Early 2026 World Cup Winner Predictions: Who Are the Favorites?
- Sam Lim
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
2026 FIFA World Cup Winner Odds: Top Teams, Contenders, and Predictions
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off next June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, bringing together 48 nations in a fight for soccer’s most prestigious trophy. Fans around the world are already buzzing as some of the top players prepare to shine on the global stage.
At LB9 Online Casino, we’re tracking the latest World Cup winner odds with SBOBET, our trusted sportsbook provider. The race at the top is extremely tight, making it one of the most exciting World Cup windows in recent history.
2026 FIFA World Cup Winner Odds (via SBOBET)
Team | Odds | Implied Probability |
Spain | +450 | 18.2% |
England | +600 | 14.3% |
France | +700 | 12.5% |
Brazil | +800 | 11.1% |
Argentina | +900 | 10.0% |
Portugal | +1100 | 8.3% |
Germany | +1200 | 7.7% |
Netherlands | +2000 | 4.8% |
Norway | +2200 | 4.3% |
Italy | +3500 | 2.8% |
Belgium | +5000 | 2.0% |
USA | +7500 | 1.3% |
Mexico | +8000 | 1.2% |
The top five teams—Spain, England, France, Brazil, and Argentina—are tightly packed in the odds, with Spain (+450) slightly ahead. England (+600) is close behind, while France (+700) and Brazil (+800) remain strong challengers. Even the defending champions, Argentina (+900), are still very much in the hunt.
Just behind them, Portugal (+1100) and Germany (+1200) are firmly in the mix and capable of making a deep run. The odds then drop to the Netherlands (+2000) and Norway (+2200), who could surprise if momentum swings their way. Italy (+3500) still has to navigate a playoff to secure their spot, while Belgium (+5000) stands out as an intriguing dark horse, boasting quality and experience that could turn heads if they hit form at the right time.
2026 World Cup Betting Favorites
Spain (+450)
World Cup Wins: 1 (2010)
2022 World Cup: Round of 16
Manager: Luis de la Fuente
Key Players: Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri, David Raya
After a period of transition following their golden era from 2008 to 2012, when Spain won the World Cup and back-to-back European Championships, La Roja appear ready to return to the top. They’ve exited at the Round of 16 in both of the last two World Cups, but a strong performance at Euro 2024, where they lifted the trophy, has restored confidence.
Much of the spotlight will fall on Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona prodigy who will turn 19 during the tournament. Already a standout at Euro 2024—winning Young Player of the Tournament and featuring among the Ballon d’Or favorites—Yamal is set to be Spain’s attacking spark.
Spain isn’t relying on him alone. The squad boasted six players in the Team of the Tournament, showing depth across midfield and attack. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, anchors the midfield but has had injury interruptions over the past year. Similarly, Pedri, Barcelona’s versatile 23-year-old, brings creativity and energy. If fully fit, Spain arguably fields one of the world’s most complete midfield units heading into 2026.
Strengths and Concerns
Goalkeeping: David Raya has enjoyed a stellar season at Arsenal and is often underrated on the international stage.
Defense: While the fullback line has talent—led by Marc Cucurella—the center of defense remains a question mark. Youngsters like Pau Cubarsí (18) are promising but inexperienced at this level. Spain’s defensive cohesion may be tested against top-tier opposition, particularly in the heart of the back four.
Attack: Where Spain truly shines is in attack. Manager Luis de la Fuente has an abundance of options, combining youth and experience. This attacking firepower is why Spain currently sits at the top of the 2026 World Cup winner odds at leading sportsbooks, including SBOBET via LB9.
England (+600)
World Cup Wins: 1 (1966)
2022 World Cup: Quarterfinals
Manager: Thomas Tuchel
Key Players: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice
The World Cup hasn’t returned “home” to England since their historic 1966 triumph, but the nation’s footballing talent continues to grow. England enters the 2026 tournament after back-to-back strong showings in the European Championship, finishing runners-up to Spain (2-1) in Euro 2024, and reaching the quarterfinals in the 2022 World Cup, where they narrowly lost to France 2-1.
Key Players to Watch
Harry Kane remains England’s talisman. After an injury-affected 2024 campaign in Qatar, the Bayern Munich striker is back to full fitness and combines lethal finishing with intelligent link-up play. His ability to drop deep, create chances, and lead the line makes him one of the world’s most complete forwards.
Bukayo Saka continues to shine for Arsenal, rapidly emerging as one of the planet’s top young talents. Alongside him, Declan Rice, also from Arsenal, offers defensive steel, vision, and midfield control that can dictate the pace of any game.
