With the UEFA Nations League done and dusted and the CONCACAF Gold Cup rout of sight, all attention now turns towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with qualifying campaigns up and running and the tournament now just a year away.
It promises to be a World Cup like no other before, with it being the first time that both 48 countries will participate and games will take place across three different countries — the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Argentina are the defending champions, having beaten France on penalties in arguably the greatest final in history, and both countries are again among the current front runners to triumph next year.
But who will win the 2026 World Cup? The Sporting News brings you all the latest odds, via Parimatch.
2026 World Cup winner betting odds
Here's the latest odds for the countries favoured to win the 2026 World Cup, with prices for all those on the boards at 101.0 or less.
Odds correct at time of publish but subject to change. Check back here for updated prices as the market moves.
| Country | Odds |
| Spain | 6.00 |
| Brazil | 7.00 |
| France | 7.50 |
| England | 8.00 |
| Argentina | 9.00 |
| Germany | 11.00 |
| Portugal | 12.00 |
| Netherlands | 21.00 |
| Italy | 26.00 |
| Belgium | 34.00 |
| Uruguay | 41.00 |
| Norway | 51.00 |
| Colombia | 51.00 |
| USA | 51.00 |
| Denmark | 67.00 |
| Mexico | 67.00 |
| Croatia | 67.00 |
| Austria | 101.00 |
| Morocco | 101.00 |
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2026 World Cup betting — Favorites and top contenders
Spain
La Roja's status as favorite is more than deserved, given they won Euro 2024 and only lost on penalties in the Nations League final.
They also beat France in both competitions, showing they have the number of a side they could well face in North America next summer.
Lamine Yamal is the obvious standout, but Luis de la Fuente can also rely on Euros final goalscorers Nico Williams and the hugely underrated Mikel Oyarzabal for goals.
Spain also have undoubtedly the strongest midfield in world football right now, with Pedri, Fabian Ruiz and Martin Zubimendi starting the Nations League final as reigning Ballon d'Or winner Rodri continues his return from a serious knee injury.
Brazil
Brazil have won the World Cup on a record five occasions, but it will be a 24-year drought by the time they kick off next summer.
They have not made a final in that time either, being knocked out by European opposition in each of the last five tournaments.
Their defeat at the quarter-final stage last time around could very well have been Neymar's final World Cup appearance for the Selecao, but they still have an incredible array of talent led by Vinicius Jr, Raphinha and Matheus Cunha.
Can Carlo Ancelotti do what he's done with Real Madrid and make all the pieces work together?
France
Possessing arguably the most talent of any country in world football right now and having made the previous two finals, Les Bleus are unsurprisingly high on this list.
Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d'Or favourite Ousmane Dembele lead an all-star cast that also features the hottest new talents in French football: Desire Doue, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki.
Fitting all of them will be near-impossible, but Didier Deschamps must let down the handbrake on his side this time, unlike at Euro 2024.
It could be the difference between a third World Cup or yet another near-miss.
MORE: Which teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
England
It will be 60 years of hurt by the time the Three Lions make their way across the Atlantic.
Gareth Southgate came closest to ending the infamous drought with two Euros final losses, but now the role of saviour has been handed over to Thomas Tuchel.
The German has a serious tournament track record at club level, but this is his first international job, and he has gotten off to a less than impressive start.
However, there is still plenty of time to get things right, and England have a new Golden Generation to work with.
Argentina
It may be a bit surprising to see the World Cup and Copa America champions ranked so low right now, but this is an an ageing team that might have its best days behind them by next summer.
Lionel Messi will still lead the way at the age of 39, but he will need the likes of Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister to step up even more if Argentina are to have a real chance of retaining their crown.
They have done that so far in qualifying, with La Albiceleste 10 points clear at the top of the South America qualifying group, and with their spot booked for North America.
Could they do it again?
Germany
Germany have had a decade to forget since winning their fourth World Cup in 2014, with group-stage exits in both of the last two tournaments, and not even a finals appearance at any of the three European Championships in that time either.
However, things have improved under the management of Julian Nagelsmann, with a narrow exits at Euro 2024 and 2025 Nations League to eventual champions, Spain and Portugal.
With some exciting young talent, chiefly Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, and their pedigree as a footballing nation, you simply can't rule them out.
Portugal
Might it finally be the year for Portugal to lift the World Cup?
The stars do appear to be aligning, with the Nations League win over Spain following on from several of their players having key roles in PSG's Champions League triumph.
Add in the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and the thrilling Francisco Conceicao, and Roberto Martinez has a squad to match anyone.
Not to mention Cristiano Ronaldo, who amazingly looks set to play in his sixth and surely final World Cup at the age of 41. What a way it would be for him to sign off and complete a perfect career.
