How The 2026 World Cup Favourites Are Rated

International football has become increasingly intertwined with betting markets, as predictions for the 2026 World Cup evolve ahead of the tournament. Factors such as qualification form, injuries, squad depth, and managerial stability are all influencing how bookmakers evaluate the leading nations. Spain has maintained a strong presence in World Cup betting, often topping the outright market, with France, Argentina, England, and Brazil closely trailing.

Spain’s recent success and increased squad depth have created a competitive betting landscape, with Spain currently enjoying a slight edge among bookmakers. The team’s evolution over the past two years has transformed perceptions; although they previously struggled with directness in major tournaments, their performances at EURO 2024 demonstrated a significant shift. Spain concluded the tournament with the highest goal tally, showcasing a more dynamic style of play with aggressive pressing and effective wide attacks. This depth in options across various positions has made them a formidable contender, with many bookmakers pricing them around 5/1 as favorites heading into the World Cup.

France, sitting at the top of the FIFA men’s rankings as of mid-2026, has shown remarkable consistency, even after their 2022 World Cup final loss. Coach Didier Deschamps leads a deep squad, particularly in midfield and attack, which is crucial in tournament football where injuries can take a toll. France’s ability to defend effectively while transitioning quickly has kept them competitive, and they are generally priced around 11/2 in World Cup markets.

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Argentina, despite a gradual shift away from relying heavily on Lionel Messi, remains a strong contender thanks to their organization under coach Lionel Scaloni. They are known for their composure in high-pressure knockout matches and currently sit around 7/1 in betting markets. The team’s defensive solidity and improved midfield structure have solidified their status as a trusted team in the midst of change.

England boasts a wealth of attacking talent but faces uncertainty in how they perform against elite opposition. Recent squad decisions by coach Thomas Tuchel have highlighted the depth of options available, but questions linger about their ability to dominate crucial matches. England is typically priced at around 7/1.

Brazil’s situation is more complicated, with managerial changes and fluctuating performances making them harder to assess. While still possessing top-tier attacking talent, their inconsistent form has resulted in a pricing of approximately 8/1.

The leading teams in World Cup betting—Spain, France, Argentina, England, and Brazil—exemplify varying strengths but share essential qualities for tournament success, including depth and tactical flexibility. Spain’s recent performance history has propelled them to the forefront, with France’s depth and Argentina’s organizational strength keeping them close behind. As the tournament approaches, the dynamics among these contenders could still shift, but their established records and management have earned them their current standings in the betting markets.