One week of World Cup 2026 is already in the books, and there’s plenty more action to come throughout the weekend.
The tournament is not just the pinnacle of football – it sits at the very top of the list of the biggest sporting events on the planet.
This edition of the World Cup is a historic one: the first to feature 48 teams and the first to be co-hosted by three countries in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Spain, France, England, Brazil and Argentina are among the favourites to lift the trophy, but who will triumph in North America?
Here is everything you need to know about the premier spectacle in football, including the latest World Cup tips and predictions, which I have been correct about in more than 60% of matches so far (62.50% to be exact).
Today’s featured game: Ecuador vs Germany match preview by Tom Lunn
World Cup betting tips and predictions: Key takeaways
- Spain are the bookies’ favourites to win World Cup 2026 at 24/5, but France arguably have the deeper squad and represent better value at 5/1 — the real betting debate is between those two sides, not Spain versus the field.
- The expanded 48-team format works in favour of the bigger nations, with two-thirds of third-placed teams advancing to the round of 32, meaning the top contenders have an extra safety net before the knockout rounds begin in earnest.
- Outright odds will keep moving as the tournament unfolds — injuries, suspensions and group-stage results all feed in. Norway without Erling Haaland, for example, would be a very different proposition to their current 25/1, so check the latest odds for World Cup before backing any team to lift the trophy.
- Bet builders are available on group-stage outcomes right now, meaning you can combine multiple group winners into a single accumulator for a more lucrative return — though the probability compounds with each selection you add.
- Most bookmakers are offering sign-up bonuses for World Cup 2026, so if you are not already registered with a sportsbook, comparing free bet offers before depositing could add meaningful value to your first wager on the tournament.
🎯 Our World Cup 2026 betting tips and predictions with latest World Cup odds
In the section below, we have shared our tips and predictions for World Cup 2026, forecasting which teams will make it through to the round of 16, the quarter-finals, the semi-finals and the final.
To do this, we used a World Cup bracket predictor, entering our anticipated results from the opening game all the way to the final. These are the ties it came up with, starting in the round of 32.
| Market | Prediction | Operator | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outright Winner | Spain | bet365 | 9/2 |
| 2nd place | Brazil | Paddy Power | 10/1 |
| To reach the semi-finals | France | 247bet | France to reach semi-finals – 3/10 |
| To reach the semi-finals | Portugal | Betfred | Portugal to reach semi-finals – 5/2 |
| Golden Boot | Harry Kane | bet365 | 7/1 |
| Golden Glove | Mike Maignan | Betfair | 8/1 |
| Golden Ball | Michael Olise | Ladbrokes | 8/1 |
| Best Young Player | Lamine Yamal | SBK | 7/4 |
| Most Tournament Assists | Bruno Fernandes | bet365 | 10/1 |
| Group A | Mexico | SBK | 4/5 |
| Group B | Switzerland | bet365 | 1/1 |
| Group C | Brazil | Tote | 2/5 |
| Group D | USA | eSPORTY BET | 8/5 |
| Group E | Germany | Betway | 8/15 |
| Group F | Japan | Spreadex | 11/4 |
| Group G | Belgium | BOYLE sports | 4/11 |
| Group H | Spain | Paddy Power | 4/19 |
| Group I | France | Sky Bet | 8/15 |
| Group J | Argentina | Betfred | 1/3 |
| Group K | Portugal | SBK | 8/13 |
| Group L | England | Paddy power | 2/5 |
Group stage fixtures, match predictions & tips
World Cup 2026 begins on 11th June with the co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa, a repeat of the curtain-raiser from 2010.
The first set of group games will run until 18th June, so we will have our first look at all 48 teams in the first week of the tournament. Here are our match tips for matchday one.
So far I have correctly predicted 30 out of 48 world cup matches in groups.
