Now that we’ve all had time to digest one of the most dramatic finals in sports history, it’s time to take a look at what’s in store for the next FIFA World Cup. For the first time since 1994, the World Cup will be taking place in the United States. The US will be sharing hosting duties with Canada and Mexico. The 2026 World Cup will be the first time the tournament is held with 48 teams, which is an increase from the 32-team format.
We’ll preview the tournament that’s set to take place in three and a half years and give the best betting odds for it.
Who Are the Favorites?
France and Brazil lead the field for odds to win the 2026 World Cup. France was left heartbroken in the 2022 World Cup Final, but they are a team destined to make it back to the big stage. Kylian Mbappe will be 27 at the next World Cup. The star Frenchman scored 8 goals in the 2022 World Cup and will be looking for more in 2026.
Brazil was knocked out in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals against Croatia. Brazil has the most World Cup trophies with 5, and they are a team that’s always in the mix. There are some questions about whether Neymar will still play for this team in 2026. He’ll be 34 at the time of the next tournament and will likely end up giving another crack at a World Cup title.
England will also be capable of winning it all next time around. Jude Bellingham could be the team’s captain in 2026. The Three Lions will also have Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka in their primes. Harry Kane should still hold the number 9 position in 2026. The star striker will be 33 years old, but don’t be surprised if he’s still England’s primary goal-scoring threat when the biggest tournament in the world comes stateside.
Can Argentina Repeat as World Champions?
Coming in right after England, Argentina has good odds to repeat as World Champions. However, where they stand on the odds table has a lot to do with the decisions Lionel Messi makes over the next few years. The star Argentinian repeatedly said the 2022 World Cup would be his last, but rumors are swirling about whether he’d be willing to put the uniform back on in 2026. He’s already said he’s not retiring from international soccer just yet.
Messi will be turning 39 during the next tournament. If there’s anyone that can still play at that age it’s him. If he does decide to give it another go, expect Argentina to be not just one of the favorites, but an extremely popular bet.
What About the US, Canada, and Mexico
The three host nations will be expected to compete in the 2026 World Cup. The one most destined for success is the United States. They had one of the youngest teams at the 2022 tournament and still managed to perform exceptionally well. Christian Pulisic will be 27 at the next tournament and will be the face of US soccer as they try to shock the world on the biggest stage.
NY sportsbooks seem to differ on where the US stands on their likelihood to win it all in 2026. They can be found at the long odds of +4000. FanDuel has them in a tie for the eighth most likely to win the World Cup.
Canada was a dud in what was only their country’s second World Cup appearance ever. They’re led by the young talents of Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies. Each of these guys will be in their prime in 2026. They aren’t one of the favorites in this tournament, but on home turf, they will be in a position to make some noise.
Mexico will be led by Hirving Lozano at the next World Cup. As one of the host nations, they will get a solid boost in the odds table. Star goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will be 40 at the time of the next tournament. He’s starred in past World Cups. Don’t be surprised if he gives it a go again in 2026.
2026 World Cup Best Betting Odds
| Team | Best Betting Odds |
| France | +600 Caesars |
| Brazil | +600 BetRivers |
| England | +850 Caesars |
| Argentina | +1000 DraftKings |
| Germany | +1000 BetRivers |
| Spain | +1000 BetMGM |
| Portugal | +1500 BetRivers |
| Netherlands | +1900 FanDuel |
| Italy | +2400 FanDuel |
| Belgium | +3200 FanDuel |
| USA | +4000 BetRivers |
| Uruguay | +5000 BetMGM |
Recapping the 2026 World Cup Best Betting Odds
The only team on this list that didn’t appear in the 2022 World Cup is Italy. Despite failing to qualify for the last two tournaments, Italy is still a soccer superpower. With the tournament set to be expanded to 48 teams, they should have an easier time qualifying in the next go-round.
If Your Bet Wins
The next World Cup is three and a half years away. A lot will happen between now and then. Right after a World Cup ends is a popular time to get your bets placed for the next tournament.
The plan for the next World Cup is to make soccer more popular in the United States. A deep run from the Americans would help further solidify the popularity of the sport. The red, white, and blue have the eleventh-longest-best betting odds to win the World Cup in 2026.
