World Cup Favourites: Top Contenders & Dark Horses for 2026

Who will win the World Cup in 2026? The tournament in North America is now well underway, with action kicking off across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The group stage battles have already begun reshaping the landscape, and we now have the clearest possible picture of the live World Cup favourites.

European powerhouses France and Spain remain near the top of the bookmakers’ boards, but the expanded 48-team format has already served up plenty of early drama, shocking stalemates, and tactical intrigue.

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 bookmaker lists when it comes to winning the 2026 World Cup tournament. All listed odds are courtesy of Easybet, correct at the time of writing and subject to change thereafter.

You can also claim offers made for World Cup 2026 to back up these favourites.

1. France

France officially reclaimed the spot of outright World Cup favourites. Having reached the final in three of the last seven tournaments, their tournament consistency is unmatched. They have carried their dominant qualifying form straight into North America, opening with a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal on June 16.

• Odds: 4.97

Didier Deschamps has a pool of 50 elite players to choose from, and their squad depth remains the absolute envy of international football. With Kylian Mbappé leading a highly efficient attack, Les Bleus looked incredibly formidable during their opening-week performance in New Jersey, causing their odds to tighten to the top spot.

2. Spain

Spain is currently the second choice among World Cup favourites, though their odds have drifted slightly following an unexpected roadblock. The reigning European champions entered the tournament with immense hype but were shockingly held to a 0-0 draw by a resilient Cabo Verde side in Atlanta on June 15.

• Odds: 6.43

Despite the opening stalemate, Luis de la Fuente’s side remains a major threat. Their young stars, spearheaded by Lamine Yamal, maintain an elite tactical identity built on high-intensity vertical pressure and keeping large shares of ball possession. La Roja will need to find their clinical edge in their next fixture, but they remain a primary team to beat.

3. England

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.

Six decades later, England is arguably the most talented squad yet to win a major trophy in the modern era. Under Thomas Tuchel, expectations are sky-high as they prepare to kick off their Group L campaign against Croatia in Dallas.

• Odds: 7.99

Tuchel’s iteration of the “Three Lions” has looked defensively robust, conceding only three goals in the lead-up to the summer. With captain Harry Kane leading the line and feeling highly motivated to erase the heartbreak of recent tournament finals, the squad is desperate to make an immediate statement in their opening match.

4. Portugal

Portugal has surged into the top 5 favourites, overtaking Brazil in the bookmakers’ eyes after a highly impressive run of form. They have smoothly bridged the gap between being outside dark horses and genuine title frontrunners as they prepare for their opening Group K clash against DR Congo in Houston tonight.

• Odds: 8.43

A Seleção das Quinas currently sits seventh in the official rankings but possesses a lethal mix of elite playmaking and tournament experience. With Bruno Fernandes creating chances at an elite rate and Cristiano Ronaldo continuing his historic international career in what is likely his final World Cup appearance, Roberto Martínez’s side has the depth to go all the way.

5. Argentina

The reigning World Cup champions have shown no signs of slowing down. Having won the 2024 Copa América, Argentina has proven they have the hunger to defend their crown. They have already made a powerful statement in their Group J opener, securing a dominant 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City.

Odds: 9.00

The match was a historic showcase for Lionel Messi, who scored his first-ever World Cup hat-trick to dismantle the Algerian defence. Under Lionel Scaloni, the reigning champions boast a highly balanced and experienced squad. With Messi pulling the strings and showing vintage form, Argentina’s odds have rightfully shortened as they eye back-to-back global titles.

World Cup Dark Horses

While the giants dominate the headlines, the expanded format leaves room for major surprises. These nations have the quality to disrupt the tournament favourites and make a deep, unpredictable run.

We’ll include the Easybet odds for each team to win the tournament, but don’t go betting $1.81 million dollars on them or anything (If you know, you know). And unfortunately, after Bafana Bafana’s historic 2-0 opening-day loss to Mexico (+ 2 red cards), South African fans will have to look elsewhere for champions.

Brazil

• Odds: 11.00

You cannot discuss the World Cup without mentioning Brazil, but the numbers suggest the South American giants have slipped slightly down the pecking order.

Currently in a transitional phase under Carlo Ancelotti, they have slid out of the top 5 favourites after being held to a highly competitive 1-1 draw by Morocco in their Group C opener on June 13. However, with Vinícius Júnior leading the line, their pure individual quality means they can never be counted out.

Germany

• Odds: 15.54

Four-time champions Germany find themselves in an unusual position outside the top five. Rebuilding under Julian Nagelsmann, they made a clear statement in their Group E opener in Houston on June 14, defeating Curaçao 7-1.

The team boasts a brilliant blend of exciting young talent, including Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, combined with experienced leadership. While defensive consistency is still a question mark, their tournament pedigree and early scoring explosion make them a highly dangerous outsider.

Morocco

• Odds: 40.38

Morocco is the highest-ranked African nation according to the governing body and enters this tournament on a high after winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

They proved their historic 2022 semi-final run was no fluke by fighting back to hold Brazil to a famous 1-1 draw on June 13. Boasting a highly organised defence and with Brahim Díaz fully integrated into the squad, they are a tough opponent for any heavyweight.

Uruguay

Odds: 67.59

Uruguay opened their Group H campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in Miami on June 15. Driven by the relentless work rate of Federico Valverde in midfield and the direct threat of Darwin Núñez, they remain a physically imposing side capable of overwhelming any European favourite on their day.

Remember, they have not won this trophy since 1950. That’s 16 years longer than England. Take that into consideration.

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.

Official Ranking

We track a team’s evolution over the last 12 months. Consistently staying in the top 10 in the governing body’s eyes is a strong indicator of stability and quality.

Recent Performance

We analyse form in major tournaments like the Euro 2024 (Spain), Copa América 2024 (Argentina), and AFCON 2025 (Morocco). We also check recent Nations League and Championship results, as well as international friendlies.

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.

1. Set Limits: Use tools provided by bookmakers to cap your deposits and losses.
2. Take Breaks: If you feel frustrated, step away.
3. 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 is already delivering immense competition. France and Spain currently set the standard, but England, Portugal, and Argentina 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 a historic 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. Beginners still learning the ropes of the sport can consult our guide on how to bet on soccer in South Africa.

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