Dates shown are based on UK kick-off times
| Fixture and Date | eSPORTY Verdict | Prediction outcome? | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico vs South Africa, 11th June | Mexico win | ✅ Score 2 – 0 | Home advantage should help Mexico see off South Africa in the opening match |
| South Korea vs Czechia, 12th June | Draw | ❌ Score 2 -1 | South Korea may rue a lack of cutting edge against a robust Czechia outfit |
| Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina, 12th June | Draw | ✅ Score 1 – 1 | Bosnia & Herzegovina could frustrate a Canada side better suited to playing in transition |
| USA vs Paraguay, 13th June | USA win | ✅ Score 4 – 1 | Paraguay can be a tough nut to crack, but the USA should edge it on home soil |
| Qatar vs Switzerland, 13th June | Switzerland win | ❌ Score 1 – 1 | Switzerland are potential dark horses and they will dominate a Qatar outfit that struggled in 2022 |
| Brazil vs Morocco, 13th June | Brazil win | ❌ Score 1 – 1 | Morocco upset the odds at World Cup 2022, but Brazil will fancy their chances on matchday one |
| Haiti vs Scotland, 14th June | Scotland win | ✅ Score 0 – 1 | Haiti are rank outsiders at the competition, so Scotland are clear favourites in this one |
| Australia vs Türkiye, 14th June | Draw | ❌ Score 2 – 0 | Australia’s spirit and organisation can help them avoid defeat by a technical Türkiye team |
| Germany vs Curaçao, 14th June | Germany win | ✅ Score 7 – 1 | This is not one of the best Germany teams of all time, but they will have too much for Curaçao |
| Netherlands vs Japan, 14th June | Draw | ✅ Score 2 – 2 | Japan have the potential to go far this summer, but both they and the Netherlands may have to settle for a point first up |
| Ivory Coast vs Ecuador, 15th June | Ecuador win | ❌ Score 1 – 0 | Ecuador’s solid defensive unit can help them kick off their campaign with a victory over Ivory Coast |
| Sweden vs Tunisia, 15th June | Draw | ❌ Score 5 – 1 | Sweden’s attack could be blunted by Tunisia’s defence in what looks set to be a low-scoring encounter |
| Spain vs Cape Verde, 15th June | Spain win | ❌ Score 0 – 0 | European champions Spain should have few problems against African debutants Cape Verde |
| Belgium vs Egypt, 15th June | Belgium win | ❌ Score 1 – 1 | Egypt can be stubborn opposition, but Belgium have the tools to prise their backline open |
| Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay, 15th June | Draw | ✅ Score 1 – 1 | All is not well in the Uruguay camp, so do not be surprised if Saudi Arabia get something |
| Iran vs New Zealand, 16th June | Iran win | ❌ Score 2- 2 | Despite their rocky preparation, Iran can collect three points against New Zealand |
| France vs Senegal, 16th June | France win | ✅ Score 3 – 1 | France have the strongest squad at the tournament and can overwhelm a good Senegal side |
| Iraq vs Norway, 16th June | Norway win | ✅ Score 1 – 4 | Norway’s attack is likely to overwhelm Iraq as both sides return to the world stage |
| Argentina vs Algeria, 17th June | Argentina win | ✅ Score 3 – 0 | Argentina may need to be patient but they will eventually break down Algeria |
| Austria vs Jordan, 17th June | Austria win | ✅ Score 3 – 1 | Austria’s pressing will be more effective in this evening kick-off against Jordan |
| Portugal vs DR Congo, 17th June | Portugal win | ❌ Score 1 – 1 | Portugal are a strong contender for the trophy and they could put a few goals past DR Congo |
| England vs Croatia, 17th June | Draw | ❌ Score 4 – 2 | Not an easy opening game for England against familiar opponents in Croatia |
| Ghana vs Panama, 18th June | Ghana win | ✅ Score 1 – 0 | Could be one of the tightest matches of the first round, but Ghana have more quality in the final third |
| Uzbekistan vs Colombia, 18th June | Colombia win | ✅ Score 1 – 3 | Colombia will not have everything their own way, but their superior firepower could settle this one |
| Czechia vs South Africa, Thursday 18th June | Draw | ✅ Score 1 – 1 | Neither team impressed last time out, but Czechia’s set-piece prowess could be the difference. |
| Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina, Thursday 18th June | Switzerland win | ✅ Score 4 – 1 | As long as they are not as wasteful as against Qatar, the Swiss should prove too strong. |
| Canada vs Qatar, Thursday 18th June | Canada win | ✅ Score 6 – 0 | Canada were the better team on matchday one and they should beat a mediocre Qatar. |
| Mexico vs South Korea, Friday 19th June | Mexico win | ✅ Score 1 – 0 | South Korea are capable of holding their own against the co-hosts. |
| USA vs Australia, Friday 19th June | USA win | ✅ Score 2 – 0 | Australia defended brilliantly against Turkey, but the USA’s intensity could unseat them. |
