Now that the World Cup is underway, attention has shifted from pre-tournament predictions to the race for the knockout stage. With the expanded 48-team format creating more matches and qualification scenarios, every group-stage result can have a significant impact on the standings and betting markets.
Several contenders have already made strong starts, while others are facing early pressure after dropping points in their opening matches. As the group stage continues, World Cup bettors can find opportunities across match odds, player props, futures, and qualification markets at leading World Cup betting sites, with odds continuing to adjust as the tournament unfolds.
Odds to win the 2026 World Cup
Futures odds on which team will win the 2026 World Cup are below:
Spain, France, and England have separated themselves from the rest of the field at the top of most World Cup betting markets. All three enter the tournament with elite squads, recent success in major international competitions, and realistic expectations of making a deep run.
Just behind them are Brazil and Argentina, two nations that rarely go overlooked when the World Cup rolls around. Brazil is still searching for its first title since 2002, while defending champion Argentina will be looking to prove its triumph in Qatar was no one-off.
With so many talented teams near the top of the board, the outright market remains highly competitive. As the tournament approaches, injuries, form, and the knockout-stage draw could all have a major impact on which team ultimately emerges as the betting favorite.
For more info, feel free to check out our soccer betting guide for the upcoming event.
World Cup Group Odds
Online sportsbooks offer a range of group betting markets for the World Cup, with the most popular options including group winner, teams to qualify, and finishing position props.
Here’s a quick look at the current favorites in each World Cup group at BetMGM Sportsbook, with links to full breakdowns, odds, and analysis for every team.
- Group A – Mexico ()
- Group B – Switzerland ()
- Group C – Brazil ()
- Group D – USA ()
- Group E – Germany ()
- Group F – Netherlands ()
- Group G – Belgium ()
- Group H – Spain ()
- Group I – France ()
- Group J – Argentina ()
- Group K – Portugal ()
- Group L – England ()
World Cup Betting Markets
With the World Cup comes one of the widest betting menus possible at the best online betting sites, with markets ranging from outright winners to match-level props and player awards. Whether you’re targeting long-term futures or individual game bets, sportsbooks provide a variety of ways to get involved throughout the tournament.
While many online sportsbooks have similar-looking menus when it comes to the most popular markets, other markets might be specific to one site or another. One example of that is individual game odds, where most sites will feature 3-Way Moneylines, Totals, Match & Team Props, Match Parlays, and Halves Markets.
When it comes to World Cup futures, here is what you can wager on using DraftKings Sportsbook as an example:
- World Cup Winner
- To Reach Final
- To Reach Semifinal
- To Reach Quarterfinal
- Stage of Elimination
- Group Winner
- To Qualify From Group
- To Finish Bottom Of Group
- Second Place in Group
- Third Place in Group
- Group Forecast (Finishing Order of Top Two)
- Group of Winner
- Top Goalscorer
- Team Top Goalscorer
There are several ways to bet on the World Cup, from simple match picks to long-term futures and player props. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common betting types:
Types of World Cup Bets
- Moneyline (3-Way): Pick the outcome of a match after 90 minutes by choosing Team A, Team B, or a draw. Most sportsbooks also offer Draw No Bet, where your wager is refunded if the match ends in a tie.
- Total (Over/Under Goals): Bet on whether the total number of goals scored in a match will go over or under a set line, such as 2.5 goals.
- Spread (Handicap Betting): A goal advantage or disadvantage is given to one team to balance the matchup. For example, a favorite at -1.5 must win by two or more goals.
- Player Props: Wagers on individual player performances, such as a player to score anytime, score the first goal, record an assist, or finish as the tournament’s top scorer.
- Team & Game Props: Wagers on outcomes within a specific match or tournament that don’t involve a single player, such as total goals, both teams to score, winning margin, clean sheets, group winners, or whether a team advances to the knockout stage.
- Parlays: Combine multiple bets into a single wager for a larger payout. Every selection must win for the bet to cash.
- Futures: Long-term bets on tournament outcomes, such as picking a team like Brazil to win the World Cup or a player to finish as top goalscorer.
2026 World Cup Format & Schedule
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce a new expanded format and a full tournament schedule that runs for just over a month.
- 48-team format: For the first time, the World Cup will expand to 48 teams, up from 32 in previous editions. The teams will be split into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, advancing to the knockout stage.
- Knockout structure: After the group stage, 32 teams will move on to a single-elimination bracket beginning with the Round of 32. The tournament then progresses through the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. If matches are tied after 90 minutes, they will go to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.
Key Dates
The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, with matches played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Group stage play will take place throughout June, followed by the knockout rounds in early July. The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Key Factors Impacting World Cup Odds
Several factors can influence movement in World Cup betting odds. Injuries to key players often cause immediate shifts, while qualification results and recent form heading into the tournament also play a major role. Squad announcements and overall roster depth help shape expectations around a team’s potential, and changes in coaching staff or tactics can significantly alter how a side is priced.
Public betting behavior is another key driver, especially as the tournament approaches and wagering volume increases, putting additional pressure on odds movement.
How to Use Odds Movement to Your Advantage
Smart bettors watch these trends closely. Getting in early before odds shorten can lead to better value, while longer odds on certain teams may present opportunities if the market has overreacted.
World Cup Betting Sites
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2026 World Cup Odds FAQ
The tournament will be hosted across 16 North American cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It marks the first time three countries have jointly hosted a World Cup.
The 2026 tournament will feature an expanded field of 48 teams, up from 32 in previous editions. This new format will include more group-stage matches and allow additional countries to qualify for the knockout stages.
Spain () is currently a slight favorite in the 2026 World Cup odds, with France () and England () close behind. Brazil () and Argentina () also rank among the top contenders on most sportsbooks.
Popular markets include outright winner, top goalscorer, group winner, match moneyline (3-way), totals, and player props.