World Cup Betting: Everything you need to know for FIFA WC 2026

Access up-to-date FIFA World Cup 2026 picks, predictions and analysis from our team of experienced Covers Experts.

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World Cup Winner Odds & Favorites

Spain (+400): Fresh off their Euro 2022 triumph, La Roja are showing no signs of slowing down. Blessed with elite talent, including Lamine Yamal, Spain's style of play is conducive to tournament football.

England (+550): If not now, then when? England are looking to win their first World Cup since 1966, and the team is only getting older. Harry Kane leads the line in possibly his final World Cup tournament, but a tough draw and continuous failures have people skeptical of their current World Cup odds.

France (+700): Kylian Mbappe is a match-winner on his day, which gives France a leg up on the rest of the competition. They've got an embarrassment of attacking riches, but defensively is where the issues lie. Nobody will want to play them in a winner-take-all game.

Brazil (+800): It feels like an eternity since Brazil lifted the World Cup in 2002. With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, Brazil is in good hands, but their play has been lacking any real conviction. Still a dangerous team to play.

Argentina (+800): The defending champions are well-equipped to defend their title even if Lionel Messi doesn't feature prominently. They've got an elite defense and a solid goalkeeper, which goes a long way in tournament football.

World Cup Group Winners Odds & Favorites

Group A — Mexico (+120): Mexico came away with a great group draw and should have no problems navigating the Korea Republic and South Africa.

Group B — Any other team (+110): This could be one of Italy/Wales/Bosnia or Northern Ireland. Given the odds, Italy or Wales are the likeliest candidate.

Group C — Brazil (-357): Brazil are the class of the Group despite Morocco being a sleeper pick to make a deep run.

Group D — USA (+100): Similar to Mexico, the hosts got a solid draw and are easily a cut above.

Group E — Germany (-200): The Germans are proven winners and should be able to navigate a group featuring Ecuador and the Ivory Coast.

Group F — Netherlands (-139): The class of Group F. Netherlands' offense should get them out of any sticky situation.

Group G — Belgium (-227): Belgium's Golden Generation may be over, but they are the class of Group G.

Group H — Spain (-333): Spain are the favorite to win it all for a reason. Don't expect a Group stage slip-up.

Group I — France (-143): France have the experience which gives them the edge over a very impressive Norway side.

Group J — Argentina (-227): The defending Champions should make quick work of Austria and Algeria to top Group J.

Group K — Portugal (-167): Portugal is the brand name here, which is why they have the slight edge over a good Colombian side.

Group L — England (-250): This group looks tough, but Croatia is aging, and England should score their way out of problems.

Golden Boot Winner Odds & Favorites

Kylian Mbappe (France) +600: Kylian Mbappe is the goal-scoring threat for Les Bleues and is coming off a Golden Boot title in 2022 with eight goals. If France makes another deep run, Mbappe's goal tally will have him in contention.

Harry Kane (England) +700: Harry Kane is England's all-time top scorer, and he's been a scoring machine for Bayern Munich. Always one to step up in big moments, Kane will be a big reason why England have success.

Lionel Messi (Argentina) +1200: With so much focus on his play-making and high football IQ, Messi's scoring ability is often overlooked. He finished with seven goals in 2022, and as the primary penalty taker, Messi is a threat to win this award.

Erling Haaland (Norway) +1400: All Erling Haaland needs is a half chance, and he will score. He's scoring at an incredible rate since moving to the Premier League, and he netted 16 times in 8 World Cup qualifiers.

Lamine Yamal (Spain) +1400: Lamine Yamal is the focal point of La Roja's attack, but he's known more for his play-making ability.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) +2000: This man needs no introduction. He's scored 950+ goals for club and country and lives for moments like these. The big question is if he'll feature enough to contend.

World Cup Betting Contenders

Spain (+400): Fresh off their Euro 2022 triumph, La Roja are showing no signs of slowing down. Blessed with elite talent, including Lamine Yamal, Spain's style of play is conducive to tournament football.

England (+550): If not now, then when? England are looking to win their first World Cup since 1966, and the team is only getting older. Harry Kane leads the line in possibly his final World Cup tournament, but a tough draw and continuous failures have people skeptical of their current World Cup odds.

France (+700): Kylian Mbappe is a match-winner on his day, which gives France a leg up on the rest of the competition. They've got an embarrassment of attacking riches, but defensively is where the issues lie. Nobody will want to play them in a winner-take-all game.

Brazil (+800): It feels like an eternity since Brazil lifted the World Cup in 2002. With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, Brazil is in good hands, but their play has been lacking any real conviction. Still a dangerous team to play.

Argentina (+800): The defending champions are well-equipped to defend their title even if Lionel Messi doesn't feature prominently. They've got an elite defense and a solid goalkeeper, which goes a long way in tournament football.

World Cup Betting Longshots

Norway (+2500): All eyes will be on Norway as Erling Haaland makes his World Cup debut. He can turn a half-chance into a goal, which gives them a puncher's chance if they can navigate safe passage from Group I.

Belgium (+3300): An easy group stage draw will aid Belgium, and with a favorable path and elite talent such as Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaera, and Lois Openda, the Red Devils could make a deep run in 2026.

Morocco (+6600): If not for being paired with Brazil, Morocco's odds would be shorter. They finished fourth in 2022, and they have good talent and play a very attractive brand of football.

Where to Bet on the World Cup: Expert-rated betting sites

Covers reviews and rates top World Cup betting sites offering World Cup betting, comparing odds, markets, and user experience. Our expert reviews help bettors find safe and reliable sites to place World Cup wagers, whether betting on match lines, player props, futures, or same-game parlays.

If you're into club soccer as well, check out our soccer betting sites guide.

World Cup Betting FAQs

When is FIFA World Cup 2026?

The opening match of FIFA World Cup 2026 takes place on Thursday, June 11, and the tournament wraps up with the championship game on Sunday, July 19. Below are some key dates to mark on your calendar:

  • Start Date: June 11, 2026
  • Group Stage: June 11 to June 27, 2026
  • Round of 32: June 28 to July 9, 2026
  • Round of 16: July 10 to July 14, 2026
  • Quarterfinals: July 15 to July 19, 2026
  • Semifinals: July 14 to July 15, 2026
  • Championship: July 19, 2026
How to Watch the World Cup?

FOX Sports holds the English-language television rights in the United States, airing matches across FOX and FS1, while Telemundo and Universo provide Spanish coverage. In Canada, games are broadcast on CTV, TSN, and RDS. Mexico's primary broadcasters include Televisa and TV Azteca.

No cable? No problem! U.S. viewers can use the FOX Sports app, Peacock (for Spanish), or live TV services like Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV to stream the games directly.

Canadians can stream via the TSN and CTV apps. Additionally, FIFA+ will offer highlights and select content throughout the tournament.

Do prediction markets offer World Cup 2026 trading?

Yes. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi list tradable contracts on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including outright winner and Golden Boot. Instead of placing a fixed-odds bet, you buy and sell shares tied to outcomes and prices move based on market demand.

Who has best odds to win World Cup 2026?

Early futures markets and prediction exchanges currently list Spain as the favorite, with England and France close behind. La Roja head into the 2026 World Cup in great shape after winning Euro 2024 and building around a core of world-class talent. They’re organized and know how to control games, which makes them a safe, popular pick in futures markets.