2026 World Cup Betting Preview & Tips
World Cup 2026 Preview
The USA, Canada and Mexico will host this latest renewal of football’s showcase tournament and this year, the number of teams that will compete has been increased to 48. Italy missed out on qualification for the second time in a row and we have four debutants: Uzbekistan, Jordan, Curacao and Cape Verde. Who’s going to win? Find out what we think in the TXMarkets World Cup 2026 Betting preview.
Overview
We are going to try to find some World Cup 2026 betting angles. First of all, we’ll go through each group, team-by-team, and we’ll try to predict the most likely group winners and runners-up, highlight each side’s key player and also nominate ‘one to watch’ from each team. Then, we’ll post four ante-post bets. What could possibly go wrong…
World Cup 2026 Betting Odds – Outright Winner
|
Team |
Best Odds |
|
Spain |
9/2 |
|
France |
5/1 |
|
England |
7/1 |
|
Brazil |
9/1 |
|
Argentina |
10/1 |
|
Portugal |
10/1 |
|
Germany |
14/1 |
|
Netherlands |
20/1 |
|
Norway |
25/1 |
The Format
The 48 teams that have qualified will be broken down into 12 groups of four. From each group, the top two teams will advance to the next round. The eight best third placed teams from each group will also qualify, so 32 teams will compete in the knockout stage.
There’ll be 104 matches in total over 39 days, which seems like a bit much to be honest, especially when probably only six or seven teams are realistically capable of winning. That being said, there should be no shortage of drama in the knockout stages and there should be a surprise or two along the way.
Next, we’ll briefly look at the prospects of each team at the 2028 World Cup, their odds and we’ll highlight a player to watch from every country. Group A is up first.
Group A
Czechia
Tournament Odds: 300/1
Group Qualification Odds: 4/11
Key Man: Patrick Schick
One To Watch: Pavel Sulc
Edged out the Republic Of Ireland and Denmark in the playoffs, both on penalties, to secure their spot at World Cup 2026. They have a couple of Premier League players, Soucek (now a Championship player) and Krejci, and three representatives from the Bundesliga but the vast majority of their squad ply their trades in the Czech First League.
They laboured against Ireland and were battered by Denmark, but somehow came through both ties. However, their luck is likely to run out sooner rather than later.
Mexico
Tournament Odds: 80/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/10
Key Man: Raul Jimenez
One To Watch: Brian Gutierrez
The co-hosts will be expected to qualify comfortably for the knockout stages. They find themselves in a winnable group and they’ll also have the massive advantage of playing all three group games in front of their own fans, at the Aztec Stadium in Mexico City and at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan.
The Aztec Stadium is over 2000m above sea level, which will be a big issue for the other teams, especially given how hot it will be. Mexico are well used to such conditions and they’ve got a nice blend of youth and experience in their squad. Raul Jimenez will lead the line, backed up by the promising Guadalajara striker Armando Gonzalez. Former West Ham man Edson Alvarez will play a key role in the engine room.
South Africa
Tournament Odds: 1000/1
Group Qualification Odds: 11/8
Key Man: Lyle Foster
One To Watch: Relebohile Mofokeng
The outsiders of the group, the Bafana Bafana might ruffle a few feathers at World Cup 2026. Yes, they lack star power and most of their squad play domestically but they did manage a third placed finish at AFCON 2023 and they knocked out Morocco, semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup, in the process.
South Africa topped their qualification group, finishing ahead of Nigeria by one point. Burnley’s industrious attacker Lyle Foster will be a handful for opposing defences and captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams will likely play a pivotal role if his team are to make it through to the last 32.
South Korea
Tournament Odds: 500/1
Group Qualification Odds: 4/9
Key Man: Son Heung-min
One To Watch: Cho Gue-sung
Odds on to qualify for the last 32 and they have plenty of talent in their ranks but could they be vulnerable? Some of their star players haven’t been having the best of times for their clubs and some have been battling injuries and they are particularly short in central midfield.
They qualified with ease and given the group they find themselves in, they should make it into the last 32 but it isn’t even certain which formation they’ll line up in, which is hardly ideal on the eve of a World Cup.
Group A Prediction
- Mexico
- South Korea
- South Africa
- Czechia
Group B
Switzerland
Tournament Odds: 150/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/14
Key Man: Granit Xhaka
One To Watch: Dan Ndoye
The steady Swiss will fancy their chances of going on a decent run at World Cup 2026 after topping their group in qualifying. Manager Murat Yakin has some quality players at his disposal, including the experienced Sunderland midfielder and captain Granit Xhaka, the former Man City central defender Manuel Akanji and the Rennes striker, Breel Embolo.
They have some young blood coming through too, most notably the Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi and while they’ll miss their diminutive magician, the now retired Xherdan Shaqiri, Dan Ndoye and Noah Okafor can provide a creative spark. Quarter-finalists at Euro 2024, it would be no surprise to see them do something similar this summer.
Bosnia
Tournament Odds: 500/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/2
Key Man: Edin Dzeko
One To Watch: Kerim Alajbegovic
Sergej Barbarez’s men needed playoff penalty shootout wins against Wales and Italy to make it to World Cup 2026. Still hugely reliant on their now 40-year-old star striker Edin Dzeko, their record goalscorer with 73 from 148 appearances.