| Scotland vs Morocco, Friday 19th June | Morocco win. | ✅ Score 0 – 1 | Expect a low-scoring encounter, but one which is won by the superior Moroccan technicians. |
| Brazil vs Haiti, Saturday 20th June | Brazil win | ✅ Score 3 – 0 | Even if the collective performance is not cohesive, Brazil’s stars will surely tip the balance. |
| Turkey vs Paraguay, Saturday 20th June | Turkey win | ❌ Score 0 – 1 | Both teams need a huge improvement after matchday one, with Turkey more likely. |
| Netherlands vs Sweden, Saturday 20th June | Draw | ❌ Score 5 – 1 | Sweden’s firepower makes them a real threat, while the Dutch were unconvincing against Japan. |
| Germany vs Ivory Coast, Saturday 20th June | Germany win | ✅ Score 2 – 1 | There will not be much between these two sides, but Germany should edge it. |
| Ecuador vs Curacao, Sunday 21st June | Ecuador win | ❌ Score 0 – 0 | Another 7-1 is unlikely, but Ecuador will have too much quality for Curacao. |
| Tunisia vs Japan, Sunday 21st June | Japan win | ✅ Score 0 – 4 | Tunisia have changed their manager but that will probably not prevent another defeat. |
| Spain vs Saudi Arabia, Sunday 21st June | Spain win | ✅ Score 4 – 0 | Saudi Arabia will aim to replicate Cape Verde’s defensive efforts, but this time Spain should break through. |
| Belgium vs Iran, Sunday 21st June | Draw | ✅ Score 0 – 0 | Belgium were not overly convincing last time out, but the various obstacles could prove too much for Iran. |
| Uruguay vs Cape Verde, Sunday 21st June | Draw | ✅ Score 2 – 2 | Cape Verde can get another positive result against a Uruguay side which is less than the sum of its parts. |
| New Zealand vs Egypt, Monday 22nd June | Draw | ❌ Score 1 – 3 | Egypt are better suited to being the underdogs, so New Zealand could frustrate them. |
| Argentina vs Austria, Monday 22nd June | Argentina win | ✅ Score 2 – 0 | Whether or not there is more Messi magic, Argentina will back themselves to triumph again. |
| France vs Iraq, Monday 22nd June | France win | ✅ Score 3 – 0 | Iraq were too open against Norway and will be punished by the French attack. |
| Norway vs Senegal, Tuesday 23rd June | Draw | ❌ Score 3 – 2 | A tough match to call -Senegal are more balanced from front to back, but Norway’s attack can dazzle. |
| Jordan vs Algeria, Tuesday 23rd June | Algeria win | ✅ Score 1 – 2 | Although poor against Argentina, Algeria have the players to win this one. |
| Portugal vs Uzbekistan, Tuesday 23rd June | Portugal win | ✅ Score 5 – 0 | Another underwhelming display is a distinct possibility, but Portugal will surely pick up all three points. |
| England vs Ghana, Tuesday 23rd June | England win | ❌ Score 0 – 0 | This is not a vintage Ghana side, so England should win without too many issues. |
| Panama vs Croatia, Wednesday 24th June | Croatia win | ✅ Score 0 – 1 | Panama can hold their own for parts of this game, but Croatia should outscore them. |
| Colombia vs DR Congo, Wednesday 24th June | Draw | ❌ Score 1 – 0 | DR Congo showed their credentials against Portugal and are worth backing for another point. |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar, Wednesday 24th June | Bosnia & Herzegovina win | Neither team has impressed so far, but Qatar are the more limited side. | |
| Switzerland vs Canada, Wednesday 24th June | Draw | A point apiece would suit both teams, so that is likely to be what we get. | |
| Morocco vs Haiti, Wednesday 24th June | Morocco win | Haiti have fought hard so far, but they will be outclassed by Morocco. | |
| Scotland vs Brazil, Wednesday 24th June | Brazil win | Scotland need to get something to guarantee a place in the round of 32, but Brazil will prove too strong. | |
| Czechia vs Mexico, Thursday 25th June | Draw | Mexico will probably rotate their starting XI, giving Czechia the chance to avoid defeat. | |
| South Africa vs South Korea, Thursday 25th June | South Korea win | South Africa have flattered to deceive up to now, so South Korea should triumph here. | |
| Curacao vs Ivory Coast, Thursday 25th June | Ivory Coast win | Curacao give up plenty of chances, and Ivory Coast will not let them off the hook like Ecuador did. | |
| Ecuador vs Germany, Thursday 25th June | Germany win | Ecuador need all three points to go through, but even a rotated Germany team can capitalise on their poor form. | |
| Japan vs Sweden, Friday 26th June | Japan win | Sweden will give Japan something to think about, but the Samurai Blue are the better team. | |
| Tunisia vs Netherlands, Friday 26th June | Netherlands win | Tunisia have been dismal up to now, so another Dutch success beckons. | |
