FIFA World Cup 2026 Betting: Favorites Draw

The 2026 World Cup draw took place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC on December 5, 2025, officially setting the stage and soccer betting favorites for FIFA’s biggest tournament to date.

The draw marked the first return of the Men’s World Cup to the United States since the iconic 1994 edition and the new expanded format.

For the first time in its history, the competition will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups, followed by an extended elimination phase.

Europe’s elite and South America’s traditional powerhouses continue to dominate the early predictions, although the expanded format introduces a larger array of games and possible minor favorites into the group, causing an upset.

World Cup 2026 format designed for established betting favourites

The format of the 2026 World Cup includes more teams and more matches. Three teams progressing from most groups and an additional knockout round engulfing the expanded field show that the risk of early elimination for the elite nations is not at hand.

In practical terms, this makes a repeat of shock eliminations such as France’s group stage exit in 2002 far less likely.

Squad rotation, depth and rebuilding could prove as crucial as star quality at the 2026 tournament, with the match overload expected to rival or surpass that of Russia 2018.

There has been a remarkable backlash in tickets since the draw ended and the markets have reacted to the biggest games of the show. Fan groups have forced FIFA to rethink pricing in the first negative shot across the rainbow for tournament organisers.

@FIFAcomis #WorldCup ticket prices are a betrayal to the most dedicated fans. At least $6900 to support your team from the first game to the final – almost 5 times more than in Qatar.

FSE calls for an immediate halt to ticket sales.

Statement: https://t.co/AgEdqsfrox pic.twitter.com/2Yq5z5GIDZ

— Football Supporters Europe (@FansEurope) December 11, 2025

The big players: 2026 World Cup betting favorites remain familiar

In all markets, Spain continue to lead the field as favorites for the tournament, usually priced around 5/1, with some books moving slightly in the 6/1–7/1 range.

They are closely followed by Brazil and Argentina, both established South American giants in the tournament. France and England finish top, with the latter usually trading at around 13/2, which puts them second only to Spain in several UK-focused books.

The hosts face big odds

The United States are the strongest of the three hosts in terms of pricing, typically trading at 40/1 to 60/1. Mexico, hosting again after 1970 and 1986, is slightly further back at around 50/1 to 66/1.

Canada remains the best chance of the trio, with odds ranging from 80/1 to 100/1, reflecting the team’s fighting spirit in perhaps their biggest appearance at the tournament.

Deciphering the draw of the group

Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Playoff D

Markets are leaning towards Mexico to top the group, driven mostly by home advantage rather than belief in deep development. South Korea is profiled as a major contender, while the introduction of a European play-off winner such as Denmark or the Czech Republic would significantly tighten pricing.

Group B: Canada, Playoff A, Qatar, Switzerland

This group remains undecided. Switzerland are the strongest confirmed side, but if Italy get out of Playoff A they will become clear favorites despite home support from Canada and you can never rule out the Azzurri at a World Cup.

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Brazil are heavy favorites to win the group, supported by outright odds of around 8/1–10/1. Morocco has some incredibly talented players, but nothing compares to the quality of the Seleção.

Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Playoff C

The USA are favored to top the group, but Paraguay and Australia are a physical test for the hosts, while a Playoff C powerhouse like Turkey would quickly undercut prices.

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

Germany is expected to top the group despite recent inconsistencies in its squad and the departure of the old guard that has brought so much national success. Their final odds usually range from 12/1 to 16/1, with Ecuador and Ivory Coast priced behind them.

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Playoff B, Tunisia

Markets favor the Netherlands, with Japan seen as the main threat. A strong Playoff B entrant like Ukraine, Sweden or Poland could make this one of the tighter groups.

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Belgium remains the clear market choice as a country that consistently produces accomplished players at the highest levels of European knockout football.

Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Spain are expected to dominate the group and remain tournament favorites at around 5/1, with a clear margin over Uruguay, who are likely to finish second.

Group I: France, Senegal, Playoff Bolivia/Iraq/Suriname, Norway

France dominate the group expectations, backed by head-to-head odds of around 7/1–8/1. Senegal and Norway are dangerous but clearly secondary in the group’s pricing.

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Defending champions Argentina are overwhelming favorites to top the group with outright odds of around 8/1–9/1.

Group K: Portugal, Playoff 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Portugal are favorites to win the group and this could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last dance at the World Cup. Colombia are the main contenders, but compared to a golden generation that includes an eventual Ballon d’Or winner and PSG’s Vitinia, they don’t look likely to cause an upset.

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

England are expected to lead the pack, although Croatia keep prices tighter due to their previous performances at the tournament and a solid backbone of Champions League-level talent.

The tournament begins with a repeat of the first match of the 2010 competition between Mexico and South Africa. The drama and betting opportunities will unfold around the world at the Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026.

Featured Image: FIFA