World Cup Favourites: Top Contenders & Dark Horses for 2026

Who will win the World Cup in 2026? The tournament in North America kicks off in June 2026, and with the qualifiers largely settled and the group stage draw finalised, we now have a clearer picture of the World Cup favourites.

European kings, Spain, are still the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the trophy following the group stage draw, but the expanded 48-team format adds new variables.

This article analyses the teams most likely to succeed in the USA, Mexico and Canada. We examine squad depth, recent form, tournament know-how, and the latest market odds from the top World Cup betting sites to provide our top 5 picks and dark horses for the 2026 World Cup trophy.

5 Favourite Teams to Win the 2026 World Cup

Based on our research, the following nations consistently top the FIFA rankings and bookmaker lists to win the 2026 World Cup tournament. All listed odds are courtesy of Easybet, correct at the time of writing and subject to change thereafter.

Spain – FIFA Ranking: #1

Spain is currently the standout choice among World Cup favourites, leading the FIFA rankings and holding the title of European champions. Their tactical evolution under Luis de la Fuente has been impressive, blending their traditional possession game with deep, downfield pressure.

• Odds: 5.49
• Form & Analysis: Spain cruised through their recent World Cup qualifiers, including commanding wins against tough European opposition like Turkey and Georgia. Their only recent loss came through penalties in the Nations League Final against Portugal. Their squad is a perfect mix of veterans and wonderkids. Rodri anchors the midfield, providing world-class stability, while Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams offer explosive pace on the wings.
• Outlook: La Roja looks like the most complete team in the world. Their depth allows them to rotate without losing quality, a massive advantage in the expanded 48-team format. The only minor concern is their reliance on young wingers staying fit, but if they do, Spain is the team to beat.

Argentina – FIFA Ranking: #2

The reigning World Cup champions have shown no signs of slowing down. By winning the 2024 Copa América and dominating the South American qualifiers, Argentina has proven they have the hunger to go back-to-back in North America.

• Odds: 9.00
• Form & Analysis: Argentina comfortably topped the CONMEBOL qualifying. Their defence, led by “Dibu” Martínez and Cristian Romero, is rock solid. Up front, Old Man Messi (joking, relax) will no doubt be supported by the clinical finishing of Lautaro Martínez and the energy of Julián Álvarez.
• Outlook: The “Albiceleste” know how to navigate tournament pressure. Their greatest strength is their collective spirit and tactical flexibility under Lionel Scaloni. While Messi’s age is a talking point, the team has learned to win even when he isn’t the focal point, making them a very safe bet among the World Cup favourites.

France – FIFA Ranking: #3

France will always be perennial World Cup favourites. Having reached the final in three of the last seven tournaments, their consistency is unmatched. Despite a semi-final exit at Euro 2024, they cruised through their World Cup qualifying group.

• Odds: 8.88
• Form & Analysis: France recently topped their Nations League group and secured World Cup qualification with ease. The squad depth is so frightening that they could field two competitive teams. Kylian Mbappé is the obvious talisman, but the emergence of younger talents like Warren Zaïre-Emery and Michael Olise ensures the midfield remains dynamic.
• Outlook: France’s athleticism and counter-attacking speed make them a nightmare for any opponent. However, they sometimes struggle to break down low-defensive blocks. If Deschamps can keep the dressing room harmonious, France is a near-guarantee for the deep knockout stages.

England – FIFA Ranking: #4

In 1996, David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and The Lightning Seeds released a song called Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home). In 1966, England won the World Cup for the first and only time.

Based on this stat alone, you’d be forgiven for thinking they don’t belong on a list of 2026 World Cup favourites. It’s this author’s opinion that England is arguably the most talented team yet to win a major trophy in the modern era. And after the heartbreak of the Euro 2024 final, the “Three Lions” are more motivated than ever.

• Odds: 6.57
• Form & Analysis: England qualified for 2026 with a perfect record in their group, showcasing ruthless efficiency. The attack is world-class, featuring the veteran Harry Kane (in possibly his last World Cup) and young stars Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. This generation is entering its prime, with players starring for the biggest clubs in Europe.
• Outlook: The talent is undeniable, but the psychological hurdle of “getting over the line” remains. Their defence can occasionally look vulnerable against elite pace, but their attacking firepower is enough to outscore almost anyone. If they click, the potential is limitless.

Brazil – FIFA Ranking: #5

You cannot discuss World Cup favourites without mentioning Brazil. At least that’s what the numbers say. 7-time finalists and 5-time winners. But numbers and history aren’t everything.

Brazil are currently in a transitional phase, but with an unrivalled pedigree in World Cup history, the South Americans are a top contender. Under new boss Carlo Ancelotti, they have stabilised after a rocky start to the qualifiers, climbing back into the top spots of the South American table and qualifying.