| Paraguay vs Australia, Friday 26th June | Draw | Both teams would go through with a draw, which is the most likely outcome in this one. | |
| Turkey vs USA, Friday 26th June | Draw | Turkey could salvage some pride against what is likely to be a reserve USA team. | |
| Norway vs France, Friday 26th June | Draw | Goals are on the cards in this one, but France have enough to avoid defeat and win Group I. | |
| Senegal vs Iraq, Friday 26th June | Senegal win | Senegal have not been at their best so far, but this is a golden opportunity to pick up all three points. | |
| Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia, Saturday 27th June | Draw | Cape Verde would be happy with a point, and Saudi Arabia do not have enough in attack to deny them. | |
| Uruguay vs Spain, Saturday 27th June | Spain win | Uruguay have been poor so far and Spain rediscovered their groove against Saudi Arabia. | |
| Egypt vs Iran, Saturday 27th June | Draw | Egypt are through already, while a draw would probably be sufficient for Iran to reach the last 32. | |
| New Zealand vs Belgium, Saturday 27th June | Belgium win | Belgium have not been great up to now, but they will have too much quality for New Zealand. | |
| Croatia vs Ghana, Saturday 27th June | Croatia win | Ghana are already through to the knockout phase, so they could ease up against a Croatia team that needs a result. | |
| Panama vs England, Saturday 27th June | England win | The Three Lions were frustrated by Ghana last time out, but Panama are not as well organised defensively. | |
| Colombia vs Portugal, Sunday 28th June | Draw | Colombia have enough of an attacking threat to pick up a point against Portugal. | |
| DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, Sunday 28th June | DR Congo win | Uzbekistan have struggled at their first ever World Cup, so DR Congo can collect their first victory. | |
| Algeria vs Austria, Sunday 28th June | Draw | A point apiece would send Algeria and Austria through to the round of 32, so we might not see a winner here. | |
| Jordan vs Argentina, Sunday 28th June | Argentina win | The Albiceleste may rest Lionel Messi on matchday three, but even their reserve team has enough to beat Jordan. |
📊 World Cup group odds analysis & live standings (Groups A – D)
Groups A to D feature all three host nations, one of the outright favourites to lift the trophy, and a couple of potential dark horses…
*odds in the tables are pulled from bet365 and correct as of June 4
Group A: Mexico’s high-altitude advantage
Mexico will play all three games on home turf, where altitude advantage could play its part. Yet El Tri must show they can handle the pressure that comes with being co-hosts.
Second spot is likely to be a shootout between South Korea and Czechia, but South Africa are a decent footballing side and cannot be ruled out.
⚽ Bet on Mexico to win Group A at 4/5 with Betfred ⚽
Group B: Canada most unfancied co-hosts
Canada are targeting a place in the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history, but a well-coached Switzerland are the team to beat in Group B.
Bosnia & Herzegovina are potentially awkward opponents, as they demonstrated in their play-off victory over Italy. Qatar are the outsiders.
⚽ Bet on Switzerland to win Group B at 14/25 with SBK ⚽
Group C: Can anyone halt Brazil?
Brazil have gone 24 years without a World Cup trophy and they are desperate to end their drought this summer. The Selecao should prove too strong for all three Group C opponents.
Morocco will be eyeing second place, but Scotland relish being underdogs and they will fight for every point. Haiti are up against it.
⚽ Tip Brazil and Morocco to finish first and second respectively at 39/100 with Sky Bet ⚽
Group D: Nothing guaranteed for USA
Mauricio Pochettino has a mixed record as USA manager, but the co-hosts should make it through to the round of 32. However, Türkiye look like the wisest choice to finish top of Group D.
Neither Paraguay nor Australia are blessed with an abundance of attacking riches, but both sides will be tough to play against.
⚽ Bet on USA to win Group D at 83/50 with SBK ⚽
📊 World Cup group odds analysis & live standings (Groups E – H)
Groups E to H feature a four-time champion, a coming force from Asia, and the reigning European champions aiming to conquer the world…
Group E: Germany’s redemption and Curaçao’s debut
Germany have arrived at World Cups with much better squads than this one, but it is never sensible to dismiss the chances of the Nationalelf.
Ecuador are defensively solid, but Ivory Coast have more punch in the final third. Those two teams will battle it out for second place, with Curaçao likely to finish bottom.
