The FIFA World Cup is coming, and it’s bigger than ever. Just weeks from now, 48 nations will compete across Canada, the United States, and Mexico for the most famous trophy in world sport.
The tournament opens on June 11, when Mexico hosts South Africa in Mexico City. The final takes place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Between those two dates, the world stops watching everything else.
Here is a guide to the four teams most likely to lift the trophy, what makes them dangerous, and what could hold them back. Click here to learn how to get started on prediction markets, where you can take a closer look at the likelihood of each country winning the World Cup.
Who are the sportsbooks’ favorites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
France
France are two-time World Cup winners and serious contenders again. Captain Kylian Mbappe leads a devastating attack that also includes 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, and PSG teenager Desire Doue.
Mbappe has been dealing with a thigh injury that cost him the end of his club season, though he is expected to be fit. Serious chaos at his club Real Madrid may have affected his season somewhat, but he’ll still be electric at the World Cup.
Spain
Spain are the reigning European champions and were widely considered favorites for the tournament in the last few months. Their squad features world-class talent including Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, still only 18 years old.
The team has dropped to 2nd favorites on prediction markets after Yamal suffered a hamstring injury in late April and has not played since, although reports suggest he will be fit by the tournament. Rodri is also a concern after a groin injury proved more serious than first feared. If fit, they are a terrifying prospect.
England
England has not won the World Cup since 1966. They have now put their faith in German manager Thomas Tuchel, a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021, and he has a genuinely talented squad built around Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice.
England have consistently got in their own way in past tournaments, with the weight and pressure of expectations proving too much for the Three Lions. They’ll be hoping they can finally break their curse this year.
Brazil
Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002 and arrive as the most injury-hit of the contenders. Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has been ruled out after tearing his ACL in March. Young Chelsea winger Estevao, one of the tournament’s most anticipated players, suffered a serious hamstring injury in April and has been left out of the preliminary squad.
Their most interesting storyline to watch is the potential return of Neymar, a footballing legend and Brazil’s all-time goal scorer, who is still chasing a World Cup medal to put him among Brazil’s all-time greats. Definitely a threat given their World Cup pedigree, and can never be truly counted out.