A tough tackling team that can soak up pressure and be dangerous on the counter, they are a tough, resilient side that won’t make life easy for any opponents. Their young starlet Kerim Alajbegovic, recently purchased by Bayer Leverkusen, is a hugely exciting prospect and if Bosnia are to make it to the knockout stage, they’ll be looking to him to provide the creative spark.
Canada
Tournament Odds: 300/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/6
Key Man: Alphonso Davies
One To Watch: Ismael Kone
Former Leeds manager Jesse Marsch will be hoping to guide co-hosts Canada to the knockout stages. However, the Canadians have failed to win a match in three previous World Cup appearances so they need to get that monkey off their back.
They have had some decent results in the last year or so, the highlight being a 4-2 win vs Ukraine last summer and a 1-0 win vs Wales last October. Their key player is Bayern Munich’s flying full-back Alphonse Davies and they’ll be looking to Juventus striker Jonathan David to grab the goals.
Obviously, playing their group games at home should be a big advantage but it will also bring pressure and if they don’t get off to a good start against a tough Bosnia side, that pressure will ramp up enormously.
Qatar
Tournament Odds: 2000/1
Group Qualification Odds: 9/4
Key Man: Akram Afif
One To Watch: N/A
The current climate in the Middle East means that Qatar haven’t had the ideal preparation for this World Cup. A couple of friendlies had to be cancelled and they looked very limited in a recent friendly vs Ireland in Dublin, which they lost 1-0.
They have a respected manager in Julien Lopetegui but even he will struggle to get this squad to make an impact at World Cup 2026. They crashed out without winning a game when they hosted the tournament, a similar outcome is likely on the cards here.
Group B Prediction
- Switzerland
- Bosnia
- Canada
- Qatar
Group C
Scotland
Tournament Odds: 250/1
Group Qualification Odds: 2/5
Key Man: Scott McTominay
One To Watch: Ben Gannon-Doak
Scotland have qualified for the World Cup on eight occasions and have never managed to make it beyond the group stage. Will this finally be the year they break the hoodoo? They qualified by topping their group ahead of Denmark and this does look to be the strongest squad they have assembled since the days of Dalgleish, Souness and Archie Gemmill.
Although the injury suffered by Billy Gilmour in a warm-up friendly is a blow, they still have plenty of experience and quality in their ranks, with the likes of John McGinn, Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney. The former Liverpool winger, 20-year-old Ben Gannon-Doak will provide an x-factor on the wing and if Scotland don’t make it out of this group, it would be a major surprise.
Brazil
Tournament Odds: 10/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/100
Key Man: Vinicius Junior
One To Watch: Rayan
No World Cup would be complete without the famous yellow jerseys of Brazil. However, the days of them being expected to win the competition are long gone and since they last won the tournament in 2002, the best they have managed is a fourth placed finish on home soil in 2014.
The ageing Casemiro, who enjoyed something of an Indian Summer season with Manchester United, will captain the team so is likely to start and with him in the engine room, Brazil will be very vulnerable to quick counter attacks through the middle.
They have appointed a foreign manager for the first time, the Italian maestro Carlo Ancelotti, to try and turn their fortunes around but with egomaniacs like Neymar and Vinicius junior in the squad, they may be set for another early exit. Should make it through the group fine but when they come up against a top team, it could spell trouble.
Haiti
Tournament Odds: 5000/1
Group Qualification Odds: 8/1
Key Man: Duckens Nazon
One To Watch: Jean Ricner Bellegarde
For Haiti to even be at World Cup 2026 is an achievement in itself. The country has been in turmoil politically for a number of years and authorities will be hoping that their first World Cup appearance since 1974 has a unifying effect on society.
They’ll be leaning heavily on their number 9 Duckens Nazon, who has scored 44 goals in 78 appearances, and Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellgarde. Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor is another important player for Haiti. However, they look up against it in this group and if they can take one point from their three matches, it would be viewed as a successful tournament for ‘Les Grenadiers.’
Morocco
Tournament Odds: 150/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/10
Key Man: Achraf Hakimi
One To Watch: Chemsdine Talbi
Topped their group in qualifying, winning all eight games, scoring 22 goals and conceding just two. Lost the AFCON final vs Senegal but were subsequently awarded the tournament in controversial fashion. Surprise packages at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they finished fourth, Morocco are arguably the strongest African nation at World Cup 2026.
They are a team that relies heavily on pride and passion, and they’ve got some seriously talented footballers. PSG’s Achraf Hakimi will captain the team and he’ll be ably assisted by the likes of Man Utd’s Noussair Mazraoui, Real Betis’ all-action midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and Real Madrid’s skilful attacker Brahim Diaz.
Long odds on to qualify from this Group, no team will fancy playing the Moroccans in the knockout stages and it would be no surprise to see them go on another deep run at World Cup 2026.