⚽ Pick Germany and Ecuador to finish first and second respectively at 193/100 with Sky Bet ⚽
Group F: Japan and Netherlands fight for first
The Netherlands are the favourites to win Group F, but Japan are dark horses at this World Cup. They have a hugely talented squad and a defined style of play.
Sweden were poor in qualifying, but they possess the sort of attacking firepower that Tunisia lack. That should help Graham Potter’s team to a top-three finish.
⚽ Choose Japan to win Group F at 5/2 with bet365 ⚽
Group G: Kind draw for Belgium
Belgium have gone under the radar in the build-up to the World Cup, but they have a healthy mix of youth and experience, and the Group G draw was kind to them.
Egypt and Iran are both better at the back than they are going forward, while New Zealand will be the underdogs in all three group matches.
⚽ Back New Zealand to finish bottom at 4/7 with Spreadex ⚽
Group H: Spain to flex muscles
Spain will be able to win at least two of their group games in second gear, as Luis de la Fuente’s side aim to pace themselves as they seek glory in North America.
Uruguay have been in poor form under Marcelo Bielsa, yet they remain the obvious pick for the runners-up spot. Saudi Arabia’s experience gives them the edge over Cape Verde.
⚽ Put a wager on Saudi Arabia to qualify at 11/10 with Betfred ⚽
📊 World Cup group odds analysis & live standings (Groups I – L)
Groups I to L contain the reigning champions, the double finalists from 2018 and 2022, plus another of the outright favourites…
Group I: France face two dark horses
France’s squad is packed full of talent in virtually every area of the pitch, and Didier Deschamps knows how to negotiate knockout tournaments.
Norway will score plenty of goals with a frontline led by Erling Haaland, while Senegal are probably the best team in Africa. It is hard to see Iraq going through.
⚽ Back Senegal to qualify from Group I at 33/100 with Betway ⚽
Group J: Argentina begin title defence
Argentina are looking to become the first back-to-back World Cup champions since Brazil in 1962. They will expect to finish top of Group J, where Austria are their likeliest challengers.
Algeria could be hamstrung by a gruelling travel schedule, while Jordan are simply happy to be at their first ever World Cup.
⚽ Select Argentina and Austria to finish first and second respectively at 199/100 with Paddy Power ⚽
Group K: Portugal target maximum points
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to generate headlines, but he is no longer Portugal’s most important player. Roberto Martinez has an excellent squad.
Colombia have the potential to make a major impact if things click, while DR Congo impressed in qualifying. Uzbekistan will struggle to score enough goals to advance.
⚽ Tip Uzbekistan to finish bottom at 69/100 with SBK ⚽
Group L: Hard to look past European sides
England are one of the leading contenders to win the World Cup. Despite question marks over the defence, the Three Lions are the best team in Group L.
Croatia will almost certainly join them in the round of 32, while Ghana have the edge over Panama in what looks set to be a two-way tussle for third.
⚽ Pick England and Croatia to finish first and second respectively at 93/50 with Sky Bet ⚽
World Cup 2026 round of 32 predictions
| Match | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Germany vs Paraguay | Germany to win |
| France vs Sweden | France to win |
| Canada vs Czechia | Canada to win |
| Japan vs Morocco | Japan to win |
| Brazil vs Netherlands | Brazil to win |
| Ecuador vs Norway | Ecuador to win |
| Mexico vs Scotland | Mexico to win |
| England vs DR Congo | England to win |
| Croatia vs Colombia | Croatia to win |
| Spain vs Austria | Spain to win |
| Turkey vs Ivory Coast | Turkey to win |
| Belgium vs South Korea | Belgium to win |
| Argentina vs Uruguay | Argentina to win |
| USA vs Egypt | USA to win |
| Switzerland vs Iran | Switzerland to win |
| Portugal vs Senegal | Portugal to win |
- Germany to beat Paraguay. Paraguay are obdurate opponents who defend with discipline and diligence, but Germany would surely have too much for them over the course of 90 minutes.
- France to beat Sweden. Sweden were poor in qualifying but seem to have improved under Graham Potter. That would not be enough to overcome France, who are masters at negotiating World Cup knockout stages.
- Canada to beat Czechia. We are tipping Czechia to edge out South Korea in the race for second in Group A. This tie could go either way, but Canada carry more of a threat from open play and that swings it in their favour.
- Japan to beat Morocco. Morocco were the surprise package at World Cup 2022, yet we envisage a last-32 exit this time around. In our view, Japan have been overlooked by many heading into the tournament.
