Top 20 Favorites to Win the 2026 FIFA World Cup
With the world’s biggest sporting event returning to North America in 2026, fans and analysts are already speculating who might lift the coveted trophy. From traditional powerhouses to emerging forces, here’s a countdown of the 20 biggest contenders, based on current betting odds as of August 18, 2025.
20. Canada
As tournament co-hosts, Canada enters with odds of 80/1 and a team led by Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. They’re fast, fearless, and playing on home soil, but lack the overall depth of a contender. Still, with the crowd behind them, they could spring a surprise.
19. Switzerland
Switzerland are solid, structured, and often overlooked — but at 66/1, they’re one of the most dangerous underdogs. They rarely implode and often frustrate bigger teams, making them a classic dark horse to sneak through the knockout rounds.
18. Morocco
After a stunning semifinal run in 2022, Morocco is priced at 66/1 to go the distance again. Their compact defense and relentless energy earned global admiration, and they return with much of that same squad hungry for more.
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17. Japan
With odds also at 66/1, Japan brings organization, technique, and tactical sharpness to every tournament. They’ve steadily climbed the global ranks and have the consistency and quality to beat top-tier nations on the right day.
16. Mexico
Always passionate and unpredictable, Mexico is listed at 50/1 and could benefit from the home advantage. Their tournament experience and massive local support might give them just enough fire to reach the latter stages.
15. Denmark
Quietly confident and defensively strong, Denmark sits at 50/1. With leaders like Christian Eriksen and rising stars like Rasmus Højlund, they’ve already shown they can go deep, as they did at the Euros in 2021.
14. Croatia
Runners-up in 2018 and semifinalists in 2022, Croatia still carries tournament pedigree. Their 50/1 odds reflect questions about the aging squad, but young talents like Joško Gvardiol are ready to carry the torch.
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13. Colombia
Colombia’s odds of 40/1 suggest they’re outside contenders, but their passionate style and raw intensity can disrupt stronger sides. With the right momentum, they’re fully capable of a quarterfinal or better.
12. USA
The U.S. men’s national team, co-hosting the event, is given 33/1 odds to win it all. With a youthful squad and growing tactical identity, this could be the tournament where they finally take the next step.
11. Uruguay
With a blend of youth and tradition, Uruguay enters the tournament at 28/1. Players like Darwin Núñez and Federico Valverde offer firepower and grit, while their famed fighting spirit remains intact.
10. Belgium
Once the darlings of the “golden generation,” Belgium now faces a last-chance scenario. At 25/1 odds, they still have firepower through De Bruyne and Lukaku — but the window is closing fast.
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9. Italy
Italy hasn’t won a World Cup knockout game since 2006, yet they remain perennial contenders. Their 25/1 odds reflect uncertainty, but with Donnarumma, Barella, and a new generation of talent, they could rise again.
8. Netherlands
With odds of 16/1, the Netherlands are on the verge of resurgence. Their run to the Euro 2024 semifinal proved their quality, and players like Van Dijk, De Jong, and Gakpo make them a real threat.
7. Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo may be 40, but Portugal is far from a one-man team. At 14/1, their squad is loaded with stars like Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leão, and they’re desperate to match Spain and France with a second title.
6. Germany
Germany is climbing back to elite status under Julian Nagelsmann. At 10/1, their mix of young brilliance — led by Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz — and classic tournament know-how makes them a serious contender.
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5. Argentina
The reigning champions aren’t favorites this time, but at 9/1, they remain dangerous. Even without Messi at full tilt, Argentina thrives on balance, cohesion, and big-match composure. Another deep run wouldn’t be surprising.
4. England
Sixty years of hurt and counting — but England might finally be ready. With a squad full of superstars and a new manager in Thomas Tuchel, they’re priced at 13/2 and considered one of the top threats to win it all.
3. France
Few nations can match France’s squad depth and sheer talent. With Mbappé, Griezmann, Saliba, and others, they’re always among the top picks. At 13/2, France has every reason to believe this time will be different.
2. Brazil
The five-time world champions are looking to restore their legacy. Brazil is listed at 6/1, and with Vinicius Jr. and a wave of attacking flair, the Selecão could reclaim global supremacy — if they find the right balance.
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1. Spain
At 11/2, Spain enters as the outright favorite. Fresh off their Euro 2024 triumph and led by Rodri, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams, La Roja is bursting with youth, chemistry, and confidence. A new golden era may be underway.
