drew out all of the teams into 12 groups of four – with Rio Ferdinand and Samantha Johnson explaining the various complications, and the new format has thrown up plenty!

No more than one team per confederation could go into each group – except for UEFA, which is represented by 16 nations at this World Cup.

The finalised groups are below – the top two from each will advance to the knockout phase alongside the eight best third-place finishers.

The World Cup venues have already been assigned to specific groups to reduce travel distances. For instance, Group A’s games will be played mostly in Mexico, while half of the Group B matches will take place in Canada.

England’s three group games against Croatia, Ghana and Panama will be played in Dallas, Boston and New Jersey respectively – the latter two being on the East Coast – which is closer to England fans watching at home, meaning there will be less of a time difference.

The knockout bracket has been compiled ahead of time, allowing teams to plot their potential route to the final. For example, the winner of H is guaranteed to play the runner-up of Group J in the round of 32.

Standout ties in the World Cup 2026 group stage

The expanded format has had its fair share of criticism, and now that the groups have been decided, it is difficult to argue that the strength of the competition has not been diluted.

While the abundance of new nations will add an element of je ne sais quoi, it should not amount to much real jeopardy for the tournament favourites – who will all, surely, cruise through, especially with the extra safety net of two-thirds of third-placed teams also qualifying for the round of 32.

There may be no traditional group of death, but there are still some tasty ties to look forward to, and we have picked out a few here.

Mexico vs South Africa

The opening game of the tournament at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will see the reverse of the memorable curtain-raiser from the 2010 tournament, when a goal from Siphiwe Tshabalala lit up Johannesburg in a 1-1 draw.

This is the first time Bafana Bafana have qualified for the tournament since then. They are a technically gifted team, but they sometimes lack a cutting edge in the final third. With the home crowd behind them, Mexico will be confident of getting their campaign off to a winning start.

Choose Mexico to win at 2/5 with BetVictor

Brazil vs Morocco

Morocco were the surprise package of the 2022 tournament, topping a group containing Croatia and Belgium and then knocking out Spain and Portugal en route to a historic semi-final. In so doing, they became the first ever African side to reach the last four in World Cup history.

Five-time champions Brazil had a turbulent qualification campaign, but they ultimately got over the line. Carlo Ancelotti, a specialist in knockout football in Europe, will be the man in the dugout for the Selecao this time around. Brazil are desperate to end their 24-year wait for another World Cup.

Tip Brazil to win at 3/5 with Sky Bet

Uruguay vs Spain

Pre-tournament favourites Spain will be targeting maximum points in their group, but they will be challenged in this clash with Uruguay. The South Americans’ preparations for the tournament have been mixed, with Marcelo Bielsa coming under pressure as manager, but the situation should improve once the action gets under way.

Spain are in excellent shape on the eve of the big kick-off, and Lamine Yamal should be fit to start by the time the Uruguay game comes around. No one will relish facing Luis de la Fuente’s men in North America – that includes Uruguay, so Spain are favourites to win this one.

Back Spain to win at 8/13 with bet365

Norway vs France

With the possible exception of full-back, France have an abundance of options right across the pitch. For all their talent, Didier Deschamps might be les Bleus’ biggest asset – the long-serving manager has a knack for striking the right balance and picking players who complement each other.

However, Norway are capable of challenging France for top spot in the group. They qualified in style, winning all eight matches including home and away victories over Italy. And with Erling Haaland up top, Norway will carry a threat against every team they face this summer. This could be a classic.

Select France to win at 5/6 with BetVictor

England vs Croatia

Croatia memorably beat England in the semi-final of World Cup 2018, coming from behind to win after extra time. Zlatko Dalic’s side ultimately finished as runners-up that summer, before securing a third-place finish at Qatar 2022. Croatia have been the World Cup’s biggest overachievers in recent times.

They will be underdogs against England, although Dalic and his players will not mind that. The Three Lions did not concede a single goal in qualifying, while Harry Kane is in the form of his life up front. With Thomas Tuchel calling the shots on the touchline, England will hope this is their year.

