The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching. While the qualification process for this summer’s tournament is still ongoing, with play-offs in Europe and Mexico this week and next, the countdown is well and truly on.
For those nations that have already punched their ticket to the USA, Canada, and Mexico, this month’s friendly matches provide an opportunity to fine-tune. For players, time is running out to secure their seat on the plane.
Argentina enter the tournament as defending champions and are 8/1 to retain the crown Lionel Messi and Co. won in Qatar.
There could be value in backing the Albiceleste to win their fourth World Cup this summer, considering they qualified top of CONMEBOL qualifying, winning 12 of their 18 matches. They finished top by an impressive nine points.
Of course, Messi is three years older than he was at the 2022 World Cup, but he remains a difference-maker at the elite level, as proven by the fact that he scored more goals (eight) than any other player in CONMEBOL qualifying.
Lionel Messi will be aiming for back-to-back World Cup wins (Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazil are also priced at 8/1 to win the World Cup this summer, which is noteworthy considering the struggles the Selecao have had recently.
While Brazil’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup was never truly in doubt, they could only finish fifth in qualifying, putting them behind Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay, and a long way behind rivals Argentina, who beat them home and away.
Carlo Ancelotti is putting his own stamp on the squad, having been appointed Brazil manager in May 2025, but he is still getting to grips with an unbalanced group that lacks the talent of past Selecao generations.
Their odds might reflect Brazil’s standing as international superpowers and five-time World Cup winners, but it would take a big improvement from them to add a sixth championship this summer.
At 9/2, Spain are considered tournament favourites, and with good reason after Luis de la Fuente’s team won Euro 2024 playing a brand of exciting, dynamic football.
The last (and first) time Spain won the World Cup in 2010, they prepared for the tournament in South Africa by winning the European Championship. They have been here before and are well-placed to repeat history.
It could be argued that Spain are even stronger than they were in Germany two years ago, thanks to the emergence of Joan Garcia as a top-level goalkeeper and Dean Huijsen in central defence.
England lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final and have to be considered among the frontrunners to get their hands on the 2026 World Cup trophy.
Thomas Tuchel has taken over from Gareth Southgate since England’s last major tournament, and the early signs under the German coach have been positive. Indeed, the Three Lions were one of only two UEFA teams to qualify with a 100% record.
Like Spain, England might be stronger than they were at Euro 2024. Lewis Hall and Nico O’Reilly have emerged as left-back options, while central midfielder Elliot Anderson looks ready for a breakout summer at the elite level.
Priced at 6/1, the 2026 World Cup might be England’s best chance in a generation to finally move on from the memory of 1966. No pressure.
Finalists in 2022, France are 13/2 to lift the World Cup trophy for the third time in their history. While Didier Deschamps continues to face criticism over his conservative style of play, Les Bleus have made the final of the last two World Cups.
Can Didier Deschamps and Kylian Mbappe lead France to glory? (Alex Pantling – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
The likes of Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele have all taken a step forward since Euro 2024, when France could only reach the semi-finals. They will be a threat this summer.
At 11/1, Portugal are a slightly longer shot to win the 2026 World Cup, although Roberto Martinez’s squad is as deep as any other travelling to the tournament.
Martinez has given Portugal more control in their use of possession. Indeed, only England and Germany averaged a higher share of possession per match in European qualifying for this World Cup.
Portugal boast one of the best full-backs in the world in Nuno Mendes, with Joao Neves, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes set to give Martinez one of the strongest midfield units at this summer’s tournament.
Germany (14/1) and the Netherlands (20/1) are relative outsiders compared to their usual strength in major tournaments, while Norway (25/1) could surprise a few people.
Norway won all eight of their World Cup qualifiers, including a 4-1 dismantling of Italy at the San Siro. Erling Haaland also scored more goals (16) than any other player in UEFA qualification.
Stale Solbakken’s side should be taken seriously as possible contenders, even if they have landed in a challenging group with France and Senegal.
The USA are 50/1 to win the World Cup as a host nation for the first time since France won it in 1998. Mauricio Pochettino has implored his players to believe they can pull off something special even if the odds are stacked against them.