Will there be a first-time winner of the World Cup in 2026, like Iraq or Uzbekistan? Or maybe even competition newbies, Jordan. Will a geriatric Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi provide us with FIFA’s wet dream of a final? Or will football finally go ‘home’ to a place it hasn’t been for 60 years?
The World Cup 2026 line-up is now decided, with all 48 nations now confirmed and set to travel to North America this summer.
All 104 fixtures have been mapped out, from Mexico vs South Africa to Ecuador vs Curacao to Croatia vs Panama.
The USA, Mexico, and Canada qualified automatically as host nations.
They are set to welcome 45 nations, as each of them looks to make history and win one of the World’s most prestigious sporting prizes.
Among the teams are seasoned veterans such as Spain, Brazil, and France, whilst Curacao, Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, and Jordan are set to make their tournament debuts.
Here, EPL Bets’ Callum Close takes a look at the outright betting markets for the 2026 World Cup and will look to highlight some possible betting angles.
Who will win the 2026 World Cup?
This is a little bit boring, I know, but I find it very hard to get away from Spain and France when I look at the tournament.
However, assuming that both sides win their respective Groups, then they would have to play each other to reach the final.
The attacking quality of the French side can only be admired, whilst Spain is renowned for quick passing and rigid ball movement; thus, they remain solid.
France’s recent record at World Cups speaks volumes, having reached the final in both 2018 and 2022 – winning the former and losing the latter to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Spain last won the tournament in 2010, though they have won the Euros twice in that time, beating Italy in 2012 and England in 2024.
I expect one of these two teams to reach the final, where they could face the likes of Brazil, England, Portugal, or Argentina, assuming that they win their respective groups.
Brazil’s squad doesn’t excite me, whilst England have too many stars to fit in, and it will inevitably fall apart at some stage. Draws against Uruguay and Japan doesn’t inspire confidence.
I don’t fancy Argentina. And Portugal has a habit of making things far more difficult than they should be, given the quality in their ranks.
Suggested bet: Spain to win the World Cup at +440
Who will be the 2026 World Cup top goalscorer?
Kylian Mbappe heads the market at around +650, whilst Harry Kane trails him at +750
They face a similar calibre of opponents in their respective groups, and they have both won the accolade across the last two World Cups.
However, again, this isn’t groundbreaking, but given that I expect Spain to win the competition, it should come as no surprise to see that I think that the golden boot winner will hail from Spanish soil.
Lamine Yamal has to be an obvious shout, with the teenage wonderkid setting the pitch alight every time he steps onto it.
So far this season, Yamal has contributed to 39 goals for club and country, and he is currently priced at around 16/1 to become the youngest ever World Cup top goalscorer.
Also, except for Uruguay, Spain’s group doesn’t look too difficult to navigate through.
Suggested bet: Lamine Yamal to win the Golden Boot @ +1800
When will the USA be eliminated?
It would be a disappointment if the United States didn’t qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament, given that their group has no real standout team.
Turkey are good, but Australia and Paraguay leave a lot to be desired, presenting a good opportunity for the USA to pick up points.
Assuming they finish second in Group D, they will face any one of Belgium, New Zealand, Iran, or Egypt.
Except for Belgium, the Americans are sure to fancy their chances at beating the remaining sides.
A quarter-final tie with Argentina or Uruguay would be the likeliest outcome, a game which I don’t think the States would win.
Suggested bet: USA to be eliminated in the Quarter Final at +500
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When will Canada be eliminated?
Canada will have to beat Qatar and hope to take at least a point from Bosnia and Herzegovina if they are to progress from Group B.
Maybe they can find their way through as one of the best-placed third-placed teams, but I can’t see it.
I’m backing a disappointing tournament for the Canadians.
Suggested bet: Canada to be eliminated in the Group Stage at +125
When will Mexico be eliminated?
Mexico are probably the best of the three host nations, and they face a Group filled with opponents of similar ability.
Czechia will probably provide the biggest test, though South Korea and South Africa aren’t pushovers.
That being said, I expect them to reach the Round of 16, where the likelihood suggests that they will face any one of Scotland, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, or Morocco.
All of those games will be competitive, and they could easily go through to the quarter finals, but I think that they will succumb to someone in the Round of 16.
Suggested bet: Mexico to be eliminated in the Round of 16 at +210
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