The sound of the final whistle has hardly faded from four years ago, yet the world is eager for the next FIFA World Cup. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in North America, will undoubtedly be the largest and greatest tournament ever.
With a new 48-team format, the cup path is sure to be more challenging than ever. So far, the qualified teams have certainly been busy with new talents and squad rebuilding.
In the end, the prize could go to the team with the form, squad depth, experience, or pure brilliance. That opens the age-old question in motion: which team has the best build? Who will take the title?
This article will look at the main contenders with their chances of winning the trophy, detailing their strengths and odds, as well as the teams you need to keep an eye on according to bookmakers and fans.
Top Teams at the Forefront
The legendary Pelé once said, “The World Cup is a very important way to measure the good players and the great ones. It is a test of a great player.”
From what we know so far, these are the main contenders for the big trophy.
1. France
It wouldn’t be right to discuss World Cup favorites without talking about France. Les Bleus have been a superpower for much of the last decade and have made it to the last two finals, winning the tournament in 2018.
At the head of this train is Kylian Mbappé, who already has a World Cup final hat trick in his arsenal and seems like he will not stop until he has broken more records. By 2026, he will be at the peak of his abilities, along with some great additional talents.
Attacking alongside him include Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Michael Olise, Ryan Cherki, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga. These are players already doing it week-in-week-out for top-level European clubs and who have enough flair to single-handedly beat any team on their best day.
2. Argentina
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The reigning champions arrive in North America to defend their title. While discussion continues of whether Lionel Messi will play in a record sixth World Cup, this team is far from a one-man band. As far as anyone knows, their triumph in Qatar was built heavily on camaraderie, discipline, and youthful exuberance.
Young sensations like Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, and Alexis Mac Allister will have plenty of experience under their belts by 2026 and will form the spine of a collective that knows how to win. The fuel from their last triumph and the support of their fans make them a team that can never be counted out.
3. Brazil
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Following their unsatisfactory exit at the quarter-final stage in Qatar, Brazil will surely have an angle for revenge. You can never count the Seleção out even when not in the news cycle, and this team could boast a world-class attack.
Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, two players who have been perfecting their craft at Real Madrid, will be able to lay claim to the lead role in this attack. Doubling as attackers will be Raphinha, who is a candidate for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. There’s also the exciting talent in Endrick, who many expect will have a role to play in the starting eleven by 2026. Team depth is considerable with new head coach Carlo Ancelotti, and if they can manage to strike some balance defensively, their odds will lessen.
An often overlooked fact is that Brazil is the only nation to have taken part in every World Cup since the tournament’s conception in 1930. This history should have some meaning for those who attempt to ignore it.
4. England
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela.
The Three Lions have been trying for years to get over the hump and make a surge towards major tournament success. There are many players who have elite, world-class talent that could potentially be the catalyst for England’s success in 2026.
Among them are Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, and Declan Rice. Also, England’s new manager, Thomas Tuchel, could be a boost, considering his tactical expertise and experience in managing young sides.
5. Spain
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La Furia Roja is constructing a team with world-class technical ability & youthful flair. Starting from the middle of the park, Rodri, the current Ballon d’Or winner, holds the fort with Pedri from Camp Nou right beside him.
In front of them, Spain boasts some of the top-tier best young strikers available, with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams major contributors to their Euro 2024 win. So, without doubt, the Euro 2024 winners have the potential to be the last team standing.
6. Portugal
Considered dark horses by many, Portugal possesses a talented squad in almost every position. Their players from top clubs across Europe can only make Portugal a team that a lot of other countries would be envious of.
Portugal could benefit from this underdog status, allowing them to build quietly, rather than facing the spotlight shone on the favorites.
In addition, you can throw in a bit of fairy-tale context with Portugal potentially sending Cristiano Ronaldo into the sunset of his career with a World Cup triumph.
Just like their recent accomplishment of winning the Nations League, perhaps this is the motivation the team needs to deliver a happy ending to their legendary captain.
Early Betting Tips for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
When there are still many months before the tournament even starts, wagering is a pretty risky exercise. But many punters believe it may be the best time to wager, as odds are at their highest.
However, as tipster Evelyn Balyton says, experience is necessary before going into futures betting. So, punters should be ready to do appropriate research on odds, bet types, head-to-head records, injury records, and suitable platforms to use.
Of course, not all platforms may have favorable odds, betting markets, advanced features like live betting, and payment methods that suit a player. For example, bettors in the Philippines who want to use a popular local payment method like GCash must look for the top GCash betting sites in the country that they can use. This is because not all bookmakers have such a payment channel.
Final Thoughts
Looking ahead to 2026, the stage is set for the global celebration of football. While France and Argentina may be at the top of the world rankings, the beauty of the World Cup lies in its unpredictability.
Teams like Spain, Brazil, England, and Portugal all possess the quality to mount a serious challenge. Plus, the expanded format leaves the door open for a surprise champion to emerge.
The journey over the next few months will be fascinating as squads will keep building. In the end, one thing is certain: the best team would take the cup home unless Lady Luck prevails.
The article was provided by Evelyn Balyton
