FIFA World Cup 2026 - Outright Winner Predictions & Betting Tips

The 2026 FIFA World Cup looms large, with domestic and European action soon to come to an end, and international football is very much on the agenda.

With the tournament being held across Canada, Mexico and the United States, a true festival of the game lies in wait, with an expanded 48 different nations taking part.

Some jeopardy is sure to be lost in the opening rounds, with 32 of the 48 participating nations making it through to the knockout rounds, but this collection of the world’s best teams and players promises to make for fascinating viewing.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina are the holders, following their remarkable triumph in Qatar four years ago and they along with fellow South American giants Brazil, are the front-runners outside of the European teams.

African and Asian sides have bigger and better representation than ever before and they cannot be written off here in 2026, with the global standard of the game flourishing.

Heavyweights France, Portugal, England and Spain are amongst the favourites to do the business at this World Cup and there is a huge amount at stake for all involved.

Here are our 2026 FIFA World Cup predictions for the outright winner of the tournament:

Best Bet

Spain to win the tournament @ $6.50

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European champions Spain produced some incredible football at Euro 2024, and they have been steadily building upon that triumph ever since.

Seen as a bit of a spent force just a couple of years ago, this cohort of Spanish players are all competing at the highest level in European football and they are well accustomed to key moments in big games.

Teen sensation Lamine Yamal will be looking to make a mark at his first FIFA World Cup, while the likes of Rodri, Dani Olmo and Pedri in midfield, remain some of the brightest stars in the game.

There is plenty of expectation surrounding this Spanish team, as they look to repeat their European Championship and World Cup double, they achieved in 2008 and 2010, and they are currently the favourites to go all the way.

Next Best Bet

France to win the tournament @ $7.00

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2018 and 2022 runners up France continue to produce the goods when it comes to big international tournaments and they will be looking to go deep again this time around.

Still led by national hero Didier Deschamps, this French team continues to evolve and add top quality talent into their midst.

Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki and Desire Doue have all emerged since their agonising loss to Argentina in the 2022 final in Qatar but mainstays such as Kylian Mbappe should be fit and firing here.

With plenty of big game experience and a young, hungry squad, this French side should be better for their recent disappointments in major tournaments, and they could peak at just the right time.

Best Value Bet

England to win the tournament @ $9.00

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How England will go at this World Cup remains a source of mystery to many, as they have transitioned from Gareth Southgate to Thomas Tuchel since their Euro 2024 final defeat.

Steady progression has been apparent with this cohort of Three Lions and once again, they look to have the makings of a very dangerous side.

Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marc Guehi will be linchpins of a team that compete week in, week out in the biggest matches in European football.

With no World Cup triumph since 1966, England as a nation perhaps feel the pressure of major tournament football more than most but they have had plenty of near misses to call upon in recent times and could go the distance this time around.

Best Outsider Bets

Brazil to win the tournament @ $10.00

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With five FIFA World Cup titles to their name, Brazil always have to navigate major tournaments with a target on their back and that will be no different here.

Carlo Ancelotti is the man at the helm, with his reputation very much on the line in this tournament.

Flair exudes this Brazilian squad, with plenty of young players out to make a name for themselves and if it all gels together, it could be a very difficult thing to stop.

It has been over 20 years since Brazil last lifted the World Cup trophy and they will be desperate to put that right here in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Argentina to win the tournament @ $11.00

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Holders Argentina are another giant of the global game, that will be desperate to defend the title they won in such dramatic fashion in Qatar.

Propelled to glory by the inimitable Lionel Messi, Argentina will be well supported across North America and whilst their build up to this World Cup has been a bit patchy, they are always a serious threat in competition football.

Many of the heroes of 2022 have moved on, giving this Argentinian squad a real blend of youth and experience but they have plenty of big names in their ranks and they should be bang in the hunt for a fifth World Cup title.

Sports Writer

Sam Hayes

Combining his sports coaching career with freelance journalism, Sam is a sports betting writer for various online publications.

He is looking to develop both his respective coaching and writing careers, whilst incorporating his other huge passion - travelling the world.

Sam currently lives and works in Milan, Italy and playing/following/writing about cricket, football (soccer), tennis, formula 1 and golf continue to take up much of his spare time.