The 10 Favourites to Win the 2026 World Cup
The World Cup remains football’s ultimate prize, the tournament that crowns legends and unites nations. With the 2026 edition set to be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, anticipation is already building. For some nations, it will be about redemption. For others, it could be the moment they finally lift the trophy.
Bookmakers have already released their early odds, sparking debate over who has the best chance of glory. Spain, fresh off their Euro 2024 triumph, sit at the top, but giants like Brazil, France, and England are not far behind. Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses such as Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands are determined to return to the summit.
From Lionel Messi’s Argentina to Marcelo Bielsa’s unpredictable Uruguay, here’s a detailed look at the 10 favourites most likely to lift the trophy in 2026.
10. Uruguay – Odds: 25/1
Uruguay may not boast the star-studded depth of other nations, but with Marcelo Bielsa at the helm, they are a dangerous proposition. The veteran coach has already instilled his trademark high-energy pressing style, making La Celeste tough to contain.
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Leading the line is Darwin Núñez, who despite inconsistent finishing, remains a powerful and relentless forward. In midfield, Federico Valverde brings world-class quality, combining defensive solidity with attacking creativity. Add Rodrigo Bentancur and Manuel Ugarte, and Uruguay suddenly have an industrious and balanced core.
With Bielsa’s tactical nous, Uruguay could once again surprise the world, just as they did in 2010 when they reached the semi-finals. They may be outsiders, but in tournament football, that unpredictability is a strength.
9. Italy – Odds: 22/1
It’s been two decades since Italy last won a World Cup knockout match, yet the Azzurri still carry the weight of four stars on their badge. Their 2006 triumph feels like ancient history, but the current generation offers signs of renewal.
Young talents like Destiny Udogie, Matteo Ruggeri, and Daniel Maldini bring freshness to the squad, while Gianluigi Donnarumma and Nicolo Barella provide leadership. Alessandro Bastoni, meanwhile, is central to a defence slowly rediscovering its reputation for resilience.
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Italy’s Euro 2020 win showed they still have the capacity for brilliance. If their attack clicks and the midfield provides balance, they could surprise higher-ranked teams. No one ever truly writes off the Azzurri at a World Cup.
8. Netherlands – Odds: 18/1
The Dutch have long been football romantics, but 2026 may represent their best chance in years to finally go all the way. Ronald Koeman has moulded a squad that blends experience with youthful flair.
Virgil van Dijk anchors the defence, while Frenkie de Jong pulls strings in midfield. Up front, Cody Gakpo continues to grow into a leader for the Oranje, combining technical ability with decisive finishing.
Their run to the Euro 2024 semi-final suggests they are capable of mixing it with Europe’s elite. The question is whether they can overcome the mental hurdle of beating world-class opposition in crunch matches. History says they falter; this generation wants to change that.
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7. Portugal – Odds: 12/1
Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary career is winding down, but even at 40, his presence remains influential. Portugal’s strength, though, lies in their supporting cast. Bruno Fernandes is one of the best creators in world football, while Rafael Leão adds pace and unpredictability in attack.
The emergence of João Neves and the reliability of Nuno Mendes further enhance their options. Under Roberto Martínez, Portugal aim to balance flair with tactical discipline.
They may not be favourites, but with Ronaldo chasing one final piece of silverware to complete his career, Portugal will not lack motivation. Their Iberian rivalry with Spain only adds intrigue.
6. Germany – Odds: 9/1
Germany have endured a decade of underachievement, but signs of revival are unmistakable. Julian Nagelsmann has overseen the rise of a dynamic new generation led by Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.
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At Euro 2024, Germany impressed early before being stopped by eventual champions Spain. Still, their attacking verve and renewed belief won admirers. With a balance of young stars and seasoned veterans, the four-time champions look ready to challenge again.
Gary Lineker’s old saying — that Germany always find a way to win — may soon feel true again. The 2026 World Cup could mark their resurgence.
5. Argentina – Odds: 8/1
The reigning champions may not be favourites, but Argentina will enter 2026 brimming with confidence. Lionel Messi, now in the twilight of his career, will lead La Albiceleste one final time.
Lionel Scaloni’s side are not flashy, but they are efficient. At Qatar 2022, they mastered the art of narrow wins, relying on defensive stability and moments of magic from Messi and Julián Álvarez.
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Having also won back-to-back Copa Américas, Argentina know how to win knockout matches. Even if the bookmakers doubt them, no opponent will underestimate the reigning champions.
4. Brazil – Odds: 13/2
Brazil’s five World Cup titles set them apart, but the last came in 2002. More than 20 years later, a new generation is desperate to end the drought.
Vinícius Júnior leads the line, combining blistering pace with clinical finishing. Raphinha and Rodrygo provide support, while young midfielders continue to emerge from Brazil’s endless talent pool.
Though their qualifying campaign has been uneven, Brazil always find another gear on the biggest stage. With star power in every department, they remain among the top contenders.
3. England – Odds: 13/2
For England, the weight of history grows heavier with each passing tournament. Sixty years without a World Cup win remains a burden, but this generation may be their best chance in decades.
Thomas Tuchel has taken charge, adding tactical clarity to a squad brimming with talent. Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer provide attacking flair, while Harry Kane remains the focal point.
England’s Achilles heel has often been mentality in big moments. But if Tuchel finds the right balance between youth and experience, the Three Lions could finally roar again on the world stage.
2. France – Odds: 6/1
France have reached three finals in the last four major tournaments, yet only one ended in victory. Kylian Mbappé remains their talisman, capable of turning any game on its head.
Didier Deschamps boasts enviable depth. Ousmane Dembélé, Antoine Griezmann, and Aurélien Tchouaméni offer balance, while William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté form a formidable defensive partnership.
France know they have the squad to win. The challenge is turning potential into silverware after a string of near-misses. If Mbappé delivers, 2026 could finally be their year again.
1. Spain – Odds: 9/2
Spain enter 2026 on the crest of a wave after winning Euro 2024. It feels reminiscent of their golden run between 2008 and 2012, when they dominated world football.
Rodri, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, dictates play from midfield. Around him, prodigies like Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Pau Cubarsí form the backbone of an exciting new era.
La Roja have already proven they can win under pressure, beating heavyweights to lift their fourth European Championship. If they carry that momentum across the Atlantic, Spain could once again sit on the throne of world football.
