The World Cup is the holy grail of football, the mountaintop every nation dreams of conquering. And while 2026 may seem like a distant galaxy right now, the sands of time will slip through the hourglass faster than you’d expect. Before we know it, the USA, Canada, and Mexico will be rolling out the red carpet for the greatest sporting event on Earth.
The qualifying stage is already in full stride, with some teams already punching their tickets to the grand stage. But with plenty of twists, turns, and potential upsets still to come on the bumpy road to glory, it’s never too early to take a peek at what the bookmakers are saying.
Argentina were champions last time out in Qatar back in 2022, with Lionel Messi finally filling the last gap in his trophy cabinet. But who are the favourites this time around? Are the odds pointing toward a changing of the guard, or could La Albiceleste be ready to go back-to-back?
20-11
All three host nations feature
The USA, Canada, and Mexico have already secured their spots in the World Cup, thanks to their host privileges. But with none of them exactly wearing the football crown, it’s safe to say they won’t be rocking the foundations of European or South American powerhouses. That being said, teams like Morocco, Croatia, and Denmark have shown they could very well be the dark horses capable of pulling off a surprise across the pond next summer.
Morocco stunned the world with a semi-final run in the 2022 World Cup, while Denmark made it to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, proving they are no strangers to flying under the radar after their legendary 1992 European Championship triumph. As for Croatia, the clock may be ticking on their golden generation, with many of their top players having reached their expiry date after unforgettable runs in the 2010s.
Then there’s Japan and Switzerland – two rising forces eager to keep scaling the ranks of international success. Meanwhile, Colombia and Uruguay, though perhaps lacking the star power of old, still bring a bucketful of grit and determination to every match. Their passion and drive make them formidable opponents who fully embrace the South American philosophy that football is closer to religion than it is a sport.
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| World Cup odds (20-11) | |
|---|---|
| Team | Odds |
| Canada | 80/1 |
| Switzerland | 66/1 |
| Morocco | 66/1 |
| Japan | 66/1 |
| Mexico | 50/1 |
| Denmark | 50/1 |
| Croatia | 50/1 |
| Colombia | 40/1 |
| USA | 33/1 |
| Uruguay | 28/1 |
=9. Italy
Current odds: 25/1
Remarkably, Italy haven’t won a knockout match in a World Cup since their triumph in 2006, when they clinched the title. That’s 20 years and four tournaments ago while Zinedine Zidane was still playing, and by the time they head to North America next summer, it will have been quite the wait. Given this history, it’s somewhat surprising to see them make the top 10 in the bookmakers’ early odds.
However, the Azzurri showed significant improvement in their last outing, and with a youthful squad featuring talents like Destiny Udogie, Matteo Ruggeri, and Daniel Maldini, alongside seasoned players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alessandro Bastoni, and Nicolo Barella, Italy can never truly be counted out. After all, their four World Cup wins in the past are proof they still have the experience and know-how to compete at the highest level.
=9. Belgium
Current odds: 25/1
For what feels like an eternity, the media has been touting Belgium’s golden generation, one that appeared destined to secure a major tournament victory, whether in the European Championship or the World Cup. Yet, much like other so-called golden generations, the commentator’s curse seemed to haunt the Red Devils, preventing them from ever truly getting close to glory.
Now, with the nation’s all-time top goalscorer Romelu Lukaku past his 30th birthday, alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier, and Thibaut Courtois, it might be time to temper the high expectations surrounding the small European nation. However, 2026 could very well represent their last chance to finally make that long-awaited breakthrough.
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8. The Netherlands
Current odds: 16/1
With a squad spine as good as the Netherlands, who are fresh off the back of reaching the Euro 2024 semi-final, where they were narrowly beaten by England, there will always be the optimism and genuine sense of impending resurgence engulfing the Clockwork Orange, especially when total football student Ronald Koeman is in the dugout too.
Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Cody Gakpo are all among the best players in the world in their positions. The only question mark remains over their ability to edge past the more experienced sides, as they are yet to really pass a big litmus test over the last decade or so.