- Brazil to beat the Netherlands. The Netherlands have some good players in their ranks, but we are unconvinced they will be more than the sum of their parts. Brazil should take this one if it comes to pass.
- Ecuador to beat Norway. This would be an intriguing tie pitting an immovable object against an irresistible force. Keeping Norway’s frontline quiet is not easy, but Ecuador have the defensive nous to eke out a narrow win.
- Mexico to beat Scotland. Scotland have never made it out of the group stage at any major tournament, but this is their chance. Sadly, Steve Clarke’s men would be up against it in a last-32 meeting with Mexico.
- England to beat DR Congo. England should win their group, in which case they would face a third-place finisher in the round of 32. DR Congo did well to qualify for the World Cup, but they would struggle in this match.
- Croatia to beat Colombia. Another tight encounter which is hard to predict, but Croatia’s tournament knowhow gives them the advantage over a potentially unbalanced Colombia.
- Spain to beat Austria. Austria’s pressing game worked well at Euro 2024, but it is less ideally suited to the heat and humidity of North America. Spain would have too much for them in the round of 32.
- Turkey to beat Ivory Coast. This one does not involve a heavyweight side, but it has the potential to be one of the ties of the round. A high-scoring game would be on the cards, with Turkey likely to come out on top.
- Belgium to beat South Korea. Belgium will be pleased with how the draw turned out for them. If they top their group as expected, they would have an eminently winnable last-32 tie against South Korea up next.
- Argentina to beat Uruguay. Uruguay are not in the best shape heading into the World Cup, with Marcelo Bielsa reportedly unpopular with several players. Argentina would prove too strong in this meeting of neighbours.
- USA to beat Egypt. The USA, in our view, will only qualify for the knockout phase as Group D runners-up, but they would be well positioned to beat an Egypt team that has often flattered to deceive on the world stage.
- Switzerland to beat Iran. Switzerland are a well-coached, settled side who have been drawn into a favourable group, so they should be targeting a place in the round of 16 at the very least. Iran’s preparations have been predictably chaotic.
- Portugal to beat Senegal. This would not be a straightforward assignment for Portugal, as Senegal are the strongest side in Africa right now. But even if they need extra time or penalties, Portugal should progress.
World Cup 2026 round of 16 predictions
| Match | Prediction |
|---|---|
| France vs Germany | France to win |
| Japan vs Canada | Japan to win |
| Brazil vs Ecuador | Brazil to win |
| Mexico vs England | Mexico to win |
| Spain vs Croatia | Spain to win |
| Turkey vs Belgium | Turkey to win |
| Argentina vs USA | Argentina to win |
| Portugal vs Switzerland | Portugal to win |
- France to beat Germany. A heavyweight clash in the round of 16. Germany have a better historic record than France at World Cups, but les Bleus are clearly the better side at the moment.
- Japan to beat Canada. Canada’s fairytale would come to an end if they were pitted against Japan in the round of 16. The Samurai Blue are a more well-rounded team than the co-hosts.
- Brazil to beat Ecuador. Ecuador would make life difficult for Brazil, who would have to work hard to find the back of the net. But the Selecao would eventually find a way through.
- Mexico to beat England. We predict a shock in the last 16, with Mexico beating England. The Three Lions would struggle with the conditions in Mexico City, while the co-hosts would have the backing of a raucous home crowd.
- Spain to beat Croatia. Croatia have a knack for punching above their weight at World Cups, but this would be a bridge too far even for them. Spain to go through.
- Turkey to beat Belgium. An evenly matched tie that could end with either team victorious, but if Turkey’s creators step up to the plate, they can make it through to a first quarter-final since 2002.
- Argentina to beat USA. Mauricio Pochettino would have no divided loyalties if the USA were to face his own nation. But Argentina would be able to resist the Stars and Stripes to advance to the last eight.
- Portugal to beat Switzerland. Switzerland are a tidy team, but they sometimes lack a ruthless edge in the final third. That would be their undoing against a Portugal side stacked with talent.
World Cup 2026 quarter-final tips
| Match | Prediction |
|---|---|
| France vs Japan | France to win |
| Spain vs Turkey | Spain to win |
| Brazil vs Mexico | Brazil to win |
| Portugal vs Argentina | Portugal to win |
- France to beat Japan. Japan’s run would probably come to an end here. You could easily envisage them controlling the ball against France, only to be outdone by a more clinical, streetwise opponent.