Group C Prediction
- Brazil
- Scotland
- Morocco
- Haiti
Group D
Turkey
Tournament Odds: 250/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/4
Key Man: Hakan Calhanoglu
One To Watch: Arda Guler
It is hard to believe that this will be Turkey’s first appearance at the World Cup since their thrilling third placed finish in Japan/South Korea in 2002. This generation will be looking to make their mark on the global stage and they managed to reach the quarter-finals at Euro 2024, experience that should stand to them at World Cup 2026.
Turkey have star quality in the shape of Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz, while in midfield they’ve got the experience and know how of captain Hakan Calhanoglu, who still plies his trade at the top level in Italy with Inter Milan.
It is at the back where their weakness may lie, but this Turkish team, who overcame Romania and Kosovo in the playoffs to secure qualification, will be targeting another appearance in the knockout stages. If they make it, they could pull off a surprise or two.
Paraguay
Tournament Odds: 325/1
Group Qualification Odds: 8/15
Key Man: Julio Enciso
One To Watch: Diego Gomez
A team that is built on the foundations of a mean defence, Paraguay will be making their first appearance at a World Cup since reaching the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010. They finished sixth in the ultra-competitive South American qualifying group, scoring just 14 goals in 18 games, but conceding just 10. Ony Ecuador boasted a better defensive record.
They’ll be relying on Brighton’s Julio Enciso and the mercurial Diego Gomez, also with Brighton, to provide a creative spark. However, the top scorer in their squad is Miguel Almiron, who has just 10 goals, and that is where they are lacking. Should be good enough to qualify for the last 32, but that will probably be as good as it gets.
USA
Tournament Odds: 85/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/8
Key Man: Christian Pulisic
One To Watch: Brenden Aaronson
Regulars at the World Cup and they’ll have the benefit of home advantage. They usually make it through to the knockout stages, and in 2002 they made it all the way to the quarter finals. This time, they’ve got a top-class manager in Mauricio Pochettino and given his preference for high-tempo, pressing football, they should be entertaining to watch.
They’ve got a mix of domestic and mostly European based players, most notably Christian Pulisic (Milan), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds) and flying Fulham full-back Antonee Robinson. Expectations will be high for the USMNT and the question is, can they handle the pressure?
They’ve lost three of their last four warm-up games but there was a glimmer of promise vs Germany last time and if they can build on that, who knows how far they might go.
Australia
Tournament Odds: 500/1
Group Qualification Odds: 6/5
Key Man: Nestory Irankunda
One To Watch: Jordan Bos
The Socceroos will be making their seventh appearance at the World Cup and have made it through the group stage twice, in 2006 and in 2022. Can they do it again? This is a tricky group for them but they have avoided all the biggest names and they’ll fancy their chances of getting at least one positive result in the group.
They’ll be well organised under the tutelage of the defensively minded manager Tony Popovic and they’ll be looking to the likes of Watford’s Nestory Irankunda and Feyenoord’s exciting young winger Jordan Bos to provide moments of individual brilliance in attack. A last 32 appearance would represent a successful tournament for Australia but it is far from guaranteed.
Group D Prediction
- Turkey
- USA
- Paraguay
- Australia
Group E
Germany
Tournament Odds: 14/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/66
Key Man: Florian Wirtz
One To Watch: Nick Woltemade
The saying goes ‘never write off the Germans’ but they come into this tournament on the back of group stage exits in 2018 and 2022 and they were also dumped out at the quarter final stage at the last Euros. Julien Naglesmann, possibly one of the most overrated head coaches in football, has been tasked with reawakening this giant but it remains to be seen if he is up to the task.
There is no shortage of individual talent in this squad but their key man, Florian Wirtz, had a torrid time in his first season at Liverpool. Nick Woltemade, a big centre forward with a velvety touch, struggled in the second half of the season after making a bright start at Newcastle and the six-strong Bayern Munich contingent will be smarting after their Champions League semi-final loss vs PSG.
As their odds suggest, they should waltz through the group stage but when they come up against sterner opposition, their limitations will likely be exposed.
Ecuador
Tournament Odds: 100/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/10
Key Man: Moises Caicedo
One To Watch: Gonzalo Plata
A dark horse for World Cup 2026. Finished second in the South America qualifying group, conceding just five goals in 18 games and finishing ahead of Colombia and Brazil. One of the best defences in the tournament, with Hincapie (Arsenal) and Pacho (PSG) forming a formidable partnership at centre-back.
Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo will provide dynamism in the engine room with record scorer, the veteran Enner Valencia, leading the line. This generation of Ecuadorian players will be desperate to make amends for 2022 when they crashed out at the group stages and with their almost impenetrable defence, they should be capable of doing at least that.
Ivory Coast
Tournament Odds: 300/1
Group Qualification Odds: 2/9
Key Man: Franck Kessie
One To Watch: Yan Diomande
Blessed with plenty of exciting attacking talent but this is a team that prides itself on being tight defensively. Qualified for three successive World Cups between 2006-14 but failed to qualify for the knockout stages. That will be their main aim at World Cup 2026.
Ivory Coast cruised through their qualification group, remaining unbeaten in ten games and keeping ten clean sheets. They won AFCON in 2023 but disappointingly went out at the quarter-final stage in the 2025 renewal.
