Spain Top the Odds After Euro 2024 Glory

After years of anticipation and preparation, the expanded 48-team tournament will kick off at the Estadio Azteca on June 11. Only one team, however, will lift the famous trophy in New Jersey on July 19. History shows it is unlikely the 2026 champion will come from outside a select group of elite-level teams at the top of the international game.

At 4/1, Spain are the pre-tournament favourites. Luis de la Fuente's side won Euro 2024 playing a brand of exciting, dynamic football that was an evolution from the tedious possession-heavy approach favoured by Luis Enrique as Spain boss. No team averaged more shots on target per match in European qualifying for the World Cup than Spain, who also ranked joint-top for highest possession won in the final third per match.

They are just as energetic working against the ball as they are playing with it. Spain have very few weaknesses, although de la Fuente's continued faith in the error-prone Unai Simon — when he has Joan Garcia and David Raya as alternative goalkeeping options — could potentially cost the European champions. Opta's supercomputer gives Spain a 16.1 per cent chance of winning the World Cup for the second time in their history. This is a higher percentage than any other team taking part in this summer's tournament.

France Boast Deepest Squad

France are not far behind Spain as second favourites at 9/2. One look at Les Blues' current squad and it's easy to see why Didier Deschamps' side are fancied to go the distance in the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer. They are deep in all areas of the pitch.

The frontline of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise could be the most fearsome at the 2026 World Cup with Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki and Désiré Doué giving Deschamps even more attacking quality to utilise. Deschamps-ball has not always been the most exhilarating, but France will surely play on the front foot.

England's Golden Opportunity

Next up in the betting, England are given an 11.2 per cent chance by Opta's supercomputer of winning the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions have made the final of the last two European Championships and are firmly established among international football's elite, yet the long wait for major tournament glory continues.

Thomas Tuchel's side qualified with a perfect record of eight wins from eight games, but eyebrows have been raised at the German's squad selection. With Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer among the big names omitted, has any other team left as much talent back home as England have?

The Three Lions are priced at 13/2 to lift the World Cup for the first time since 1966. It's 10/1 to back England to win the tournament and Harry Kane to secure the Golden Boot. After a season that saw the Bayern Munich striker score 60 goals in all competitions, this could be good value.

Brazil Face Challenges

Once you start to look beyond England, the odds start to lengthen. Brazil are 9/1 to get their hands on the trophy for a sixth time and end a 24-year wait for World Cup glory. The Seleção can never be truly discounted from contention at a tournament they have won more than any other team.

It should be noted, however, that Brazil struggled through qualifying, only finishing fifth in CONMEBOL. Carlo Ancelotti was brought in to point the Seleção in the right direction again, but the former AC Milan and Real Madrid boss might not have the quality on the pitch to balance his side. Neymar's call-up might have already backfired. The 34-year-old was favoured over João Pedro and Richarlison, but is now a doubt for the World Cup after picking up a calf injury.

Argentina Face Age Concerns

At 10/1, Argentina are slight outsiders to retain the World Cup. Lionel Scaloni has kept the bulk of the squad together, which should give La Albiceleste continuity. However, this means Argentina are nearly four years older than they were in Qatar. Lionel Messi will turn 39 during the group stage. How much of a factor will this be in their title defence?

Dark Horses and Outside Bets

Portugal (10/1), Germany (12/1) and Netherlands (16/1) are all fancied to at least make a positive impression at this summer's World Cup, although the latter two might not possess the most talented generation of players compared to some of the vintage sides they have produced in past eras.

Norway (33/1) are widely tipped to be dark horses, after qualifying for the tournament with a 100 per cent record. Erling Haaland scored 16 goals in just eight qualifiers, more than double the number of any other player in European qualifying. With the Manchester City striker leading the line, Norway must be taken seriously.

For all that Haaland's finishing instincts and Martin Ødegaard's creativity in midfield could make Norway dangerous, though, they lack the defensive quality of some other teams. This could be the thing that prevents the Scandinavians from truly being contenders to win the World Cup.

At 66/1, the United States is another outsider given a slim chance of pulling off the improbable. On home soil, though, Mauricio Pochettino's team could be energised. The recent friendly win over Senegal suggested the co-hosts could be an exciting attacking outfit at their own World Cup. But realistically, they are not among the teams ready to win it.