In goal, Jordan Pickford provides experience and reliability behind a defense that is largely solid.
Strengths and Challenges
Manager Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Gareth Southgate, faces a tactical puzzle with two Real Madrid stars: Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Bellingham was England’s standout player at both the 2022 and 2024 tournaments, while Alexander-Arnold has battled injuries since his move to Madrid. Tuchel’s challenge is finding the perfect system to leverage their unique skills without disrupting balance.
France (+700)
World Cup Wins: 2 (1998, 2018)
2022 World Cup: Runners-up
Manager: Didier Deschamps
Key Players: Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, William Saliba
France has been a dominant force in international football over the past decade, winning the 2018 World Cup and finishing runners-up to Argentina in 2022. They also made a strong showing at Euro 2024, reaching the semifinals before falling to Spain.
Star Power and Key Contributors
Kylian Mbappé remains the undisputed leader for France. After a blistering start to the season with Real Madrid, he currently heads the Ballon d’Or odds and has already climbed to second on France’s all-time goalscoring list with 55 goals. His speed, finishing, and experience make him the focal point of Les Bleus’ attack.
Ousmane Dembélé, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, brings flair and unpredictability on the wing, though injuries have limited his playing time this season. The midfield is anchored by Real Madrid duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouameni, while Michael Olise has emerged as a creative force for Bayern Munich.
Defensively, William Saliba has been exceptional for Arsenal and will likely pair with Dayot Upamecano to form a solid central pairing. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan is one of the most underrated shot-stoppers in the world, providing confidence from the back.
Tactical Outlook
Manager Didier Deschamps will step down after the tournament, capping off a remarkable tenure. Under his leadership, France has consistently blended youth and experience, creating a balanced and flexible squad capable of challenging anyone.
With Mbappé leading the charge, Les Bleus remain a top contender in the 2026 FIFA World Cup winner odds, offering excellent value for bettors at SBOBET via LB9. Their combination of talent, experience, and tactical acumen makes them one of the most feared squads heading into next summer.
2026 FIFA World Cup Betting Contenders
While the favorites dominate the top of the board, a few nations are positioned to challenge for the trophy if everything clicks. These teams are the Brazil, Argentina, and Portugal, each carrying immense talent and high expectations.
Brazil (+800)
World Cup Wins: 5 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
2022 World Cup: Quarterfinals
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti
Key Players: Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Estevão, Bruno Guimarães, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães
Brazil has not lifted the World Cup since 2002, and recent tournaments have highlighted a crisis for the Seleção. Exits in the quarterfinals of both the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América underscore the urgency for change.
Carlo Ancelotti, fresh from a stellar managerial career with Real Madrid, now takes the helm. His key task is getting the best out of Vinícius Júnior, who thrived under him in Madrid. Supporting Vinícius are Barcelona’s Raphinha and Chelsea’s 19-year-old sensation Estevão, who is making waves in Europe.
Midfield leadership comes from Bruno Guimarães, though squad depth is a concern. Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães form a strong central defense, but fullback options are less convincing. Alisson Becker remains first-choice in goal, though inconsistent form at Liverpool raises questions.
At +800, Brazil’s odds may be slightly generous, but with Ancelotti’s tactical acumen, they remain a credible contender in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as tracked on SBOBET via LB9.
Argentina (+900)
World Cup Wins: 3 (1978, 1986, 2022)
2022 World Cup: Winners
Manager: Lionel Scaloni
Key Players: Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martínez, Alexis Mac Allister, Cristian Romero, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez
Argentina enters 2026 as defending champions, with Messi finally completing his World Cup legacy in 2022. They also won the 2024 Copa América, showing continuity at the top.
Messi, who will turn 39 during the tournament, remains the focal point, but Scaloni must find ways to reduce pressure on him. Options like Lautaro Martínez, who led the Copa América in scoring, and Julián Álvarez, with four goals at the 2022 World Cup, are critical to spreading the load.
The midfield pairing of Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister is solid, but depth behind them is a concern. Defensively, Nicolás Otamendi will be 38, and Cristian Romero can be inconsistent. In goal, Emiliano Martínez has struggled at club level with Aston Villa, leaving some uncertainty between the posts.
Argentina may still edge Brazil in overall talent, but they need near-perfect performances—or another legendary campaign from Messi—to justify their odds.
Portugal (+1100)
World Cup Wins: 0
2022 World Cup: Quarterfinals
Manager: Roberto Martínez
Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, João Palhinha
Portugal remains in search of their first World Cup title. They exited at the quarterfinal stage in 2022 and fell short again at Euro 2024, raising questions about squad management and tactical flexibility.