Former Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, now playing in Saudi Arabia, remains a key cog in midfield, and up front exciting wingers Jan Diomande, Amad Diallo and Nicolas Pepe will cause most defences problems. If they can get through the group and make it to the quarter finals, this tournament will be viewed as a success for ‘The Elephants.’
Curacao
Tournament Odds: 5000/1
Group Qualification Odds: 9/1
Key Man: Leandro Bacuna
One To Watch: Tahith Chong
World Cup debutants Curacao will be hoping to make an immediate impact. They reached the tournament via the playoffs, beating Jamaica 2-0 on aggregate. With a population of just 150,000 odd, they are punching above their weight to even be here and whatever happens now will be a bonus.
A former Dutch colony, they’ll be managed by Dick Advocaat and their star man is Leandro Bacuna, a former Aston Villa player. He will play in midfield alongside his brother Jordan and former Manchester United winger Tahith Chong will be looking to provide an attacking threat out wide. Probably making up the numbers in what looks a tough group.
Group E Prediction
- Ecuador
- Germany
- Ivory Coast
- Curacao
Group F
Sweden
Tournament Odds: 175/1
Group Qualification Odds: 4/9
Key Man: Alexander Isak
One To Watch: Lucas Bergvall
A country with a rich World Cup heritage. Beaten finalists on home soil in 1958, they finished third when the World Cup was last hosted by the USA and in their last appearance in Russia in 2018, they made it to the quarter finals. Having failed to qualify for Qatar in 2022, they’ll be keen to make an impact.
However, they had to qualify through the back door. Jon Dahl-Tomasson was sacked after they struggled badly in the qualifiers but under Graham Potter they got back on track, beating Ukraine and Poland in the playoffs.
They’ve got firepower up front with Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. Viktor Lindelof is a key figure at the back and young Spurs midfielder Lucas Bergvall will bring energy to their midfield. They find themselves in a tricky group and will probably fight it out for third with Tunisia. If they do make it through, it is hard to see them going too much further than the last 16.
Netherlands
Tournament Odds: 22/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/14
Key Man: Mickey Van de Ven
One To Watch: Donyell Malen
Three-time runners up, most recently in 2014, this Netherlands team is different to previous iterations. Usually known for attacking flair, this squad is loaded with top class defensive talent, including the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Mickey Van De Ven and Denzel Dumfries. They were struck a blow on Monday though as news broke that Jurrien Timber has been withdrawn from the squad due to a groin injury.
The Dutch are strong in midfield too and Barcelona playmaker Frenkie De Jong will pull the strings for them in the engine room. The mercurial Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo are their main source of goals but the fact that 33-year-old Wout Weghorst is still in the squad illustrates the lack of depth the Dutch have in attack.
Reached the quarter-finals in 2022, a similar showing is probably on the cards at World Cup 2026.
Tunisia
Tournament Odds: 750/1
Group Qualification Odds: 11/8
Key Man: Hannibal Mejbri
One To Watch: Ismael Gharbi
Have failed to make it through the group stage in four previous World Cup appearances, including the last three in a row. Bitterly disappointed in the last two AFCONs, crashing out at the group stage in 2023 and in the round of 16 in 2025.
Ex-Manchester United and now Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri will be a key cog for Tunisia. He is undoubtedly talented but he operates on a short fuse and it will be important for him to keep his cool if Tunisia are to have any joy.
The biggest concern for Tunisia is the lack of goals in their ranks. Defender Ali Abdi is the top-scorer in this squad with just seven goals and that will be what probably costs them in the end.
Japan
Tournament Odds: 80/1
Group Qualification Odds: 2/7
Key Man: Takefusa Kubo
One To Watch: Koki Ogawa
The Samurai have always been worth watching at World Cups. Their campaigns usually end in thrilling, glorious failure but this time, it could be different. They come into the tournament having beaten the likes of England and Brazil in 2026 and they have a squad loaded with technically gifted players.
Yes, they’ll sorely miss Kaoru Mitoma and Taki Minamino, but they have the hugely talented Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo to pick up the slack and they’ll be confident of controlling midfield against most teams with the likes of Kamada, Endo and Sano in the engine room.
They have no shortage of defensive talent either, including the versatile Ito, of Bayern Munich and Watanebe of Feyenoord. They have a promising young goalkeeper in Parma’s Zion Suzuki. If they turn up and put it all together, this Japanese team has it in them to make a big impact at World Cup 2026.
Group F Prediction
- Japan
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Tunisia
Group G
Belgium
Tournament Odds: 33/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/33
Key Man: Jeremy Doku
One To Watch: Charles De Ketelaere
The fabled ‘Golden Generation’ failed to win a major tournament but this version of Belgium should not be underestimated. Some of the old heads still remain, including the ageing Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku but new blood like Jeremy Doku and Amadou Onana have injected new life into the The Red Devils.
Now managed by Rudi Garcia, they were undefeated in qualifying and saw off the challenges of Wales and North Macedonia. They conceded 7 goals in 8 games, however, and bar Thibaut Courtois, in defence is where their weakness lies.
Their main issue is that Lukaku and De Bruyne haven’t enjoyed the best of seasons at club level and that is far from ideal for players of their age. They find themselves in a pretty weak group, so they should make it to the knockout stages but it would be a surprise were they to make it past the quarter finals.
