World Cup 2026 betting odds: Who’s hot, who’s not in the race for glory

The European World Cup qualifying campaign drew to a close on Tuesday night, and did so in spectacular fashion. 

Scotland’s late win over Denmark was the main talking point as the Tartan Army, like Austria and Norway, made football’s showpiece for the first time since 1998.

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Will the trio go the distance in North America next year? That remains to be seen. A number of international heavyweights booked their flight across the pond this week and we run through the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup next summer.

The ante post markets are always a chance to find the best value plays on some of the biggest sports events. 

Spain

Spain went through qualification unbeaten but were denied a 100% record by Turkey on Tuesday night as the pair played out a 2-2 draw in Seville. 

Even so, the Euro 2024 winners excelled as they nailed down their 2026 World Cup spot. Indeed, they scored 21 goals on their way to top spot in Group E, while the two goals they conceded to Turkey were the only ones they shipped.

What’s all the more commendable is that they booked their trip stateside without needing to regularly call upon their star players. 

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Spain’s flying wide pair, made just two appearances in qualifying, while Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, two key players in Euro 2024 success, also featured just twice. 

With ample strength in depth, Spain are the 5/1 favourites with Betway to win the 2026 World Cup.

England

Is football finally coming home next summer? England managed to book their 2026 World Cup spot with a 100% record following their 2-0 win in Albania on Sunday evening. And now it's time to talk about who will make it on the plane to North America in June 2026.

The Three Lions scored 22 times and didn’t concede a single goal throughout qualifying.

Thomas Tuchel may have come in for criticism for a series of sub-par displays but the results speak for themselves.

England conceded the second fewest shots per game (4.3), and managed the lowest xGA (2.22) in UEFA qualification. 

Tuchel is a knockout specialist and having excelled on their way to the USA, England are at a best price of 13/2 with BetMGM, jumping up from third favourite in October to second in the running in November, to win a first World Cup since 1966.

France

Didier Deschamps’ swansong takes place next summer. France eased their way to the 2026 World Cup, as they got the better of Ukraine, Iceland and Azerbaijan. 

While Les Bleus, like Spain, couldn’t go through qualification with a 100% record, a 2-2 draw with Iceland last month the blip on the record book, France still claimed 16 points from their six matches.

READ: Who will replace Didier Deschamps as France manager?

Having come so close to glory in 2022, Deschamps will hope to repeat France’s 2018 exploits and bow out as head coach on a high. 

With ample quality throughout the squad, France are at a best price of 7/1 with Betway to go the distance on the other side of the Atlantic.

Brazil

While qualification was a little rougher than expected for a team of Brazil’s stature, the World Cup’s most successful team still booked their spot in North America next summer. 

With the legendary Carlo Ancelotti at the Selecao helm, Brazil will hope the Italian can guide the powerhouse nation to a record-setting sixth World Cup.

Saying that, Brazil are still struggling for form. Yes, they managed a 2-0 win over Senegal at the weekend, but they followed that victory up with a 1-1 draw with Tunisia on Tuesday. 

The star power of yesteryear is found wanting yet Ancelotti still has ample with which to work, meaning they are at 8/1 with Spreadex to enjoy success in the US next year.

Argentina

Argentina breezed to the 2026 World Cup, finishing top of CONMEBOL qualifying with 38 points, nine clear of second-placed Ecuador, as the defending champions won 12 of 18 games. 

The issue, though, is that defending a World Cup is far easier said than done. Only Italy and Brazil have managed the feat, the latter last doing so in 1962.

With ongoing concerns over Lionel Messi’s participation with the Albiceleste next summer, they remain behind Spain, England, France and rivals Brazil in the outright market. 

Indeed, defending champions Argentina are fifth in the betting at 9/1 with Betway to win the World Cup next summer, though that price may shorten should Messi elect to represent his nation in the 2026 showpiece.

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World Cup 2026 outright odds, UK bookmakers

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Odds correct at the time of writing.