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

The international break is here. That’s bad. However, the World Cup is looming over the horizon. That’s good. Saying that, the World Cup isn’t until next summer. That’s bad.

In the midst of World Cup qualifying, at least for the European and African nations, we’ve taken a look at the current frontrunners to land 2026’s showpiece. 

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While some of the nations are yet to book their flight stateside, football’s heavyweights are fully expected to feature in the World Cup next year.

The ante post markets are always a chance to find the best value plays on some of the biggest sports events. As such, we run through the early favourites for the award, with punters backing European and South American sides to go the distance.

Spain

Spain’s World Cup qualifying campaign may only be two games old, but La Roja made light work of Bulgaria and Turkey, scoring nine goals in the process. 

Luis de la Fuente’s side are fully expected to book their trip across the pond before long as the European powerhouse seek to do a Euros-World Cup double for the second time in their history.

As things stand, Spain are the early favourites for the 2026 World Cup and are at a best price of 9/2 with Boyle Sports to go the distance for the first time since 2010. 

With De la Fuente able to call upon the likes of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Pedri and Pau Cubarsi, to name four, it’s no surprise many are expecting La Roja to lift the World Cup next summer.

France

The 2026 World Cup will be Didier Deschamps’ last as France boss. A 14-year stint as Les Bleus head coach draws to a close, as we all speculate about what’s next. But Deschamps will want to bow out with a bang rather than a whimper. 

France were deserving winners in Russia seven years ago, and the nation, led by Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, is demanding further silverware in North America next year.

France are two for two in World Cup qualifying but didn’t look wholly convincing in wins over Ukraine and Iceland. Conversely, qualification is just about getting the job not putting on a show. 

The current squad is incredibly experienced alongside a sprinkling of youthful exuberance, with Michael Olise, Hugo Ekitike and Maghnes Akliouche – all 23 years of age – showcasing what the future holds for France. At the time of writing, they are at 13/2 to win the World Cup on Ladbrokes.

England

Will football come home next summer? England are well on course to secure their World Cup spot having won all five qualifying games to date. 

A trip to Serbia last month was their toughest test, and one they passed with flying colours as the Three Lions eased to a 5-0 win in Belgrade.

Like France, England – the five-star showing in Serbia aside – haven’t exactly pulled up many trees in qualifying, but again; they are saving their best for when it matters. 

Captained by the best striker in world football, who in turn has ample attacking support, fans are of the belief that next summer is England’s best chance of winning the World Cup. 

While many speculate who might make Thomas Tuchel’s final World Cup squad, Betway have them at 7/1 to secure glory on the other side of the Atlantic.

Brazil

For a team of Brazil’s stature, their qualifying campaign was an unmitigated disaster. 

Yes, they’ve booked their World Cup spot, but finished fifth, 10 points behind Argentina and one behind Ecuador, who had a three-point deduction, in second. 

The hope for the Selecao is the appointment of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti will inspire the most successful team in World Cup history to go all the way next summer.

Ancelotti has ample quality in the squad with which to work but Brazil lack the star power of yesteryear. 

Richarlison, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo don't quite strike fear into the hearts of opponents in the same way Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaka once did. 

With that, it’s not a surprise that Brazil are at 15/2 with Spreadex to lift the World Cup in 2026.

Argentina

Only two nations have successfully defended the World Cup – Italy and Brazil, and the latter last did so in 1962. 

The world champions powered their way through CONMEBOL qualifying, picking up 38 points from 18 games, which included a 4-1 thumping of rivals Brazil back in March.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni has quality in all areas of the pitch, but there’s a reason La Albiceleste aren’t the outright favourites to secure a second successive World Cup. 

Notably, there remain concerns over whether captain Lionel Messi will feature in any capacity next summer, with the 38-year-old coy on his international future. 

As such, Argentina are at 8/1 with Ladbrokes to follow up their 2022 triumph with success in the US.

Latest World Cup 2026 outright odds, UK bookmakers

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Odds correct at the time of writing.