Egypt
Tournament Odds: 500/1
Group Qualification Odds: 4/11
Key Man: Mo Salah
One To Watch: Ibrahim Adel
The Pharaohs made short work of their qualifying group, making it through with a game to spare. They kept a total of seven clean sheets and like previous Egyptian sides, they are more concerned with not conceding goals rather than scoring them.
The now former Liverpool winger Mo Salah is the pivotal figure in attack for Egypt and he scored 9 of their 19 goals in qualifying. They’ll likely play with two defensive midfielders protecting the back four and they’ll hope to hit teams on the counter.
A dour, defensive outfit, they won’t be the most exciting team to watch at World Cup 2026 but they are effective in what they do and they should advance to the knockout stages. Can they go much further? Probably not.
Iran
Tournament Odds: 1000/1
Group Qualification Odds: 4/7
Key Man: Mehdi Taremi
One To Watch: Mehdi Ghayedi
To say it has been a difficult build up to World Cup 2026 for Iran would be an understatement. The war with the US has disrupted their preparation and they had to move their base from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico just two weeks before the tournament gets underway.
One thing this Iranian team won’t lack is motivation. They’ve got a settled team with some talented players, like Medhi Taremi, Al Nasr winger Mehdi Gayedi and the versatile utility man Saman Ghoddos. They’ll be targeting a win against New Zealand and if they can nick a point against either Egypt or Belgium, they may well make their first appearance in the knockout stage at the seventh attempt.
New Zealand
Tournament Odds: 2500/1
Group Qualification Odds: 15/8
Key Man: Chris Wood
One To Watch: Eli Just
Better known as a nation for their exploits with an egg-shaped ball, the Black Ferns are making their second ever appearance at a World Cup and their first since South Africa in 2010.
In both previous appearances they have failed to make it out of their group and they have yet to win a game, but they did manage to draw all three games in 2010. Nottingham Forest striker, Chris Wood, is their standout player but bar him, talent is pretty thin on the ground. Would be a surprise if they got out of the group.
Group G Prediction
- Belgium
- Egypt
- Iran
- New Zealand
Group H
Spain
Tournament Odds: 5/1 favs
Group Qualification Odds: 1/100
Key Man: Lamine Yamal
One To Watch: Nico Williams
An outstanding team and ante-post favourites for World Cup 2026. However, since winning in 2010 they have crashed out at the last 16 stage in 2022 and 2018 and in 2014 they didn’t even make it out of their group so can they put it all together and deliver on the biggest stage in 2026?
They come into World Cup 2026 as reigning European Champions. They have world class talent in every area of the pitch, though it must be said that Luis de la Fuente’s decision to not select any Real Madrid players is risky, if ultimately understandable given the team spirit he has nurtured in this tightly knit squad.
The irresistible Lamine Yamal will be their chief attacking threat, ably assisted by Nico Williams. Pedri and Rodri are likely to start in the engine room with full backs Cucurella and Porro raiding down both flanks. This is a formidable team and if they turn up in the same form as they were in at Euro 2024, they could be hard to stop.
Uruguay
Tournament Odds: 80/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/7
Key Man: Fede Valverde
One To Watch: Facundo Pellistri
Uruguay, champions in 1930 and 1950, will be one of the most intriguing teams to watch at World Cup 2026. Managed by the brilliant Marcelo Bielsa, they will play a high-octane, high-pressing game and if they are on song, they could be one of the most exciting teams to watch at this tournament. The problem is, they haven’t been on song for the guts of a year now so they need to get back on track.
They finished fourth in their qualifying group, level on points with Brazil, and a 1-1 warm up draw with England at Wembley advertised their credentials. The wayward but committed Darwin Nunez will cause problems up front and the top class Fede Valverde is their key man in midfield.
This Uruguay team won away at Argentina and beat Brazil at home in qualifying so their outright odds of 80/1 do look a shade generous in comparison to those two rivals, if they turn up in the same form here.
Cape Verde
Tournament Odds: 2000/1
Group Qualification Odds: 2/1
Key Man: Ryan Mendes
One To Watch: Dailon Livramento
The Blue Sharks will be making their first ever World Cup appearance. Surprise qualifiers, they made the quarter finals at the 2023 AFCON but these are far deeper waters.
Ryan Mendes isn’t getting any younger but he remains their key player, and Shamrock Rovers defender, the Dublin born Pico Lopes, has been a stellar addition at the back. Look to face an uphill struggle to get out of this group, but Saudi Arabia haven’t been in the best of form so they are not written off for third place.
Saudi Arabia
Tournament Odds: 1000/1
Group Qualification Odds: 11/8
Key Man: Salem Al-Dawsari
One To Watch: Musab Al-Juwayr
World Cup regulars, they shocked the world in Qatar when beating the eventual winners Argentina in the group stage, but ultimately failed to qualify for the knockout stage, losing both their other games.
However, their preparation for World Cup 2026 has been far from ideal. Herve Renard, in charge for Qatar, was relieved of his duties in April and Georgios Donis has now taken the reins. A 4-0 hammering at home by Egypt in March sparked the managerial change and that result highlighted their defensive frailties. Goals have been hard to come by too. Up against it.