The spotlight is inevitably on Cristiano Ronaldo, who will turn 41 in February. Still scoring consistently in Saudi Arabia and for Portugal, he demands the ball and influences the game’s tempo. Balancing Ronaldo’s presence with the mobility of Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto will be key for manager Roberto Martínez.
Portugal’s midfield is world-class, featuring Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, and João Palhinha, while Rúben Dias anchors the backline. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa is set to start, providing reliability between the posts.
The biggest question is whether Martínez can manage Ronaldo effectively without compromising team balance. How this is handled could define Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign and their +1100 odds on SBOBET via LB9.
2026 FIFA World Cup Betting Longshots
While the favorites and main contenders dominate the headlines, several nations offer solid value for bettors. Teams like the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium may not top the odds boards, but each has the potential to surprise if circumstances align.
Netherlands (+2000)
World Cup Wins: 0
2022 World Cup: Quarterfinals
Manager: Ronald Koeman
Key Players: Cody Gakpo, Tijjani Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong, Virgil van Dijk
The Dutch national team has a storied soccer history, yet a World Cup title has eluded them. After a quarterfinal exit in 2022 and a semifinal loss at Euro 2024, Ronald Koeman aims to build a solid foundation from the back.
The defense is anchored by Virgil van Dijk, with Matthijs de Ligt and Micky van de Ven providing support. Fullbacks like Jurrien Timber and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen round out a dependable defensive setup.
In midfield, Tijjani Reijnders and Frenkie de Jong drive the tempo, but up front the team is light beyond Cody Gakpo. The lack of proven goalscorers makes it difficult to see the Netherlands as a serious title contender, though at +2000, they offer strong longshot value for World Cup bettors on SBOBET via LB9.
Norway (+2200)
World Cup Wins: 0
2022 World Cup: Did not qualify
Manager: Ståle Solbakken
Key Players: Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth, Kristoffer Ajer
Norway returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, largely thanks to Erling Haaland, arguably the best striker in the world today. Haaland is the engine of the Norwegian attack, supported by Alexander Sørloth, while Martin Ødegaard and Sander Berge control the midfield.
Defensively, Norway faces challenges. Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, the Sevilla starter, hasn’t seen consistent club action, and the backline may struggle against elite attacks. Success for the “Røde, Hvite, Bla” will heavily depend on Haaland firing on all cylinders. Despite the risks, +2200 odds make Norway an enticing longshot for bettors looking for value.
Belgium (+5000)
World Cup Wins: 0
2022 World Cup: Group Stage
Manager: Rudi Garcia
Key Players: Romelu Lukaku, Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois
Belgium’s golden generation is on its final run. Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne have carried the team for years but have yet to lift a World Cup. After a group-stage exit in 2022 and a Round of 16 loss at Euro 2024, this squad may be in its last realistic chance at glory.
The spotlight shifts to Jeremy Doku, whose blistering pace and one-on-one skill at Manchester City make him Belgium’s key attacking threat. Defensively, the team can be vulnerable, though Thibaut Courtois remains one of the world’s top goalkeepers.
At +5000, Belgium offers some of the highest-value odds for 2026 World Cup bettors on SBOBET via LB9, making them a worthwhile longshot pick for risk-tolerant fans.
2026 FIFA World Cup Preview: Final Thoughts
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be one of the most thrilling tournaments in recent history. With 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, fans can expect drama, world-class talent, and unexpected upsets.
The favorites—Spain, England, France, Brazil, and Argentina—feature some of the world’s best players and squads with the depth and experience to challenge for the trophy. Spain leads the pack with a blend of youth and seasoned midfielders, while England and France boast dynamic attacks capable of turning games in an instant. Brazil and Argentina, as always, carry the weight of history, star power, and passionate fanbases.
Among the contenders, Portugal brings a mix of skill and experience, Brazil hopes for a resurgence under Carlo Ancelotti, and Argentina looks to maintain dominance if Lionel Messi continues to lead. Each team has strengths, but small tactical or fitness issues could determine how far they progress.
Meanwhile, longshots like the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium offer strong value for risk-tolerant bettors. Each has talented individuals who can influence matches, and while consistency may be a concern, the right combination of form, tactics, and luck could make them surprise packages of the tournament.
For fans and bettors at LB9 Online Casino, following the 2026 FIFA World Cup winner odds via SBOBET provides a chance to track every update and find value in both favorites and underdogs. To maximize your betting strategy, check out our Football Parlay Betting Complete Guide: Winning Strategies by LB9 Online Casino. And if you want to stay ahead on top football transfers that could shake up squads before the World Cup, see our 2026 Winter Transfer Window: Players to Watch Across European Football guide.
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