7. Portugal
Current odds: 14/1
Where there’s a Cristiano Ronaldo, there’s always a way. At 40 years old, there’s no one more seasoned on the pitch than the legendary former Real Madrid and Manchester United star. Ronaldo will be looking to turn back the clock to his unforgettable Euro 2016 campaign, using that magical summer as motivation to finally complete his trophy collection, much like his long-time rival Lionel Messi did in the last tournament.
With the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Joao Neves, and Bernardo Silva at his disposal, Roberto Martínez has an array of talent to lead Portugal. The team will be eager to build on their Euro 2024 quarter-final exit from the previous summer and show they can still keep pace with their Iberian neighbours, Spain – each embroiled in one of the fiercest rivalries in international football.
6. Germany
Current odds: 10/1
Gary Lineker once famously said: “Football is a simple game. 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and, at the end, the Germans always win.” While that hasn’t been the case in recent times, there are clear signs that the efficient, ruthless Germany of old is beginning to re-emerge, much to the concern of their rivals.
They kicked off the last major international tournament in dazzling fashion, with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala tearing through defences with ease. While their journey was cut short by eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals, the experience undoubtedly provided valuable lessons. Under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, Germany will be gearing up to make a serious push in 2026, as they continue to search for the key to their trophy cabinet, boasting three European Championship mantles and four World Cups.
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5. Argentina
Current odds: 9/1
If the bookmakers are correct in their predictions, then Argentina won’t be continuing their reign of terror which has seen them win two Copa Americas and a World Cup in the last five years. However, at odds of 9/1, Lionel Messi and company will be pretty confident of making the later stages of the tournament again.
Under Lionel Scaloni, La Albiceleste never tore through opponents, but rather boasted the quiet and assured play of champions, and that’s perhaps why they aren’t the favourites this time around, just as they weren’t last summer either. Winning by fine margins became a hallmark in Qatar, and it will likely be the same again if they are to add another star in North America.
=3. France
Current odds: 13/2
Ahead of last summer’s European Championship, the focus was on France and their exceptional squad depth, which meant even their fourth-choice players looked more than capable of claiming the title. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be, just like in the last World Cup, despite Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick in the final.
That said, their squad depth remains as strong as ever, putting them in a good position to finally correct the mistakes of recent near-misses. France could very well go all the way in North America. Mbappe will once again be the standout star, but he can feel confident knowing he’ll have players like Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann by his side. Furthermore, a defence featuring Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba is as formidable as they come.
=3. England
Current odds: 13/2
Will England finally end 60 years of heartbreak next year? Bookmakers currently give Thomas Tuchel’s side a 13/2 chance of clinching silverware on his first attempt. It would be a powerful way for the Three Lions to add a second star to their badge, especially after falling short in two consecutive European Championship finals.
Many believe the country is in a stronger position than ever to secure a major trophy; it’s just a matter of someone stepping in and making it happen. The real challenge will be finding the right balance between household names and system players. Right now, though, it seems highly unlikely that players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer can all start together, posing its own unique set of challenges for the new German boss.
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2. Brazil
Current odds: 6/1
Brazil is the most successful nation in World Cup history, with a record five titles to their name. While their glory days may seem like a distant memory, the current squad believes they have what it takes to revive the magic of their past triumphs. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior is adamant he should have won the Ballon d’Or last year and is poised to battle his compatriot Raphinha for that honour this time around to put his nation in good stead.
While it may seem surprising that Brazil is second in the betting odds, especially given their rocky qualification campaign, which included a 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Argentina, they still possess a wealth of star power.
1. Spain
Current odds: 11/2
It almost feels like a return to 2010. Back then, Spain secured two European Championships and a World Cup. In 2024, they claimed their record fourth European title, and now they are the favourites to add a World Cup to their collection.
With talents like Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dean Huijsen, Martin Zubimendi, and Pau Cubarsi, there’s every reason to believe La Roja are on the verge of entering another golden era. They’ve proven they can do it, it’s just now more of a matter of whether they can continue to dominate world football or if they will be a victim of their own success.