Group H Prediction
- Spain
- Uruguay
- Cape Verde
- Saudi Arabia
Group I
France
Tournament Odds: 6/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/25
Key Man: Kylian Mbappe
One To Watch: Warren Zaire-Emery
Winners in 2018 and runners up in 2022, this France team has a serious pedigree. Many of the 2022 squad remain, but they came up short at Euro 2024, losing in the semi-finals vs Spain. Didier Deschamps was widely tipped to call it a day after that tournament but he has decided to take one more shot at the title.
With the talent at his disposal, it is no surprise that Deschamps is giving it another go. They’ve got Saliba and Upamecano at the back, Tchouameni in midfield and Mbappe, Dembele, and in form Micheal Olise up top. They would walk into most international teams, but would the players have benefitted from a fresh voice in the dugout?
The unwillingness of Mbappe to work off the ball has to rate as a big concern, as Real Madrid have discovered, but he will score goals. If Deschamps can get these talented individuals playing for each other, rather than themselves, France have every chance of going all the way. However, given the egos involved, that is far from guaranteed.
Norway
Tournament Odds: 25/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/5
Key Man: Erling Haaland
One To Watch: Jens Petter Hauge
Norwegian football is enjoying something of a renaissance. The swashbuckling European adventures of Bodo Glimt have put them back on the map at club level and the national team is making waves now too. They won all eight games in qualifying, finishing ahead of Italy, scoring 35 goals and conceding just 5. They also have arguably the most lethal striker in the world, Man City’s Erling Haaland.
Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard will be brimming with confidence after lifting the Premier League. Sande Berge is a rock-solid performer in midfield and their back four all play in top European leagues, so they will be a force to be reckoned with under the guidance of their head coach Stale Solbakken.
Likely to fight it out with France for top spot in this group and it would be no surprise were they to go far at World Cup 2026.
Senegal
Tournament Odds: 125/1
Group Qualification Odds: 2/5
Key Man: Sadio Mane
One To Watch: Ismaila Sarr
It has been a mixed bag for Senegal in the World Cup since their quarter final run in 2002. They only managed to make it to the last 16 in 2022 when fancied to do better and Pape Thiaw will be hoping to improve on that in the US, Mexico and Canada and they come into the tournament as the ‘moral’ AFCON Champions.
They are still hugely reliant on their all-action forward Sadio Mane, though the emergence of Ismaila Sarr has taken some of the pressure off him. They’ve got the considerable presence of Koulibaly at the back and the vast majority of their squad play in Europe’s top leagues.
They find themselves in a tricky group, however, so if they are going to progress they’ll probably need to get a result against either Norway or France (as well as beating Iraq). That won’t be easy, but there is no doubt they have the ability in their squad to do it.
Iraq
Tournament Odds: 2000/1
Group Qualification Odds: 4/1
Key Man: Aymen Hussein
One To Watch: Zidane Iqbal
This will be Iraq’s second World Cup appearance. They’ll be hoping it goes better than their first in 1986 when they lost all three games, scoring just one goal. Just under half of their squad play domestically, including their top-scorer Aymen Hussein, the man that netted the winning goal against Bolivia that secured their spot at World Cup 2026.
They do have a few players based in Europe. Marko Farji will be playing in Serie A next season with Venezia. Former Manchester United youngster Zidane Iqbal is currently playing for Utrecht in the Eredivisie and forward Ali Al-Hamidi will be familiar to Ipswich Town fans. However, the Iraqis find themselves in a tough group and, unfortunately for them, another first-round exit looks likely.
Group I Prediction
- Norway
- France
- Senegal
- Iraq
Group J
Austria
Tournament Odds: 150/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/6
Key Man: Marcel Sabitzer
One To Watch: Romano Schmid
Fourth in 1934 and third in 1954, it has been slim pickings for Austria at the World Cup ever since. Their last two appearances came in 1990 and 1998, and they went out in the group stage both times. They topped their qualifying group, edging out Bosnia and Romania, and they will be targeting qualification from what looks a relatively easy group, apart from Argentina.
They’ve got some talented players. David Alaba, Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer are all established at top clubs and they’ll be ably assisted by the likes of Romano Schmid and experienced frontman Marko Arnautovic, who is now plying his trade with Red Star Belgrade.
Should comfortably make it through to the last 32 but might find things tougher in the knockout stages against better opposition.
Argentina
Tournament Odds: 10/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/50
Key Man: Lionel Messi
One To Watch: Giuliano Simeone
Three-time World Cup winners, including in the latest renewal in 2022. They leaned heavily on Lionel Messi in Qatar and the 38-year-old, now playing for Inter Miami in MLS, is still their talisman. However, he’s been struggling with injuries and it may be time for others, like Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez to step up to the plate.
The Argentina squad is packed with quality. They’ve got a top tier keeper (and shit-houser) in Emiliano Martinez. All of their likely starting back four play in Europe’s top leagues, as do their midfield and forward players, and they’ve got a manager that has already delivered a World Cup win.
They breezed through qualifying, finishing miles clear of the chasing pack, and their warm-up matches have gone to plan. Likely to put up a proper fight to retain their crown and dangerous to discount.
