Excitement is already building as fans around the world start predicting who will win the 2026 World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As we make our own World Cup 2026 winner prediction, it’s clear that anticipation for this tournament is higher than ever.
In this World Cup 2026 preview, we take a closer look at the early World Cup 2026 winner picks, analysing several of the most fancied teams before revealing our final World Cup 2026 prediction. According to the latest World Cup 2026 betting odds from bet365, Spain lead the way as favourites at 4/1 (5.0), while France at 7.5 (13/2) follow closely behind as the second favourite in who is most likely to win the World Cup 2026.
The 2026 World Cup will return to its traditional period of being contested between the months of June and July, after moving in 2022 to winter months to accommodate Qatar's heat. This time the competition will be co-hosted across three countries and feature for the first time 48 teams. The US, Mexico and Canada will share responsibilities, with Mexico City's famous Azteca Stadium given the honour of hosting the opening fixture on 11 June; whilst the final will be held in New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July.
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In total 16 different stadiums will be used across the competition, making it the most since South Korea and Japan shared the 2002 version. Argentina will be aiming to become just the third team in the history of the tournament to retain their title, but at this stage they are not actually the World Cup 2026 favourite, that standing is currently with Spain. You can start your WorldCup2026Betting journey by wagering on Spain or any other contender to win the World Cup with an amazing bonus when signing up with our bet365 bonus code World Cup. Check out our review to learn more!
2. Who Are the World Cup 2026 Favorites?
Wondering who the 2026 World Cup favorites are? Take a look at the most recent World Cup 2026 betting predictions — they might significantly impact your World Cup 2026 betting approach.
2.1 Spain
The Spanish are the team to beat at the 2026 World Cup as they are the World Cup favorites with many bookmakers including bet365. Spain last won the World Cup back in 2010 but having disappointed in their recent attempts they won the 2024 European Championship.
Spain Stats
World Cup Wins: 1 (2010)
Most Recent Tournament Win: 2024 European Championship
Key Players: Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Rodri, Mikel Merino, Pedri
Spain should have little trouble progressing from their qualifying group. They will be full of confidence and are a top 2026 World Cup winner prediction.
2.2 France
France, listed as the second favorite in the 2026 World Cup odds by most leading bookmakers, won the tournament in 2018 and have reached the final four times since 1998. With their proven experience and world-class talent, the French are expected to go all the way and will surely appear among the top WorldCup2026bettingpredictions.
France made a sluggish start to 2026 World Cup qualifying but should finish top. Their recent record at the tournament is why they are considered one of the 2026 World Cup favorites.
2.3 Brazil
Moving to South America and it is Brazil who are regarded as the biggest World Cup favorites from CONMEBOL. The Brazilians last won the World Cup back in 2002 and have failed to reach the final since.
Brazil Stats
World Cup Wins: 5 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
Most Recent Tournament Win: 2019 Copa America
Key Players: Alisson, Marquinhos, Casemiro, Bruno GuimarĂŁes, VinĂcius JĂşnior
Brazil were below their best during World Cup qualifying so it is a surprise to see them at 7.5 (13/2) with bet365. They must up their game if they are going to be a popular World Cup 2026 winner prediction.
2.4 England
The Three Lions reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup and most recently the final of the 2024 European Championship. Can they deliver when it matters most and enter World Cup predictions 2026 as a serious contender?
England are breezing through their World Cup qualifying group. They have the individual talent but can they cope with the pressure in the latter stages? England are 7.5 (13/2) with William Hill.
2.5 Argentina
As defending Champions, Argentina must enter the conversation as one of the 2026 World Cup favorites. Their odds to win World Cup 2026 are 9 (8/1) with bet365.
Argentina were the best team in CONMEBOL qualifying. It will be interesting to see if Messi retires before the competition but the legend will be a big influence, on or off the pitch.
When considering who is most likely to win the World Cup 2026, we must look outside the favourites when making World cup 2026 tips. Portugal are interesting with Cristiano Ronaldo attempting to win his first World Cup. It will be Ronaldo's last chance and the Portuguese have a team capable of going deep in the tournament. Germany have strong World Cup pedigree having won it four times but their current squad may not match that of previously successful German teams.
Will USA win the World Cup 2026? The furthest USA have progressed in the World Cup is the quarter-finals and even with home advantage, it would be a massive shock for USA to be our 2026 World Cup winner prediction.
Morocco were superb at the 2022 World Cup and have comfortably qualified for the 2026 edition. The Atlas Lions are the pick of the African countries and could cause more upsets at the 2026 World Cup.
Other teams such as Croatia — semi-finalists in 2022 and finalists in 2018 — could also make a strong impact, especially given their solid performances during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Do you have your own underdog picks for the World Cup 2026 or any other sporting event? If so, make sure to join our tipster league with prizes and share your predictions with our growing community of tipsters!
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4. Key Factors Influencing World Cup 2026 Predictions
There are several factors that influence World Cup predictions 2026. You must consult these factors when considering who is going to win the World Cup 2026.
Key Factors
Injuries: If a key player is injured, such as Harry Kane for England, it would seriously reduce their chances.