Choose England to win at 4/6 with Betway

World Cup bet builders

Just a few days away from the first matches, the bookies now have a full portfolio of markets ready for bettors.

Some platforms may allow you to combine these into a bet builder – essentially an accumulator combining a series of outrights. 

If you feel strongly about which teams will finish top in three or four of the groups, you can add all these together for a more lucrative potential payout. It goes without saying, however, that a bet like this has much lower chances of winning.

Here are a couple of examples, with current odds:

Brazil – Stage of Elimination

• Quarter-Final – 15/4
• Round of 16 – 3/1
• Round of 32 – 5/2
• Semi-Final – 6/1
• Runner-Up – 7/1
• Winner – 8/1
• Group Stage – 20/1

Group I Winner

• France – 2/5
• Norway – 11/4
• Senegal – 8/1
• Iraq – 40/1

*All odds, courtesy of bet365, are correct as of June 5 and are subject to change.

As the tournament gets under way, you will also be able to create bet builders on each and every game – mixing all the usual props such as goalscorers, shots, corners and cards.

Our World Cup 2026 tips

In the section below, we have shared our tips and predictions 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. These are the ties it came up with, starting in the round of 32.

World Cup 2026 round of 32 predictions

• Germany to beat Paraguay. Paraguay are obdurate opponents who defend with discipline and diligence, but Germany would surely have too much for them over the course of 90 minutes.
• France to beat Sweden. Sweden were poor in qualifying but seem to have improved under Graham Potter. That would not be enough to overcome France, who are masters at negotiating World Cup knockout stages.
• Canada to beat Czechia. We are tipping Czechia to edge out South Korea in the race for second in Group A. This tie could go either way, but Canada carry more of a threat from open play and that swings it in their favour.
• Japan to beat Morocco. Morocco were the surprise package at World Cup 2022, yet we envisage a last-32 exit this time around. In our view, Japan have been overlooked by many heading into the tournament. 
• Brazil to beat the Netherlands. The Netherlands have some good players in their ranks, but we are unconvinced they will be more than the sum of their parts. Brazil should take this one if it comes to pass.
• Ecuador to beat Norway. This would be an intriguing tie pitting an immovable object against an irresistible force. Keeping Norway’s frontline quiet is not easy, but Ecuador have the defensive nous to eke out a narrow win.
• Mexico to beat Scotland. Scotland have never made it out of the group stage at any major tournament, but this is their chance. Sadly, Steve Clarke’s men would be up against it in a last-32 meeting with Mexico.
• England to beat DR Congo. England should win their group, in which case they would face a third-place finisher in the round of 32. DR Congo did well to qualify for the World Cup, but they would struggle in this match.
• Croatia to beat Colombia. Another tight encounter which is hard to predict, but Croatia’s tournament knowhow gives them the advantage over a potentially unbalanced Colombia.
• Spain to beat Austria. Austria’s pressing game worked well at Euro 2024, but it is less ideally suited to the heat and humidity of North America. Spain would have too much for them in the round of 32.
• Turkey to beat Ivory Coast. This one does not involve a heavyweight side, but it has the potential to be one of the ties of the round. A high-scoring game would be on the cards, with Turkey likely to come out on top.
• Belgium to beat South Korea. Belgium will be pleased with how the draw turned out for them. If they top their group as expected, they would have an eminently winnable last-32 tie against South Korea up next.
• Argentina to beat Uruguay. Uruguay are not in the best shape heading into the World Cup, with Marcelo Bielsa reportedly unpopular with several players. Argentina would prove too strong in this meeting of neighbours.
• USA to beat Egypt. The USA, in our view, will only qualify for the knockout phase as Group D runners-up, but they would be well positioned to beat an Egypt team that has often flattered to deceive on the world stage. 
• Switzerland to beat Iran. Switzerland are a well-coached, settled side who have been drawn into a favourable group, so they should be targeting a place in the round of 16 at the very least. Iran’s preparations have been predictably chaotic.
• Portugal to beat Senegal. This would not be a straightforward assignment for Portugal, as Senegal are the strongest side in Africa right now. But even if they need extra time or penalties, Portugal should progress.

