World Cup 2026 Favourites: The front-runners revealed including England

The World Cup is hotting up as we enter the quarter-final stage. England still expects. Spain still soars. France are phenomenal. Argentina continue to amaze. There is a lot of quality on show in the four-yearly showpiece.

But who will lift the mighty trophy come tournament’s end? You can find the selections of some of our writers here. Read on for a rundown of the World Cup favourites, equipping you with everything you need to pick your own winner.

England @ 5/1

Thomas Tuchel’s mighty Three Lions are currently fancied at 5/1 to do the business at MetLife on July 19. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have proven talismanic as England have battled their way to a quarter-final date with Erling Haaland and his Norway brethren.

Right back issues, a bizarre celebration-injury for Jordan Henderson and the sending-off of Jarrell Quansah against Mexico have caused Tuchel headaches. But Kane, Bellingham and a supporting cast of experienced names and fresh faces keep the Three Lions amongst the favourites.

Argentina @ 4/1

Like that bit in The Avengers where Iron Man coolly points out “We have a Hulk”, it does feel like the Albiceleste can answer most questions with “We have a Messi”.

The ageless wonder has outlasted generational rivals Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 finals, bagging eight goals to fire his side into the quarters. Football is a team effort, but Argentina boast the most feted individual at the tournament. Can he win back-to-back World Cups? You wouldn’t put it past the 39-year-old.

World Cup Odds

Spain @ 7/2

The pre-tournament favourites have slipped slightly in the betting. Spain’s dominance of the outrights has never recovered following their 0-0 opener with underdogs du jour Cape Verde.

But this Spain side features a lot of talent for others to fear. Mikel Oyarzabal found his shooting boots with braces against Saudi Arabia and Austria. The oft-maligned attacking dervish that is full back Marc Cucurella has provided plenty of creativity. Aymeric Laporte is steadfast at the back. Lamine Yamal is supremely talented, even if he is yet to fully ignite at the tournament.

European champions Spain have a deep well of talent and are considered likely finalists. But can they go all the way?

France @ 7/4

Consecutive finalists in 2018 and 2022, Les Bleus won the former tournament and only lost to a Messi-fired Argentina in an absolute classic in the latter. Didier Deschamps’ men look surefire candidates to reach the final. On paper and in the markets, they look like winning the whole thing.

Kylian Mbappe is a player of barely-plausible quality at his best. Michael Olise has crafted five assists in a breakout tournament for the 24-year-old. Ousmane Dembele is making good on the promises pundits made about him in his youth. 

France boast all the ingredients you need to win the World Cup and currently sit proudly as favourites with Betfred.