Climate: The weather can be extreme, especially in the United States and Mexico. A very hot day could play into the hands of the South American and African nations.
Home Advantage: USA, Canada, and Mexico all have home advantage. However, the last time a host won the World Cup was France in 1998 and Qatar were eliminated at the group stage in 2022.
New Format: With 48 teams, 8 third placed nations will progress to the knockout stage. That is where an upset is more likely to happen as matches could go to penalties.
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In terms of a World Cup 2026 Final prediction, it would not be a surprise to see two European nations in the final. We must go back to 1950 to find the last time a European country failed to make the final and with Spain, France, and England looking good, we could have an all-European occasion.
World Cup 2026 Dark Horse Prediction: Croatia
Our next World Cup 2026 prediction is for anyone who wants to back an outsider. Croatia continue to perform and reached the last four of the previous two World Cup competitions. They have been exciting to watch in 2026 World Cup qualifying and at around 101 (100/1) with top bookmakers are a tempting outside bet.
Argentina World Cup 2026 Prediction
Will Argentina win the World Cup 2026? With Messi being key in 2022 and turning 39 next year, his influence is waning. Lautaro MartĂnez and Julián Alvarez must deliver goals if Argentina are to win. Our WorldCup2026bettingprediction is for Argentina to finish as the best of the South American nations but fail to win the tournament.
Additional and more specific World Cup 2026 betting predictions will emerge as the tournament approaches. For example, you’ll be able to bet on whether a match will end with a clean sheet. To learn more about this type of wager, check our related guide on clean sheet betting before the competition begins.
6. Conclusion — Our 2026 World Cup Winner Pick
The 2026 World Cup favorites are Spain, France, Brazil, and England. Given their fantastic record in recent World Cup tournaments and their thrilling forward talent, our World Cup 2026 winner prediction is France at around 7.5 (13/2) with bet365, and other recommended bookmakers.
7. World Cup 2026 Winner Prediction – FAQ
7.1 đź“… When is the 2026 World Cup?
The tournament will be played between the 11th of June and 19th of July.
7.2 🌎 Where is the 2026 World Cup?
The World Cup 2026 host countries are the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
7.3 âš˝ Which teams are favorites to win World Cup 2026?
According to the latest World Cup 2026 betting odds, Spain, France, Brazil, and England are the main 2026 World Cup favorites. Each team features world-class players and strong recent form, making them top picks in many World Cup 2026 predictions.
7.4 🏆 Who will win the 2026 World Cup?
Our expert World Cup 2026 winner prediction is France, who remain one of the most balanced and experienced squads in the competition.
World Cup 2026 Winner Prediction
Excitement is already building as fans around the world start predicting who will win the 2026 World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As we make our own World Cup 2026 winner prediction, it’s clear that anticipation for this tournament is higher than ever.
In this World Cup 2026 preview, we take a closer look at the early World Cup 2026 winner picks, analysing several of the most fancied teams before revealing our final World Cup 2026 prediction. According to the latest World Cup 2026 betting odds from bet365, Spain lead the way as favourites at 4/1 (5.0), while France at 7.5 (13/2) follow closely behind as the second favourite in who is most likely to win the World Cup 2026.
Contents
1. WorldCup2026Betting Preview
The 2026 World Cup will return to its traditional period of being contested between the months of June and July, after moving in 2022 to winter months to accommodate Qatar's heat. This time the competition will be co-hosted across three countries and feature for the first time 48 teams. The US, Mexico and Canada will share responsibilities, with Mexico City's famous Azteca Stadium given the honour of hosting the opening fixture on 11 June; whilst the final will be held in New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July.
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In total 16 different stadiums will be used across the competition, making it the most since South Korea and Japan shared the 2002 version. Argentina will be aiming to become just the third team in the history of the tournament to retain their title, but at this stage they are not actually the World Cup 2026 favourite, that standing is currently with Spain. You can start your WorldCup2026Betting journey by wagering on Spain or any other contender to win the World Cup with an amazing bonus when signing up with our bet365 bonus code World Cup. Check out our review to learn more!
2. Who Are the World Cup 2026 Favorites?
Wondering who the 2026 World Cup favorites are? Take a look at the most recent World Cup 2026 betting predictions — they might significantly impact your World Cup 2026 betting approach.
2.1 Spain
The Spanish are the team to beat at the 2026 World Cup as they are the World Cup favorites with many bookmakers including bet365. Spain last won the World Cup back in 2010 but having disappointed in their recent attempts they won the 2024 European Championship.
Spain Stats
Spain should have little trouble progressing from their qualifying group. They will be full of confidence and are a top 2026 World Cup winner prediction.
2.2 France
France, listed as the second favorite in the 2026 World Cup odds by most leading bookmakers, won the tournament in 2018 and have reached the final four times since 1998. With their proven experience and world-class talent, the French are expected to go all the way and will surely appear among the top WorldCup2026bettingpredictions.
France Stats
France made a sluggish start to 2026 World Cup qualifying but should finish top. Their recent record at the tournament is why they are considered one of the 2026 World Cup favorites.
