20 Favourites to Win 2026 World Cup Ranked

The World Cup is football’s ultimate prize—the peak every nation dreams of reaching. While 2026 might still feel far away, the countdown is well underway. Before long, the USA, Canada, and Mexico will be gearing up to host the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet.

Qualifying is already in motion, with some teams securing their spots while others battle through a challenging path filled with potential upsets. With plenty of drama still to unfold, it’s never too soon to check in on the latest odds.

Argentina conquered Qatar in 2022, with Lionel Messi finally completing his legendary trophy collection. But as the next tournament looms, are the favorites signaling a shift in power, or could La Albiceleste be on course for back-to-back glory?

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All three host nations feature

The USA, Canada, and Mexico have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup as hosts, but none are expected to shake up the established European and South American hierarchy. However, as recent tournaments have shown, the world of football always has room for a few surprises.

Morocco shocked the globe with their historic semi-final run in 2022, proving they can go toe-to-toe with the best. Denmark, no strangers to defying expectations, reached the Euro 2020 semi-finals and still carry the spirit of their legendary 1992 triumph. As for Croatia, their golden generation has given fans unforgettable moments, but with key players aging, this may be their last chance at glory.

Elsewhere, Japan and Switzerland continue their steady rise, eager to push further on the world stage. Meanwhile, Colombia and Uruguay, though lacking some of the superstar names of past eras, remain as tenacious as ever—carrying the fierce South American spirit that treats football as more than just a game.

=9. Italy

Current odds: 25/1

Italy’s World Cup struggles are striking—since lifting the trophy in 2006, they haven’t won a single knockout match in the tournament. That’s four editions and nearly two decades without success at this stage, dating back to when Zinedine Zidane was still playing. By the time they travel to North America next summer, the wait will have been considerable. Despite this, it’s surprising to see them ranked among the top 10 in the bookmakers’ early odds.

However, the Azzurri have shown promising signs of progress, boasting a blend of emerging talents like Destiny Udogie, Matteo Ruggeri, and Daniel Maldini, alongside experienced figures such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alessandro Bastoni, and Nicolo Barella. With four World Cup titles to their name, Italy’s pedigree on the biggest stage is undeniable, and they can never be entirely ruled out.

=9. Belgium

Current odds: 25/1

For what seems like an eternity, Belgium’s so-called golden generation has been tipped for major tournament success, whether at the European Championship or the World Cup. Yet, like many golden generations before them, they have fallen short, never quite reaching the pinnacle of international glory.

Now, with all-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku past 30, alongside veterans like Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier, and Thibaut Courtois, expectations may need to be scaled back. However, the 2026 World Cup could represent their final opportunity to deliver on their long-awaited promise.

8. Netherlands

Current odds: 16/1

With a squad as strong as the Netherlands’, fresh from a Euro 2024 semi-final run where they fell just short against England, there’s always a sense of optimism and belief in a Dutch resurgence—especially with total football disciple Ronald Koeman at the helm.

Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Cody Gakpo rank among the best in the world in their positions, giving the team a formidable core. However, the lingering question is whether they can overcome more battle-hardened opponents, as they have yet to truly pass a major test on the biggest stage in the past decade.

7. Portugal

Current odds: 14/1

Where there’s Cristiano Ronaldo, there’s always a chance. At 40 years old, the legendary former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward remains the most seasoned player on the pitch. He’ll be looking to recapture the magic of his unforgettable Euro 2016 triumph, using that historic summer as fuel to finally complete his trophy collection—just as his longtime rival Lionel Messi did in the last tournament.

With Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Joao Neves, and Bernardo Silva at his disposal, Roberto Martínez boasts a squad brimming with talent. After a Euro 2024 quarter-final exit, Portugal will be eager to prove they can still compete at the highest level—especially against their Iberian rivals, Spain, in one of international football’s most storied battles.

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6. Germany

Current odds: 10/1

Gary Lineker once famously said: “Football is a simple game. 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and, at the end, the Germans always win.” While that hasn’t quite held true in recent years, there are growing signs that the efficient, ruthless Germany of old is making a comeback—much to the concern of their rivals.

They started the last major tournament in electrifying fashion, with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala tearing through defenses with ease. Though their run was halted by eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals, the experience provided valuable lessons. Now, under Julian Nagelsmann’s leadership, Germany will be determined to mount a serious challenge in 2026 as they look to add to their storied trophy collection, which already includes three European Championships and four World Cups.

5. Argentina

Current odds: 9/1

If the bookmakers are to be believed, Argentina’s dominant run—featuring two Copa América titles and a World Cup triumph in the past five years—won’t be continuing. However, with odds of 9/1, Lionel Messi and company will still back themselves to reach the latter stages of the tournament once again.

Under Lionel Scaloni, La Albiceleste have never blown teams away but instead exuded the quiet assurance of champions—a trait that perhaps explains why they aren’t favorites this time around, just as they weren’t last summer. Winning by fine margins became their trademark in Qatar, and if they are to add another star in North America, expect a similar approach once more.

=3. France

Current odds: 13/2

Before last summer’s European Championship, much of the attention was on France and their extraordinary squad depth—so much so that even their fourth-choice players seemed capable of winning the title. Yet, as in the last World Cup, it wasn’t meant to be, despite Kylian Mbappé’s stunning hat-trick in the final.

Even so, Les Bleus remain as strong as ever, and this time, they’ll be determined to put their recent near-misses behind them. With Mbappé once again leading the charge, supported by the likes of Ousmane Dembélé and Antoine Griezmann, France have the firepower to go all the way in North America. Meanwhile, a defense anchored by Ibrahima Konaté and William Saliba makes them as formidable as ever.

=3. England

Current odds: 13/2

Will England finally break their 60-year wait for glory next year? Bookmakers currently rate Thomas Tuchel’s side at 13/2 to lift silverware on his first attempt—an achievement that would be a fitting way to add a second star to their badge, especially after back-to-back European Championship final heartbreaks.

Many believe England are in their best position yet to win a major tournament; the key lies in finding the right manager to make it happen. The biggest challenge will be striking the right balance between star power and tactical cohesion. Right now, it seems unlikely that Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer can all fit into the same starting XI, creating an intriguing dilemma for the new German boss.

2. Brazil

Current odds: 6/1

Brazil remains the most successful nation in World Cup history, boasting a record five titles. Though their golden years may feel like a distant memory, the current squad is determined to recapture the magic of past triumphs. Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, who firmly believes he deserved last year’s Ballon d’Or, is eager to prove his worth once again—this time competing with compatriot Raphinha for the accolade while leading his country’s charge.

Despite a turbulent qualification campaign, including a humbling 4-1 defeat to Argentina, Brazil’s immense talent keeps them among the favorites. Their second-place spot in the betting odds may raise eyebrows, but with their firepower, they remain a force to be reckoned with.

1. Spain

Current odds: 11/2

It almost feels like 2010 all over again. Back then, Spain dominated international football, winning back-to-back European Championships and a World Cup. Fast forward to 2024, and after securing a record fourth European title, they now enter the World Cup as favorites to add another star to their badge.

With a squad featuring Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, alongside rising stars like Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dean Huijsen, Martín Zubimendi, and Pau Cubarsí, there’s a strong case to be made that La Roja are on the brink of another golden era. They’ve already shown they have what it takes—the only question is whether they can maintain their dominance or fall victim to the weight of their own success.