FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain Leads Early Favorites as North America Prepares for Historic Tournament
As the FIFA World Cup 26 approaches with its ambitious expansion to 48 teams and tri-nation hosting across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the betting odds reveal fascinating insights into which nations are expected to compete for football's ultimate prize.
Spain emerges as the early favorite with odds of +541, reflecting their recent success and the depth of their current squad. The reigning European champions have demonstrated remarkable consistency in recent years, making them the bookmakers' top choice for the expanded tournament that will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Current Betting Favorites
| Rank | Country | Best Odds | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ๐ช๐ธ Spain | +541 | Reigning European champions with exceptional squad depth |
| 2 | ๐ซ๐ท France | +700 | Perennial contenders with recent World Cup final experience |
| 3 | ๐ง๐ท Brazil | +740 | Most successful World Cup nation historically |
| 4 | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ England | +750 | Strong squad with tournament experience |
| 5 | ๐ฆ๐ท Argentina | +950 | Defending champions, uncertainty around Messi's participation |
| 6 | ๐ฉ๐ช Germany | +1188 | Four-time winners rebuilding after recent disappointments |
| 7 | ๐ต๐น Portugal | +1200 | Potential value pick, possible Ronaldo farewell |
| 8 | ๐ณ๐ฑ Netherlands | +2200 | Traditional European powerhouse |
| 9 | ๐ฎ๐น Italy | +3000 | European champions looking to rebuild |
| 10 | ๐บ๐พ Uruguay | +4300 | Two-time winners with competitive spirit |
| 11 | ๐ง๐ช Belgium | +5400 | Golden generation's final opportunity |
| 12 | ๐จ๐ด Colombia | +5400 | South American dark horse |
| 13 | ๐ณ๐ด Norway | +6600 | Rising Nordic nation |
| 14 | ๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico | +6600 | Co-host nation with automatic qualification |
| 15 | ๐บ๐ธ USA | +8400 | Primary host with home advantage |
| 16 | ๐ญ๐ท Croatia | +9400 | Recent finalists with tournament experience |
| 17 | ๐ฒ๐ฆ Morocco | +10000 | 2022 semifinalists, African representatives |
| 18 | ๐ธ๐ช Sweden | +10000 | Consistent European performers |
| 19 | ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | +10900 | Asian powerhouse with upset potential |
| 20 | ๐จ๐ฆ Canada | +17900 | Co-host nation making World Cup return |
Close behind Spain, France sits at +700 odds, maintaining their status as perennial contenders following their recent World Cup final appearance. Brazil, the most successful World Cup nation historically, commands +740 odds, while England rounds out the top four favorites at +750. These four nations represent a compelling mix of European sophistication and South American flair that has traditionally dominated World Cup competitions.
The host nations present an interesting study in expectations and opportunity. Mexico, one of the three co-hosts, sits at +6600 odds, benefiting from automatic qualification and home advantage. The United States, despite being the primary host nation, faces longer odds at +8400, though this may underestimate the galvanizing effect of playing on home soil across multiple American cities. Canada, the third host, trails at +17900 odds, reflecting their relative inexperience on the World Cup stage despite their recent qualifying success.
Defending champions Argentina face longer odds at +950, perhaps reflecting the uncertainty surrounding Lionel Messi's potential participation in what would likely be his final World Cup. Germany, despite their storied World Cup history, sits at surprisingly long +1188 odds, suggesting bookmakers have concerns about their current trajectory following disappointing recent tournaments.
Portugal's +1200 odds may represent intriguing value, especially if Cristiano Ronaldo makes one final World Cup appearance. The Netherlands at +2200 and Italy at +3000 complete the traditional European powerhouses' representation in the top tier of betting favorites.
The Expanded Format Impact
The expanded 48-team format introduces fascinating variables that could impact these odds significantly. With 12 groups of four teams each, more nations will have opportunities to create upsets and momentum-building runs. The additional knockout round means favorites will face an extra hurdle, while emerging nations like Morocco (+10000), Japan (+10900), and Senegal (+20000) could find pathways to surprise performances.
The tournament's North American setting adds another layer of intrigue. The opening match at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca will set the tone, while the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey promises to crown a champion in front of a diverse, passionate crowd. With 104 matches over 39 days, nearly double the previous format's schedule, there will be ample opportunity for narratives to develop and odds to shift dramatically.
As qualifying continues and the tournament draws closer, these odds will undoubtedly fluctuate based on form, injuries, and the final composition of the 48-team field. The odds referenced in this analysis are as of September 2, 2025 - for the most current FIFA World Cup 2026 winner odds, visit our live futures page. What remains certain is that FIFA World Cup 26 will deliver unprecedented scale and drama, making it a landmark event that could very well see these early predictions turned upside down when the action begins in the summer of 2026.