World Cup 2026 predictions, analysis and best outright bet: European teams dominate antepost market

When does the 2026 World Cup start?

The 2026 World Cup starts on June 11 2026 and runs until July 19 of the same year.

2026 World Cup predictions & best bet

Colombia
0.5pts each-way 80-1 bet365

2026 World Cup odds

France 6-1
Brazil 6-1
England 7-1
Argentina 9-1

2026 World Cup predictions

With both the European Championship and Copa America coming to an end on Sunday night, all eyes turn to international football’s next major tournament, the 2026 World Cup.

Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host the 23rd edition of the famous tournament, which will be the first to contain 48 teams, expanded from 32.

Here we outline the state of play among the likely contenders as Argentina set out to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to defend their crown.

France 6-1

European teams have won four of the last five World Cups so it’s not hard to see why seven of the top nine in the betting for 2026 are from Europe.

France have reached the final of the last two editions, winning in Russia in 2018 before being denied by Argentina in Qatar four years later.

Les Bleus were disappointing at this year’s European Championship, scoring just once from open play despite reaching the semi-finals thanks to some solid defensive performances.

Kylian Mbappe failed to live up to his lofty reputation after breaking his nose in the group stage and they are yet to replace Olivier Giroud with a competent number nine.  

Didier Deschamps looks set to stay on as manager but he will need to get more from his young attacking talents than he did at Euro 2024 to have a say in this tournament.

Brazil 6-1

The talent pool at Brazil’s disposal means they will never be far from the head of the betting for a World Cup.

However, the Selecao have had one of their worst runs in a long time, losing three games in a row to finish 2023 before drawing three of their four matches at this year’s Copa America and departing after losing on penalties to Uruguay  in the quarter-finals.

That was Dorival Junior’s first tournament in charge but he will need to turn around his team’s fortunes quickly. They are currently sixth out of ten in South American World Cup qualifying and they have only once reached the semi-final of the tournament since lifting the trophy in 2002.

Brazil look short enough at the head of the market.

England 7-1

England have now reached the final of back-to-back European Championships and undoubtedly have one of the most talented squads in world football.

Some of the current key players may be on the wane by 2026 - Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford will all be at least 32.

However, young stars such as Kobbie Mainoo, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka will be two years further into their development and are likely to be the core of this side.

It remains to be seen if Gareth Southgate will stay on as manager and the Three Lions could do with one of their young central defenders such as Jarrad Branthwaite developing into a world-class player.

Nevertheless, they will be among the main contenders due to the sheer depth of their squad.

Argentina 9-1

Argentina achieved a fairytale result when lifting the World Cup 18 months ago, finally giving Lionel Messi a victory in the competition after a number of near misses. They have also reached back-to-back Copa America finals.

Messi is yet to announce plans to retire from his national team but he will be 39 by the final of the next World Cup and unfortunately he cannot play at the same level forever.

La Albiceleste's success in recent years has been built on rock-solid defensive foundations and that looks unlikely to change so they could still pose a big threat, but question marks about Messi and his availability abound.

Spain 9-1

After a few years in the international wilderness following the dominant Spain team of the late 2000s and early 2010s, La Roja re-emerged as a major player with an impressive run to the final of Euro 2024.

They were undoubtedly the best team in the tournament and youngster Lamine Yamal put his name on the map with some standout performances.

Luis de la Fuente’s side are incredibly well balanced and with Rodri likely to be anchoring their midfield for the foreseeable future, it’s not hard to see why they are well fancied.

With the seemingly imminent retirement of Alvaro Morata, they could do with a goalscorer up front but aside from that, it’s hard to pick a hole in this team.

Germany 10-1 

After a tough run under Hansi Flick, Julian Nagelsmann has turned around the fortunes of Germany in recent times and they may have just suffered a blip when beaten by Spain in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

Youngsters Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz will continue to be key to their success but they will need to replace the departing Toni Kroos if they are to win their fifth World Cup.

Making it out of the group stage, something they haven’t done at the last two editions, will be the first priority.

Ones to watch 

Sweltering temperatures are likely to play a big part in this tournament so European sides may be at a disadvantage.

Although there is not much value around at the moment in the antepost market, the 80-1 about Colombia stands out.

La Tricolor have been one of the best teams in international football recently. They took a 28-game unbeaten streak into the Copa America final and could outrun their big price in conditions that will suit.

Japan topped their group at the last World Cup before losing to Croatia on penalties and could have another strong tournament while Austria, who impressed at Euro 2024, look overpriced at 375-1.