Algeria
Tournament Odds: 300/1
Group Qualification Odds: 4/11
Key Man: Riyad Mahrez
One To Watch: Rayan Ait-Nouri
Algeria will be making their fifth World Cup appearance. Managed by Vladimir Petkovic, this team has underachieved since winning AFCON in 2019. Eliminated at the quarter-final stage in that competition in 2025, this will likely be the last chance for their star man Riyad Mahrez to make an impact on the global stage.
They have plenty of quality supporting acts, such as Man City’s flying full back Rayan Ait-Nouri, Leverkusen’s young starlet Ibrahim Maza and Nice’s energetic midfielder Hicham Boudaoui. They come into this tournament with an impressive record (one loss in 28) but that fact that the loss came in the most important match they have played in the last two years (the AFCON quarter-final v Nigeria) raises questions about their mentality when results really matter.
Should edge out Jordan for third but after that, it could be a struggle.
Jordan
Tournament Odds: 2500/1
Group Qualification Odds: 3/1
Key Man: Mousa Al-Tamari
One To Watch: Odeh Al-Fakhouri
World Cup debutants Jordan are likely to be in above their depth here. Bar star man Mousa Al-Tamari, the majority of their squad play at a low level and while they avoided the play-offs and qualified automatically by finishing second in their group behind South Korea, warm up defeats to Switzerland (4-1) and Colombia (2-0) are probably accurate representations of what lies ahead for the minnows at World Cup 2026.
Group J Prediction
- Argentina
- Austria
- Algeria
- Jordan
Group K
Portugal
Tournament Odds: 9/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/33
Key Man: Bruno Fernandes
One To Watch: Francisco Conceicao
The Ronaldo circus remains in full flow. Now a 41-year-old, his enthusiasm hasn’t waned ahead of his record sixth World Cup appearance, but his footballing ability certainly has. Roberto Martinez will start him if he is fit (he’s recently had a hamstring injury) and that’s a pity for Portugal fans because he’d be much more useful if used as an impact sub, coming on late if a goal is required.
The whole team is set up to serve him. And what a team it could be if he wasn’t the centre of attention. Dias, Cancelo and Nuno Mendes at the back. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Neves and Vitinha in midfield. Leao and Neto out wide. Stacks of talent.
At the last World Cup, and at the Euros, Portugal crashed out at the quarter-final stage, a travesty really when you consider the ammunition they have at their disposal. Unfortunately, it is hard to see them doing much better with a rapidly ageing Cristiano Ronaldo spearheading their attack.
Colombia
Tournament Odds: 33/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/8
Key Man: James Rodriguez
One To Watch: Daniel Munoz
Perennial World Cup ‘dark horses,’ Colombia finished third in their qualifying group, level on points with Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. They have a solid, very experienced squad which will be led by the veteran schemer James Rodriguez. He never really fulfilled his potential at club level but the Colombia jersey seems to bring out the best in him.
Having failed to qualify for Qatar, the 2014 quarter-finalists will be desperate to go on a deep run at World Cup 2026. For the likes of Rodriguez (34), Quintero (33) and Cordoba (33), this will likely be the last chance for them to strut their stuff on the global stage and they will likely be fighting it out for top spot with Portugal.
Argentine manager Nestor Lorenzo has been in charge since 2022 and he guided Colombia to the 2024 Copa America final (which was hosted by the USA), a match they lost to an extra time Lautaro Martinez goal vs Argentina. Could go well.
DR Congo
Tournament Odds: 750/1
Group Qualification Odds: 11/10
Key Man: Yoane Wissa
One To Watch: Noah Sadiki
This will be DR Congo’s first appearance at the World Cup since 1974 (when they were known as Zaire). They missed out on automatic qualification by 2 points (behind Senegal) before seeing off Jamaica in the playoffs.
They’ve got a few players that will be familiar to Premier League watchers, including Aaron Wan Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Noah Sadiki and Newcastle’s big money signing Yoane Wissa. Should be a straight fight between them and Uzbekistan for third but if they do sneak through to the last 32, that’s probably as good as it will get.
Uzbekistan
Tournament Odds: 2500/1
Group Qualification Odds: 2/1
Key Man: Abdukodir Khusanov
One To Watch: Eldor Shomorudov
Another World Cup debutant. Qualified automatically, finishing 2 points behind Iran in their AFC group, losing just one game. Man City central defender Abdukodir Khusanov has had a fine season after a tricky start to his career in Manchester and their main source of goals is veteran Istanbul Basaksehir striker Eldor Shomurodov, who will also wear the captain’s armband.
Would be a massive achievement if they could edge out DR Congo for third spot and anything after that would be a bonus.
Group K Prediction
- Portugal
- Colombia
- DR Congo
- Uzbekistan
Group L
Croatia
Tournament Odds: 80/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/4
Key Man: Luka Modric
One To Watch: Petar Sucic
For a country with a population of less than 4 million, Croatia consistently punch above their weight. This will be their third World Cup under Zlatko Dalic. In 2018 they were beaten finalists and in 2022 they made it to the semi-finals and took home the bronze medal for third place.
