The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially on. Kickoff is now just a few weeks away, and this tournament already feels different from any World Cup we’ve seen before. For the first time ever, Canada, the United States and Mexico will co-host the biggest event in soccer, turning North America into the centre of the sports world for an entire summer.
With massive crowds, packed watch parties and nonstop hype expected across the continent, fans are already debating the biggest question of all: who’s actually going to win this thing? From powerhouse favourites like Argentina, France and Brazil to dangerous contenders and longshots that could shock the world, the road to lifting the trophy looks completely wide open right now.
Let’s break down the teams with the best chance to win the tournament and take a look at where their current World Cup odds stand heading into the tournament.
The Favourites
Spain (+450)
It’s hard not to look at Spain as a legitimate threat to win the 2026 World Cup. The reigning European champions are brimming with young talent, led by rising superstar Lamine Yamal. Players like Pedri, Rodri and Nico Williams make Spain one of the most balanced squads in the tournament, while manager Luis de la Fuente has helped turn them into a confident, aggressive team that looks capable of beating anyone on the planet right now.
France (+475)
France feels like a lock to make another deep run at the World Cup. Kylian Mbappé is still a top-tier striker, but what makes this team especially scary is the amount of top-end players around him. Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Aurélien Tchouaméni give France elite speed, creativity and depth. After winning the tournament in 2018 and reaching the final in 2022, France once again looks built for the biggest stage.
The Contenders
England (+700)
England heads into the 2026 World Cup carrying the same question it always does: is this finally the year they put everything together? On paper, this roster is undeniable. Jude Bellingham has become one of the game’s best midfielders, Harry Kane continues to score at a world-class level and players like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer give England plenty of attacking firepower. If England delivers in the knockout rounds, this team has the potential to finally end decades of heartbreak.
Argentina (+850)
Argentina enters the 2026 World Cup as the defending champion after winning it all in 2022, and this team still looks like a serious threat. Lionel Messi may be nearing the end of his legendary career, but this squad is no longer reliant on him the way it once was. Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister have helped form a strong younger core around the remaining veterans. Argentina continues to play with the confidence and chemistry of a team that knows how to win when it matters most.
Brazil (+850)
The talent level on the Brazilian national team is ridiculous. Vinícius Júnior has developed into one of the most dangerous attacking players in the world, while stars like Neymar, Raphinha and Guimarães give Brazil plenty of firepower across the pitch. They’ll have to overcome the loss of Rodrygo, who was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a devastating knee injury earlier this year, but Brazil still feels like the kind of team nobody wants to face once the knockout stage begins.
Portugal (+1000)
They may not get talked about as much as some of the traditional favourites, but Portugal is loaded with elite playmakers from top to bottom. Bruno Fernandes powers the attack, Rafael Leão brings excellent speed on the wing and Portugal’s defence remains a veteran-heavy group with plenty of tournament experience. Of course, a huge part of the conversation will still revolve around Cristiano Ronaldo and whether the legendary forward has one more magical World Cup performance left in him at age 41.
Longshots
Netherlands (+2800)
The Dutch may be longshots to win it all, but the country has a long history of making unexpected World Cup runs and this year’s team is still capable of causing problems for anyone in the tournament. Virgil van Dijk still anchors this defence, with younger stars like Xavi Simons and Jeremie Frimpong providing a new level of explosiveness. If their attack can consistently produce goals in key moments, the Netherlands could become one of the surprise teams of the 2026 World Cup.
Canada (+20000)
Let’s be real, Canada probably isn’t going to win the 2026 World Cup, but how can you not root for this team with the tournament being played on home soil? After ending a 36-year World Cup drought in 2022 and scoring the country’s first-ever World Cup goal, Canadian soccer has continued building momentum heading into this tournament. Alphonso Davies remains the face of the team, while stars like Jonathan David and Stephen Eustáquio give Canada a more legitimate attack. The odds of lifting the trophy may be slim, but Canada could still give fans a reason to believe.
Of course, the action on the pitch is the main event, but we’ve also put odds together on who will perform the 2026 World Cup Halftime Show. Who on our list would you most like to see?