World Cup 2026 round of 16 predictions

• France to beat Germany. A heavyweight clash in the round of 16. Germany have a better historic record than France at World Cups, but les Bleus are clearly the better side at the moment.
• Japan to beat Canada. Canada’s fairytale would come to an end if they were pitted against Japan in the round of 16. The Samurai Blue are a more well-rounded team than the co-hosts.
• Brazil to beat Ecuador. Ecuador would make life difficult for Brazil, who would have to work hard to find the back of the net. But the Selecao would eventually find a way through.
• Mexico to beat England. We predict a shock in the last 16, with Mexico beating England. The Three Lions would struggle with the conditions in Mexico City, while the co-hosts would have the backing of a raucous home crowd.
• Spain to beat Croatia. Croatia have a knack for punching above their weight at World Cups, but this would be a bridge too far even for them. Spain to go through.
• Turkey to beat Belgium. An evenly matched tie that could end with either team victorious, but if Turkey’s creators step up to the plate, they can make it through to a first quarter-final since 2002.
• Argentina to beat USA. Mauricio Pochettino would have no divided loyalties if the USA were to face his own nation. But Argentina would be able to resist the Stars and Stripes to advance to the last eight.
• Portugal to beat Switzerland. Switzerland are a tidy team, but they sometimes lack a ruthless edge in the final third. That would be their undoing against a Portugal side stacked with talent.

World Cup 2026 quarter-final tips

• France to beat Japan. Japan’s run would probably come to an end here. You could easily envisage them controlling the ball against France, only to be outdone by a more clinical, streetwise opponent.
• Spain to beat Turkey. Turkey will score plenty of goals this summer, but there is a chance they will be picked off by a superior side at some point. That may be Spain in the quarter-finals.
• Brazil to beat Mexico. Home support and climatic familiarity can only take you so far. Mexico might have one or two moments against Brazil, but not enough to avoid defeat. 
• Portugal to beat Argentina. A Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi showdown in the quarter-finals? Ronaldo may ultimately be more of a hindrance than a help this summer, but Portugal could win this one nonetheless.

World Cup 2026 semi-final predictions

• Spain to beat France. Spain defeated France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and we predict the same outcome if they go head-to-head at the same stage of World Cup 2026.
• Brazil to beat Portugal. A first ever meeting between Brazil and Portugal in the knockout stage of a World Cup would be fascinating to witness, with Brazil the favourites to triumph.

World Cup 2026 final prediction

• Spain to beat Brazil. What a final this would be. You could make a case for either team, but we lean towards Spain. Brazil arguably have more match-winners in their squad, but Spain have a better balance from back to front, as well as more recent tournament-winning experience.

Our best value World Cup 2026 bets

Every sports bettor should be looking for value in the market. Here are three tips which we believe are overpriced, making them attractive choices.

Japan to win Group F at 3/1 with BoyleSports

The Samurai Blue beat Spain and Germany at the last World Cup, so they will not be fazed by facing the Netherlands. Japan have suffered a few injuries in the build-up to the tournament, but they are an excellent technical team who breezed through qualification.

Hajime Moriyasu has been in charge for eight years now, giving Japan vital continuity and coherence. The Dutch may have to settle for second spot in Group F.

Turkey to reach the last 16 at 7/5 with BetMGM

The USA are favourites to win Group D, but Turkey are capable of beating them to top spot. Vincenzo Montella’s team have the attacking quality to advance in first place, which would potentially pair them with Ivory Coast in the round of 32.

Even if Turkey finished second in their group, they would back themselves to defeat Egypt in a hypothetical tie in the first knockout round. Our predictor has Turkey reaching the last eight, but this is a safer wager.

Mexico to reach the quarter-finals at 9/2 with BetVictor

This is not a vintage Mexico squad, but home advantage is a major boost for El Tri. If they can win their group, they would not have to travel outside their own country until a potential quarter-final in Miami, where Mexico would have huge support anyway.

Javier Aguirre is an astute manager and in a possible last-16 tie with England in Mexico City, the co-hosts would back themselves to get a positive result.

