The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on 11 June, with Mexico, Canada and the USA sharing hosting duties for the biggest tournament in World Cup history.
In this our opening preview we will take a look at the outright betting which is available here
This year’s edition has a new look, with 48 teams taking part and 104 matches scheduled. The expansion has certainly divided opinion. On one hand, it gives more countries the chance to appear on the biggest stage in football. On the other, it does mean the group stage may be more forgiving for the traditional powerhouse nations.
From a purely betting angle it simply means more games to punt on but with so many matches you don’t have to get involved in everyone and can pick your moment to strike.
That being said there will be plenty of novelty markets on each match with markets such a 1st goal scored and time of 1st goal – look out for our match previews.
Format
The teams are split into 12 groups of four. The top two in each group will qualify automatically for the Round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams.
That structure should reduce the chances of a major nation making an early exit, although the additional knockout round adds another potential hurdle once the tournament reaches the business end.
Things to Look Out For
With 104 matches on the schedule, this is a tournament that will require patience from a viewing and betting perspective. There will be plenty of football, and not every match will carry the same appeal, avoid the temptation to bet big on each match.
Squad news will be important throughout. Teams are expected to be announced around an hour before kick-off, and with the length of the tournament, travel demands and heat in some venues, rotation could play a major role. If you are looking at a 1st goal scorer market for example you will want to make sure he is on the pitch.
It will also be the final World Cup for several modern greats. Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41, while Lionel Messi will be 39 during the tournament, and both may need to be managed carefully by their respective teams.
THE CONTENDERS
Spain @5.50
Spain arrive as one of the leading contenders and continue to play a possession-based game. They went unbeaten through qualifying and have a squad with an exciting blend of experience and youth.
Their young talent could prove important in the expected conditions, and they should have cruise through Group H, where they face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
France @5.50
France have been a model of consistency at recent World Cups and should be strong again. They are in Group I with Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
Senegal and Norway both have the potential to make life difficult, but France should still be expected to progress, with their attacking depth making them one of the most dangerous sides in the tournament.
England @7.00
England continue to carry huge expectation, with supporters once again hoping this could be the year they finally add to their 1966 title.
They are in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama. England should progress, but Croatia remain awkward opponents and Ghana could also pose problems if their squad which was the youngest in 2022, continues to develop.
Argentina @9.00
Argentina arrive as defending champions, and while much of the attention will naturally be on Messi, this is not a one-man squad by any means.
They have depth, attacking quality and a group that looks weak on paper, with Algeria, Austria and Jordan alongside them in Group J. The key question may be whether they can remain solid enough defensively once the knockout rounds begin and it will be interesting to see how Messi is managed and I would not be surprised if he only cameo’s in the group stages.
Brazil @9.00
Brazil may not look quite as dominant as some of their great sides of the past, but they can never be written off at a World Cup.
They are in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. Morocco are a team to watch and could give Brazil a real test, especially after their impressive run at the 2022 tournament.
Portugal @11.00
Portugal have plenty of quality, but the big talking point will be how they manage Cristiano Ronaldo.
Even if Ronaldo is used more selectively, Portugal have enough depth to compete strongly and I fact Ronaldo may prove to be a more disruptive element than Portuguese fans would care to admit. They are in Group K with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia, and while Colombia could push them, Portugal should be well placed to reach the knockout stage.
Germany @15.00 and the Netherlands @21.00
Germany and the Netherlands are both capable of going deep, even if they are slightly behind the leading contenders in most discussions.
The Germans have tournament pedigree and should never be dismissed, while the Netherlands often bring a strong structure and enough individual quality to trouble almost anyone on their day.
What About South Africa @1001.00?
South Africa are back on the World Cup stage and will be looking to make an impression.
The target will be to get out of the group, and with the expanded format allowing eight third-placed teams to progress, there is at least a realistic route to the knockout rounds if they can pick up points early.
Click here for South Africa price boosts
SELECTIONS
I will be back with a group preview and also a preview looking at some of the exotic markets on offer such as the Golden Boot but here are my early long term plays.
Argentina to win at 9.00
South Africa to qualify from their group at 2.50 (use price boosts as they are 2.20)
Group C – Straight Forecast (1-2) Morocco/Brazil at 8.00
Morocco are 6.00 to top the group and I cannot see Brazil finishing worse than 2nd so it makes sense to take the straight forecast rather than the group win.
We will have previews of every match as the tournament unfolds, so stay close as kick-off approaches.
Odds correct at the time of writing but subject to change