2.3 Brazil
Moving to South America and it is Brazil who are regarded as the biggest World Cup favorites from CONMEBOL. The Brazilians last won the World Cup back in 2002 and have failed to reach the final since.
Brazil Stats
Brazil were below their best during World Cup qualifying so it is a surprise to see them at 7.5 (13/2) with bet365. They must up their game if they are going to be a popular World Cup 2026 winner prediction.
2.4 England
The Three Lions reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup and most recently the final of the 2024 European Championship. Can they deliver when it matters most and enter World Cup predictions 2026 as a serious contender?
England Stats
England are breezing through their World Cup qualifying group. They have the individual talent but can they cope with the pressure in the latter stages? England are 7.5 (13/2) with William Hill.
2.5 Argentina
As defending Champions, Argentina must enter the conversation as one of the 2026 World Cup favorites. Their odds to win World Cup 2026 are 9 (8/1) with bet365.
Argentina Stats
Argentina were the best team in CONMEBOL qualifying. It will be interesting to see if Messi retires before the competition but the legend will be a big influence, on or off the pitch.
3. Dark Horses and Underdogs to Watch
When considering who is most likely to win the World Cup 2026, we must look outside the favourites when making World cup 2026 tips. Portugal are interesting with Cristiano Ronaldo attempting to win his first World Cup. It will be Ronaldo's last chance and the Portuguese have a team capable of going deep in the tournament. Germany have strong World Cup pedigree having won it four times but their current squad may not match that of previously successful German teams.
Will USA win the World Cup 2026? The furthest USA have progressed in the World Cup is the quarter-finals and even with home advantage, it would be a massive shock for USA to be our 2026 World Cup winner prediction.
Morocco were superb at the 2022 World Cup and have comfortably qualified for the 2026 edition. The Atlas Lions are the pick of the African countries and could cause more upsets at the 2026 World Cup.
Other teams such as Croatia — semi-finalists in 2022 and finalists in 2018 — could also make a strong impact, especially given their solid performances during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Do you have your own underdog picks for the World Cup 2026 or any other sporting event? If so, make sure to join our tipster league with prizes and share your predictions with our growing community of tipsters!
4. Key Factors Influencing World Cup 2026 Predictions
There are several factors that influence World Cup predictions 2026. You must consult these factors when considering who is going to win the World Cup 2026.
Key Factors
Discover the best odds and bet on your World Cup 2026 favorites with trusted bookmakers!
You can also explore a detailed World Cup 2026 betting odds analysis and comparison to see how the bookmakers rank every top contender for the title.
5. Expert Predictions — Who Will Win the 2026 World Cup?
Best World Cup 2026 Winner Prediction: France
We have studied the teams and can now make a World Cup 2026 winner prediction. From the 2026 World Cup favorites, France must be the pick. They have reached the final in four of the last seven tournaments and with Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, they have arguably the two best forwards in world football right now.
World Cup 2026 Final Prediction: European Nations
In terms of a World Cup 2026 Final prediction, it would not be a surprise to see two European nations in the final. We must go back to 1950 to find the last time a European country failed to make the final and with Spain, France, and England looking good, we could have an all-European occasion.
World Cup 2026 Dark Horse Prediction: Croatia
Our next World Cup 2026 prediction is for anyone who wants to back an outsider. Croatia continue to perform and reached the last four of the previous two World Cup competitions. They have been exciting to watch in 2026 World Cup qualifying and at around 101 (100/1) with top bookmakers are a tempting outside bet.
Argentina World Cup 2026 Prediction
Will Argentina win the World Cup 2026? With Messi being key in 2022 and turning 39 next year, his influence is waning. Lautaro MartĂnez and Julián Alvarez must deliver goals if Argentina are to win. Our WorldCup2026bettingprediction is for Argentina to finish as the best of the South American nations but fail to win the tournament.
Additional and more specific World Cup 2026 betting predictions will emerge as the tournament approaches. For example, you’ll be able to bet on whether a match will end with a clean sheet. To learn more about this type of wager, check our related guide on clean sheet betting before the competition begins.
6. Conclusion — Our 2026 World Cup Winner Pick
The 2026 World Cup favorites are Spain, France, Brazil, and England. Given their fantastic record in recent World Cup tournaments and their thrilling forward talent, our World Cup 2026 winner prediction is France at around 7.5 (13/2) with bet365, and other recommended bookmakers.
7. World Cup 2026 Winner Prediction – FAQ
7.1 đź“… When is the 2026 World Cup?
The tournament will be played between the 11th of June and 19th of July.
7.2 🌎 Where is the 2026 World Cup?
The World Cup 2026 host countries are the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
7.3 âš˝ Which teams are favorites to win World Cup 2026?
According to the latest World Cup 2026 betting odds, Spain, France, Brazil, and England are the main 2026 World Cup favorites. Each team features world-class players and strong recent form, making them top picks in many World Cup 2026 predictions.
7.4 🏆 Who will win the 2026 World Cup?
Our expert World Cup 2026 winner prediction is France, who remain one of the most balanced and experienced squads in the competition.