What could cause the World Cup winner odds to change before the tournament?

As a quadrennial event, each World Cup stands separate from all others. Four years is a long time in football, with several squads having undergone significant changes since the tournament in Qatar in 2022.

International football is cyclical and national teams tend to be less settled than club sides. While there are useful takeaways from qualifying, much will depend on the form and fitness of players when the competition actually gets under way.

Injuries to key players

A footballer’s worst nightmare is to suffer an injury that rules him out of the World Cup. But with the calendar so packed in the modern game, wear and tear is inevitable – and injuries have always been part and parcel of professional sport. 

Some teams have a decent amount of strength in depth, while others are reliant on a core group of players. To take one example, Norway without Erling Haaland would be an entirely different proposition, as would a Mohamed Salah-less Egypt.

A tough draw

The group stage draw was made last December and it was kinder to some sides than others. Germany, for instance, would have hoped for an easier passage to the knockout stage, with Ivory Coast and Ecuador potentially awkward opponents.

Because they were placed in Pot One as co-hosts, the USA, Canada and Mexico avoided the World Cup favourites. Switzerland and Belgium will also be reasonably pleased with the teams they will face early on.

In-form players 

The form of individual players can also affect outcomes, and it is something that you should bear in mind before placing any wagers on the tournament. Harry Kane arrives in North America on the back of a superb season for Bayern Munich, which doubtless helps England’s chances of a successful summer.

Form could also influence who starts at the World Cup. France have an embarrassment of riches in attack and Didier Deschamps will analyse recent performances before deciding who should start for his team.

How to bet on World Cup 2026

Betting on World Cup 2026 could not be easier.

1. The first thing to do is to sign up for an account with your preferred bookmaker or betting app
2. Deposit some money to get started. Remember, most bookies offer sign-up offers such as free bets or price boosts, so shop around to find the best deals.
3. Customers can place bets on individual matches (Brazil to beat England) or on tournament outrights (Spain to win World Cup 2026), as well as on multiple in-game options.
4. There will be hundreds of different markets in total, from total goals to number of bookings. Simply add your selection to your bet slip and away you go!

Keeping up with the latest World Cup 2026 news

There will be wall-to-wall coverage of World Cup 2026 throughout the tournament. In the UK, you will be able to watch the action on the BBC and ITV, while talkSPORT will also cover matches on the radio. In the USA, the broadcasting rights are held by Fox Sports.

You will also be able to follow the latest news online, on social media, on TV and in newspapers. One thing is for sure: you will not have to look too hard to find information about World Cup 2026.

FAQ

1. Where is World Cup 2026 being held?

For the first time ever, three countries will share World Cup hosting rights this summer: the USA, Mexico and Canada. Of the 104 matches taking place at the tournament, 78 will be held in the USA, with Mexico and Canada getting 13 each.

The opening game of the competition will take place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11. The final, booked for July 19, will be staged at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

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

At the time of writing on June 5, Spain are the favourites to win World Cup 2026. The reigning European champions have a talented group of players at their disposal, as well as a defined style of play. La Roja are priced at 24/5. France have arguably the deepest squad at the tournament and are the second-favourites at 5/1.

England have got closer to glory in recent years and are third on the bookies’ list at 13/2, followed by the holders Argentina on 8/1. Finally, Brazil are now managed by Carlo Ancelotti as they seek a sixth star on their shirts; the Selecao can be backed at 9/1. 

3. 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 40/1 or longer. Colombia and Japan (both 40/1) are capable of causing an upset or two, while Morocco (66/1) reached the semi-finals four years ago.

Uruguay and Croatia (both 80/1) have a history of punching above their weight on the world stage, so neither should be written off in North America. Ecuador (100/1) were impressive in qualifying and will not give up too many goals at the tournament, while Austria (150/1) caught the eye at the European Championship two years ago.

4. How can I bet on World Cup 2026?

Every official UK bookmaker is offering odds on World Cup 2026. To get involved, sign up for your favoured bookmaker, deposit some money into your account, then place your bet. Do not forget to check out the latest sign-up offers and compare odds across multiple sportsbooks. 

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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