World Cup 2026 Winner Odds: England and Spain both 7/1 to win World Cup

One day after a Euro 2024 final, perhaps it feels a little too soon to look ahead to the World Cup in Canada, USA and Mexico in two years' time. But maybe it’s the best way to move on. The pain will linger for England for some time after they lost a second consecutive European Championship final, this time to a Spanish side who could be in for another period of dominance, similar to the success they had between 2008 and 2012. 

Below I’ve taken a look at the outright market for the World Cup in 2026, and given you my opinion on where each side may be in two years’ time. As quickly as one cycle ends, the next one begins. 

Brazil @ 11/2

With underperforming Brazil currently at the top of the market, we can see just how open the betting is for the 2026 World Cup. Endrick will be 19, Vinicius Jr will be 26 and another Brazilian wonderkid will probably emerge from somewhere. But I just can’t see it. 

They disappointed at the Copa America this summer, and despite some individual talents, it feels like they are some way off being champions again. They surely won’t be favourites when the tournament starts - they haven’t won a World Cup since 2002! 

France @ 6/1

France were outplayed by Spain in their Euro 2024 semi-final, but they have been consistent contenders in major tournaments over the last decade. They reached finals in 2016 and 2022, and won the World Cup in 2018. With Didier Deschamps likely to stay on, they will go deep into this tournament as well. 

Kylian Mbappe is on his way to Real Madrid and will only be 27 when this one kicks off, while Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelin Tchouameni will be in their prime. With emerging stars Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery, France are a good shout to go all the way again. 

England @ 7/1

Ugh, I don’t know. Gareth Southgate’s journey as England manager is probably over, and who knows what comes next? Kyle Walker and Harry Kane are seemingly past it, but the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden provide hope for the future. 

They just cannot seem to get over the line in major finals, and up front they have some concerns. If Kane needs to be replaced, both Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins will be 30 in 2026 - but who is next in line? A lack of elite number nine means I don’t think England’s wait for a trophy will stop at the 60-year mark. 

Spain @ 7/1

Value to be had here. Not only did Spain win the European Championship in Germany, but they beat all of the top teams along the way, and were by far the best team at the tournament. Croatia, Italy, Germany, France and England all fell at the hands of Spain, who are now looking forward with ambition. 

They’ve got a young and ambitious squad, with potentially only Dani Carvajal being too old to play at the next World Cup. Lamine Yamal will incredibly only be 18 when the tournament starts, while Nico Williams and Pedri will only be 23. This could be a long period of success for Spain, based on what we saw at the Euros. 

Argentina @ 9/1

Argentina won their third major trophy in a row with their Copa America success in the United States this summer, adding to the World Cup they won in Qatar. Lionel Messi will turn 39 during the World Cup in 2026, and it feels like it could be a stretch too far for him, although there is sure to be pressure from the American audience for him to play some part. 

Elsewhere, Angel Di Maria has now retired, and while Alejandro Garnacho is emerging as a star, I think Argentina’s time may have come and gone. They will be tough to beat, but I can’t see them going the whole way. 

Germany @ 10/1

Germany also have hope for the future, and they’ve been given a massive boost as Julian Nagelsmann has signed a new contract to stay in the role until 2026. He will oversee the qualification campaign and World Cup, and with Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, they will be tough to beat. 

It feels like Germany are contenders once again, and they only narrowly lost to Spain at the Euros. Had they got past Spain, they could quite conceivably be sitting here as European champions, having won the tournament on home soil. Those fine margins are tough to swallow, but things are looking bright again for Germany. I think they have a very good chance of winning the World Cup in the United States. 

Portugal @ 12/1

One of the best squads in world football simply has to move on from Cristiano Ronaldo. The 39-year-old was truly dreadful and the Euros, and Roberto Martinez’s refusal to take him off cost Portugal dear, as they were eliminated by France on penalties.

If they can grow a pair, and drop him entirely, they have a serious chance. This is a Portugal squad with bags of talent that is being held back by an egotistical maniac, desperate to be the player he once was. If Portugal find a way to move on with their exciting young players, they can go deep into the next World Cup. 

Netherlands @ 16/1

The Euro 2024 semi-finalists feel like they are not yet part of the elite nations that could win this World Cup, but there are shoots of positivity growing. Ian Maatsen, Micky van de Ven, Xavi Simons, Ryan Gravenberch and Joshua Zirkzee are all emerging as top European talents, and it feels like they will be in a better place in 2026.

They’ll need to get the right manager at the helm to truly exceed expectations, but they could be a decent outside shout if you like the look of several of their young players. 

Check out our other Football Betting Tips here.