- Spain to beat Turkey. Turkey will score plenty of goals this summer, but there is a chance they will be picked off by a superior side at some point. That may be Spain in the quarter-finals.
- Brazil to beat Mexico. Home support and climatic familiarity can only take you so far. Mexico might have one or two moments against Brazil, but not enough to avoid defeat.
- Portugal to beat Argentina. A Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi showdown in the quarter-finals? Ronaldo may ultimately be more of a hindrance than a help this summer, but Portugal could win this one nonetheless.
World Cup 2026 semi-final predictions
| Match | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Spain vs France | Spain to win |
| Brazil vs Portugal | Brazil to win |
- Spain to beat France. Spain defeated France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and we predict the same outcome if they go head-to-head at the same stage of World Cup 2026.
- Brazil to beat Portugal. A first ever meeting between Brazil and Portugal in the knockout stage of a World Cup would be fascinating to witness, with Brazil the favourites to triumph.
World Cup 2026 final prediction
Spain to beat Brazil. What a final this would be. You could make a case for either team, but we lean towards Spain. Brazil arguably have more match-winners in their squad, but Spain have a better balance from back to front, as well as more recent tournament-winning experience.
Top Goalscorer (Golden Boot) – Harry Kane
Harry Kane heads into this World Cup on the back of the most prolific campaign of his club career. In 51 appearances for Bayern Munich in 2025/26, Kane made the net ripple 61 times. He is in the form of his life.
Kane is already England’s all-time leading scorer, having notched 79 goals for his country. He is a hugely dependable figure and one of the deadliest finishers in world football. Kane also takes penalties, providing him another route onto the scoresheet.
England should beat Ghana and Panama pretty comfortably in the group stage, giving Kane a chance to steal a march on the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, whose sides are in a tougher group.
⚽ Choose Harry Kane to win Golden Boot at bet365 at 7/1 odds ⚽
Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper) – Mike Maignan
Emiliano Martinez is seeking to become the first goalkeeper to win the Golden Glove more than once. He is a leading contender for the prize, as is Unai Simon of Spain. But we favour Mike Maignan, a steady presence between the posts for France.
France will keep plenty of clean sheets at this tournament. They may have a star-studded attack, but Didier Deschamps will ensure his side are not too top-heavy. Deschamps is a cautious manager, which will help Maignan to shut out opposition strikers.
When the backline is breached, Maignan has the attributes to keep the ball out of the net. A sharp shot-stopper, the AC Milan custodian is also a natural leader, as evidenced by the fact he wears the captain’s armband at San Siro.
⚽ Choose Mike Maignan to win Golden Glove at Betfair at 8/1 odds ⚽
Golden Ball (Best Player) – Michael Olise
Two years ago, Michael Olise was playing for Crystal Palace and representing France Under-23s at the Olympics. Now he is set to start for the senior side at the World Cup. It has been quite the rise for the England-born forward.
Olise has had two brilliant years at Bayern Munich, making the step up look easy. He usually plays on the right flank for his club, but France will probably use him at No.10. From there, he will be even better positioned to work his magic.
Kylian Mbappe is the centrepiece of this France team, but he could be upstaged by Olise at this tournament. The left-footed wizard arrives at the tournament in fantastic form and he will be central to France’s hopes of success in North America.
⚽ Choose Michael Olise Olise to win Golden Ball at Ladbrokes at 8/1 odds ⚽
Best Young Player – Lamine Yamal
No one has ever won the Golden Ball and the Young Player of the Tournament award at the same time, but Lamine Yamal is in with a chance this summer. The Spain starlet is still only 18 years old, although it is easy to forget that when you watch him play.
Yamal starred at Euro 2024 as Spain won the continental trophy two summers ago, and he is even better now. La Roja will channel most of their attacks through the right-sided attacker, who will score and create plenty.
Yamal had been nursing an injury in the run-up to the tournament, but he has been passed fit and is chomping at the bit to get started. Who knows, that lay-off might actually make him fresher than he otherwise would have been.
⚽ Choose Lamine Yamal to win Best Young Player award at SBK at 7/4 odds⚽
Most Tournament Assists – Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes broke the Premier League’s single-season assists record in 2025/26, setting up 21 goals for Manchester United to surpass Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne at the top of the charts.
Fernandes will be a similarly creative influence for Portugal at the World Cup. Of course, the presence up front of Cristiano Ronaldo means Fernandes is not the star attraction for his country, but he is probably Portugal’s most important player.
As well as open-play invention, Fernandes regularly lays on opportunities for team-mates with his pinpoint delivery from dead balls. With a track record of providing assists for club and country, Fernandes is the strongest candidate in this betting market.