• Odds: 8.97
• Form & Analysis: The Seleção have endured mixed form recently. They dominated South Korea, only to lose to Japan in October friendlies. They cleaned out Senegal, only to draw with Tunisia in November. The attack, with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, is frighteningly quick. However, they have often struggled for midfield control against European heavyweights.
• Outlook: While you can never discount Brazil, they are a high-risk bet that could pay off huge. That is, if they find the right balance in midfield to protect their defence. The individual brilliance of the players mentioned can then carry them to the trophy.

World Cup Dark Horses

While the giants dominate the headlines, the expanded format leaves room for surprises. These three nations have the quality to disrupt the World Cup favourites and go deep in the tournament. We’ll include the Easybet odds for each team to win the tournament, but don’t bet your house on them. Seriously, DON’T!

Portugal

• Odds: 11.98

This is likely Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup, but the team is far more than one man. Portugal often flies under the radar compared to France or England, yet their squad depth closely rivals those two. With elite playmakers like Bruno Fernandes and the defensive leadership of Rúben Dias, they possess world-class talent in every position.

They bridge the gap between the 2026 World Cup favourites and the rest of the field. You can expect them to make it to the semi-finals at the very least.

Uruguay

Odds: 64.95

Uruguay? More like unpredictable. Under Marcelo Bielsa, they have evolved into one of the most intense and tactically disciplined teams in the world. They proved their danger by beating both Brazil and Argentina during the qualifiers, showcasing they can handle elite opposition. With Federico Valverde controlling the midfield and Darwin Núñez in attack, they have the tools to punish mistakes.

This, combined with their ability to eliminate big teams, makes them a dangerous knockout opponent for any of the 2026 World Cup favourites. That being said, the last time they won the tournament was in 1950. They have been waiting longer than England. Take that into consideration if you decide to back them.

Morocco

Odds: 80.73

It may be a long shot, but if any African side has a chance of taking home the World Cup trophy, it’s the Atlas Lions.

The 2025 AFCON hosts made history in 2022 as the first African semi-finalist, and that performance was no fluke. After losing to South Africa in the 2023 AFCON Round of 16, they dominated the World Cup qualifiers and became the first CAF nation to qualify. They also won the Africa Nations Championships.

The Moroccans have retained their defensive solidity while adding flair with players like Brahim Díaz joining Achraf Hakimi. They are organised, difficult to break down, technically gifted and are no doubt a threat to the 2026 World Cup favourites.

How We Analyse the Favourite Teams for the World Cup

Identifying the World Cup favourites, and even the dark horses, is not a guessing game. Experts and regulated operators rely on specific data points to predict which nations will succeed. We combine five key metrics to create an accurate map of the title contenders.

• FIFA Ranking: We track a team’s evolution over the last 12 months. Consistently staying in the top 10 is a strong indicator of stability and quality.
• Recent Performance: We analyse form in major tournaments like the Euro 2024 (Spain) and Copa América 2024 (Argentina), as well as recent Nations League and Championship results, such as Morocco.
• Squad Quality: A starting XI is not enough to win a 48-team tournament. We assess the depth of the bench and international experience. True contenders have elite replacements ready to step in when injuries strike.
• Bookmakers’ Odds: We monitor the markets on top-rated sites regulated by boards like the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) to see how they price each nation. Shifting odds often reveal insider confidence before it hits the news.
• Cup History: Teams with a history of lifting the trophy often navigate the knockout stages better than inexperienced sides. We value this “winning culture” highly when picking 2026 World Cup favourites.

You can learn more about applying these metrics in our guide on how to bet on the World Cup.

A Look Back at the 2022 World Cup

The 2022 final in Qatar was arguably the greatest in history. Argentina faced France in a cinematic match that ended 3-3 after extra time, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé trading blows. One man proving, once and for all, that he is the GOAT and another trying to take the crown. Argentina eventually triumphed on penalties.

Both teams entered that tournament as heavy World Cup favourites. Argentina had won the 2021 Copa América, and France were the defending World champions. They lived up to the billing, proving that pre-tournament form is a reliable indicator. In contrast, other touted favourites like Brazil and Belgium fell short, highlighting the volatility of knockout football.

Responsible Gambling

Betting should always be done for entertainment, not as a way to make money. It is crucial to stay in control.

• Set Limits: Use tools provided by bookmakers to cap your deposits and losses.
• Take Breaks: If you feel frustrated, step away.
• Know the Signs: Chasing losses is a major warning sign for having a gambling problem.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. National Responsible Gambling Programme: 0800 006 008/076 675 0710 (WhatsApp).

Final Thoughts: What to Expect from the Favourites

The 2026 World Cup promises to be highly competitive. Spain and Argentina currently set the standard, but France and England are close behind. The expansion to 48 teams means favourites will have to navigate an extra knockout round, increasing the physical demand and the chance of an upset.

While technical analysis helps identify likely winners, football is unpredictable. Injuries, red cards or a penalty shootout can derail even the strongest World Cup favourites. We recommend using this data to inform your decisions, but always remember that no outcome is guaranteed.

For more detailed market prices, check our dedicated section on World Cup odds.

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