They are still reliant on Luka Modric, who is now 40, but they do have some quality midfielders coming through, like Inter’s Petar Sucic, his cousin Luka Sucic and Como’s Martin Baturina. Bayern Munich’s Josip Stanisic, Man City’s Josko Gvardiol and Spurs’ Luka Vuskovic will likely line up in a solid looking defence but it is at the other end of the pitch where they may come up slightly short.
Whether they top the group will likely depend on how they fare in a mouthwatering opening clash with England. If they win that, belief will begin to grow that they can go on another deep run at World Cup 2026. Lose heavily, and it might have the opposite effect.
England
Tournament Odds: 7/1
Group Qualification Odds: 1/66
Key Man: Harry Kane
One To Watch: Elliot Anderson
Thomas Tuchel has been tasked with bringing football home for the first time since 1966. Fourth in Russia in 2018 and quarter finalists in Qatar in 2022, Tuchel has made some bold decisions in selecting his squad for World Cup 2026.
There’s no place for former mainstays like Harry Maguire or Luke Shaw. Media darlings Phil Foden and Cole Palmer have been dropped after poor seasons for their clubs and Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has also been left out. Instead, Tuchel has opted for the likes of Dan Burn, Djed Spence, Jarrell Quansah, Anthony Gordon, Morgan Rogers and Noni Madueke.
Tuchel has stressed the importance of team unity over individual ability, but friendly defeats to Senegal and Japan have tempered enthusiasm. If they get off to a good start against Croatia, momentum will gather but if they don’t, the English press won’t be long ratcheting up the pressure on the German manager. They need to hit the ground running and if they do, they could be a threat to all.
Ghana
Tournament Odds: 500/1
Group Qualification Odds: 8/11
Key Man: Antoine Semenyo
One To Watch: Ernest Nuamah
Qualified with ease, topping their group and losing just one of their 10 games. This will be their fifth World Cup appearance and their best ever run came in 2010 when they made it to the quarter-finals. However, they failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, so all is not rosy in the camp.
Ghana have a nice mix of youth and experience in their squad. Captain Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey and Inaki Williams are seasoned campaigners, while at the other end of the age scale are Leicester City’s midfielder Abdul Fatawu and star man, 26-year-old Antoine Semenyo.
With Carlos Queiroz now in charge (a veteran of five World Cups) you can be sure that Ghana will be well organised defensively and if their frontmen fire, they could ruffle a few feathers at World Cup 2026.
Panama
Tournament Odds: 500/1
Group Qualification Odds: 8/11
Key Man: Anibal Godoy
One To Watch: Ismael Diaz
This will be Panama’s second World Cup appearance. They’ll be hoping it is better than their last one in 2018, when they lost all three games and conceded 11 goals, scoring just two. They went unbeaten in qualifying but they’ll be facing much sterner opposition here.
Key to their hopes will be Ismael Diaz, Adalberto Carrasquilla and Norwich City defender Jose Cordoba. However, the draw has not been kind and in all likelihood, an early exit is on the cards for Los Canaleros.
Group L Prediction
- England
- Croatia
- Ghana
- Panama
2026 World Cup Outright Winner
The team that makes most appeal, by some distance, is Spain. The reigning European Champions have the best ‘team’ and the fact that no Real Madrid player has been selected shows that Luis De La Fuente is determined to keep disruptive influences out of the squad.
If they win their group, Spain should have a relatively comfortable route to the final where they will most likely face Argentina, Brazil or England. We won’t be winning any prizes for originality with this tip but at odds of 9/2, Spain are worth backing to win the 2026 World Cup.
2026 World Cup Tip: Spain to win outright @ 9/2
Side Markets – Top Scorer
Barring the odd exception, like Oleg Salenko at USA 1994, the World Cup top scorer is usually on a team that reaches at least the quarter finals. There’s been no surprises in this market at the last two World Cups, with Harry Kane in 2018 and Kylian Mbappe in 2022.
Those two top the market for World Cup 2026, with Mbappe 11/2 and Kane at 6/1. The shortest priced Spanish player is Mikel Oyarzabal at 12/1, and there might be some value in those odds, and the same could be said for the goal machine Erling Haaland who is a best price of 14/1.
However, at odds of 33/1, Micheal Olise stands out. He fired in a hat-trick against Northern Ireland in France’s final warm up game and he now has 7 goals in just 17 appearances for France. He was also in inspired form for Bayern Munich this season, banging in 22 goals in 52 appearances (as well as providing 31 assists).
We don’t fancy France to win it all but they should make the quarters at least and if they do, hopefully Micheal Olise can grab a few goals along the way. With 4 places and 1/4 odds on offer, back Olise e/w at 33/1.
2026 World Cup Tip: Micheal Olise top scorer e/w @ 33/1 (4 places 1/4 odds W Hill)
Stage Of Elimination
Japan are an interesting outfit and we think they could outperform expectations at World Cup 2026. Quite a few firms are offering ‘Stage Of Elimination’ odds and we are going to put our money where our mouth is and back Japan.
There is a real possibility they could make it all the way to the quarter finals and even a semi final appearance is not beyond the realms of possibility. With odds of 7/1 (quarters) and 16/1 (semis) on offer, a bet is recommended on both.