⚽ Choose Bruno Fernandes to have most tournament assists at bet365 at 10/1 odds⚽
⭐ Latest World Cup winner odds
*Odds correct as of June 18th and are subject to change
💸 Our best value World Cup 2026 bets
Every sports bettor should be looking for value in the market. Here are three tips which we believe are overpriced, making them attractive choices.
Japan to win Group F at 3/1 with BoyleSports
The Samurai Blue beat Spain and Germany at the last World Cup, so they will not be fazed by facing the Netherlands. Japan have suffered a few injuries in the build-up to the tournament, but they are an excellent technical team who breezed through qualification.
Hajime Moriyasu has been in charge for eight years now, giving Japan vital continuity and coherence. The Dutch may have to settle for second spot in Group F.
Turkey to reach the last 16 at 7/5 with BetMGM
The USA are favourites to win Group D, but Turkey are capable of beating them to top spot. Vincenzo Montella’s team have the attacking quality to advance in first place, which would potentially pair them with Ivory Coast in the round of 32.
Even if Turkey finished second in their group, they would back themselves to defeat Egypt in a hypothetical tie in the first knockout round. Our predictor has Turkey reaching the last eight, but this is a safer wager.
Mexico to reach the quarter-finals at 9/2 with BetVictor
This is not a vintage Mexico squad, but home advantage is a major boost for El Tri. If they can win their group, they would not have to travel outside their own country until a potential quarter-final in Miami, where Mexico would have huge support anyway.
Javier Aguirre is an astute manager and in a possible last-16 tie with England in Mexico City, the co-hosts would back themselves to get a positive result.
❓ FAQ
1. Who are the favourites to win World Cup 2026?
Spain are the current favourites to win World Cup 2026, priced at 49/10 with SBK. The reigning European champions have a defined style of play and a settled squad under Luis de la Fuente. France are second favourites at 5/1 with Betfred — they arguably have the deepest squad in the tournament. England are third in the market at 7/1 with Sky Bet, followed by Argentina at 9/1 and Brazil at 9/1. Odds are subject to change as the tournament progresses.
2. Who are the dark horses to win World Cup 2026?
There is no consensus on what constitutes a dark horse, but for the purposes of this article we are only considering teams that are priced at 40/1 or longer. Colombia and Japan (both 40/1) are capable of causing an upset or two, while Morocco (66/1) reached the semi-finals four years ago.
Uruguay and Croatia (both 80/1) have a history of punching above their weight on the world stage, so neither should be written off in North America. Ecuador (100/1) were impressive in qualifying and will not give up too many goals at the tournament, while Austria (150/1) caught the eye at the European Championship two years ago.
3. Who will win the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot?
There are numerous candidates to win the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot, the award given to the tournament’s top scorer. Kylian Mbappe (11/2) claimed the prize in 2022 and Harry Kane (13/2) was honoured in 2018. Both players are among the favourites this time around.
Other attackers in the conversation are Lionel Messi (12/1), one of the greatest players of all time; Erling Haaland (14/1), a proven goalscorer for Manchester City and Norway; and Lamine Yamal (14/1), Spain’s teenage starlet.
4. How to bet on World Cup?
By choosing a a UKGC licensed bookie, applying an offer if possible. Secondly, you need to select a game and a betting market. For game selection and betting markets you can use our tips and predictions to help you. But if you need further help with how to bet on World Cup you can always take a look at our guide.
5. Are there any underdogs with good group winner odds?
Two underdogs with good group winner odds stand out. The first is Japan, who beat Spain and Germany at the last World Cup, and are more than capable of topping Group F. At the time of writing, the Samurai Blue can be backed at 7/2.
Meanwhile, Turkey are an attractive pick to win Group D at 12/5. The bookies fancy the USA to win that group on home soil, but Turkey are the strongest of the four sides and they will not hold back under their attack-minded manager Vincenzo Montella.
6. Can you bet on the group winners?
Yes — group winner is a standard outright market at every UK bookmaker, and with 12 groups at World Cup 2026 it’s one of the most popular ways to bet on the tournament.
You’re backing a team to finish top of its group, with prices shortening as the group stage plays out. Our group-by-group analysis above carries the latest group-winner odds for all 12 groups, and the two we rate as best value are Japan to win Group F and Turkey to win Group D.
Remember, a responsible bettor establishes time and monetary limits before playing, only gambles with money they can afford to lose, and never chases their losses. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
