It has been less than a year since the 2022 World Cup wrapped with one of the most spectacular games in the history of soccer. Millions of people on every corner of the globe tuned in as Lionel Messi led Argentina to the ultimate victory, etching his name into the game’s history.
But while some fans are still wrapping their head around what they saw, many are already looking ahead to the next World Cup. The 2026 World Cup will be played in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, making for a massive showcase of some of the world’s top talent.
Qualification is ongoing, but we know this World Cup will be bigger than ever. Many sportsbooks have already released their list of odds for the favorites to win the tournament. Let’s look at six teams that many sportsbooks have pegged as likely contenders to win the 2026 World Cup.
2026 World Cup Odds
France
According to most betting sites, France has the best odds of winning the 2026 World Cup. This will come as no surprise. France won the 2018 World Cup and finished as the runner-up in 2022.
They have a massive talent pool on their roster, including Kylian Mbappe, who will be 27 in 2026. Mbappe is already considered potentially the best talent on the planet and has been dominant in the previous two World Cups.
France will also have players like Christopher Nkunku, Theo Hernandez, and Aurelien Tchouameni. Even with many older players likely moving on, France will be dominant again.
Brazil
It has been several years since Brazil last won a World Cup. Brazil had a disappointing tournament relative to expectations in 2022, but this team never lacks talent.
Brazil is likely soccer’s biggest hotbed of talent, with many superstar players. While last year was likely the last World Cup appearance for the legendary Neymar, the future is very bright for this group.
Brazil has world-class talent like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Richarlison, and Marquinhos, who could all be in the prime of their career when the World Cup kicks off in North America. They have high odds of winning and should live up to the hype.
England
Could 2026 finally be the year it comes home for England? England has had to navigate a massive amount of disappointment over the past few decades of the World Cup, with crushing loss after crushing loss.
Fans remain as passionate as ever, and the 2026 roster will usher in a new era for the team. Jude Bellingham, who is playing incredibly for Real Madrid, will be a major piece of the puzzle for England.
Along with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the England side should be intense and talented. It will be a big opportunity for England to end their drought finally.
Germany
Germany is always a threat to win the World Cup. While they suffered a disappointing year in 2022, it is safe to assume this won’t happen again in 2026.
They have a massive talent pool, and many of their top players will enter their prime at the ideal time for the 2026 World Cup. Several players fans can expect to see featured for Germany in 2026.
Florian Wirtz, Youssoufa Moukoko, and Joshua Kimmel are set to lead this team into the next generation. This projected roster has much potential, and Germany’s status as a favourite is deserved.
Spain
Spain is another team that has won on the biggest stage before, although 2022 didn’t go to plan. Spain will be seeking redemption in 2026, and they will likely have one of the strongest rosters in the tournament.
They have received an endorsement from bookmakers, who give them strong odds of making a deep run. Spain has players like Rodri, Pedri, and more. They usually play a cohesive style with lots of passing and aggressive defence, which could be a recipe for success at the major international tournament. It will be a blast to see this team come together.
Argentina
The reigning champions have not been given the highest odds of winning in the 2026 World Cup, the biggest reason being Lionel Messi’s likely retirement at that time.
Messi has been Argentina’s soccer face for over a decade, and it will be strange to see this team without him. Still, sportsbooks may be underrating this squad. Argentina has plenty of talent that could help the team put together another dominant showing at the 2026 World Cup.
Players like Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, and Emiliano Martinez could return after leading the team to victory in 2022.
