The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international football, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming tournament in 2026, anticipation also grows among bettors looking to capitalise on the thrilling action.
Forecasting the winner is never an exact science, but a meticulous analysis of historical patterns, current form and the unique dynamics of the event will help punters make informed betting decisions.
Stick with us as we explore the key factors, teams and players that could shape the betting landscape during this global football extravaganza.
Tournament Overview
The 2026 World Cup promises to be a landmark event, not just for its footballing spectacle but also for its unprecedented format and geographical footprint.
The tournament will be jointly hosted by three nations - the United States, Canada and Mexico - creating a unique tapestry of cultures and atmospheres for the participating teams and fans.
The tri-hosting approach is a historic deviation from the traditional single-host format, marking a significant change that introduces unique dynamics to the tournament.
In another move that highlights a significant breakaway from tradition, the 2026 World Cup will see an expansion from 32 to 48 participating teams, opening the door for emerging football nations and offering a global platform for a wider range of talent.
Instead of the usual eight groups of four teams, the 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will progress to the knockout stage.
The increase in number of participants also affects the length and duration of the tournament, with the 2026 World Cup set to last for 39 days, a week longer than the previous editions.
The expanded format not only provides more opportunities for obscure teams to display their talent and announce themselves on the global stage but also introduces intriguing betting possibilities across a wider range of fixtures.
Teams to Watch
The odds may be stacked against them, but defending champions Argentina will fancy their chances of retaining their World Cup crown in 2026.
It remains to be seen if Lionel Messi will stick around long enough to lead La Albiceleste to another historic triumph, but his potential absence could see Argentina knocked off their perch.
Two-time world champions France will be lurking with intent after coming agonisingly close to securing back-to-back World Cup titles last time around.
They were thwarted by Argentina in the 2022 final in Qatar, but considering their reputation as a major talent hub, they'll back themselves to be in the mix in 2026.
Given their status as the most successful side in the tournament's storied history, Brazil are another side to keep a close eye on, even if they have flattered to deceive in recent years.
The Selecao have failed to reach a World Cup final since conquering the world in 2002. However, 2026 could be the turning point, particularly with Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti linked with the national team job.
Whether or not Gareth Southgate will be England manager in 2026 depends on their performances at the 2024 European Championships, but they could be in the thick of things in the upcoming World Cup.
Breaking their major tournament hoodoo in Germany next year could be the perfect springboard for England to go on and conquer the world in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Betting Markets & Odds
Despite faltering at the final hurdle in Qatar, France are the bookmakers' 6.50 favourites to secure football's holy grail in 2026.
Brazil share identical odds to their French counterparts, but their recent performances fail to inspire confidence among the betting community.
England will be hoping they can end their sixty-year wait for success in the 2026 World Cup, but make no appeal as a betting proposition at odds of 7.50.
Defending champions Argentina are priced at 9.50 to retain their crown, with the bookies factoring in that Messi may not be leading the South American giants in 2026.
Republic of Ireland could spring a surprise by qualifying for the tournament with Brighton & Hove Albion star Evan Ferguson playing a crucial role in the country's lofty ambitions.
Whether they could get past the group stage is another question entirely, but reaching the tournament should be enough to spark plenty of activity among Irish punters on betting sites in the Emerald Isle.
The Irish team previously built a reputation for defying the odds, most notably when they reached the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup.
While predicting the tournament winner is the ultimate prize for most punters in Ireland and further afield, the World Cup offers a vast array of other enticing betting possibilities.
From group winners and knockout stage qualifiers to the top goalscorer and individual player performances, the options are vast and cater to every level of risk and reward.
