FIFA World Cup 2026 Betting Odds
The FIFA World Cup returns in 2026 with a brand-new format and more matches than ever before. For the first time in tournament history, 48 national teams will compete for football’s biggest prize, bringing fans even more opportunities to follow the action throughout the summer.
With 104 matches scheduled, the 2026 edition will be the largest World Cup ever played and one of the biggest sporting events on the global calendar.
FIFA World Cup Hosts 2026
Canada, Mexico and the United States will jointly host the FIFA World Cup 2026. It will be the first time three nations have hosted the tournament together.
The United States previously hosted the competition in 1994, Mexico becomes the first country to host the World Cup three times, while Canada hosts matches in the men’s tournament for the first time.
The Defending Champions
Argentina heads into the 2026 FIFA World Cup as reigning world champions after their dramatic victory in Qatar in 2022. Lionel Messi helped guide Argentina to a third world title following an unforgettable final against France.
World Cup 2026 Qualification
As host nations, Canada, Mexico and the United States qualify automatically for the tournament. The remaining places are determined through qualification competitions across every confederation.
The expanded 48-team format allows more countries than ever to compete at the World Cup.
Direct Qualification Places for FIFA World Cup 2026
- AFC - 8
- CAF - 9
- CONCACAF - 3 (+ host nations)
- CONMEBOL - 6
- OFC - 1
- UEFA - 16
- Playoffs - 2
World Cup 2026 Intercontinental Playoffs
The final two places at the tournament will be decided through an intercontinental playoff competition involving teams from several confederations.
World Cup 2026 Favourites
Several traditional football powers are expected to be among the favourites ahead of the tournament. Argentina, Brazil, France, England, Germany and Spain are all likely to attract strong attention going into the competition.
With the World Cup taking place across North America, host nations Canada, Mexico and the United States will also be closely followed throughout the tournament.
The World Cup 2026 Group Stage
The tournament will feature 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the knockout rounds, joined by the eight best third-place finishers.
The new format also introduces a Round of 32 before the competition moves into the later knockout stages.
Last 10 FIFA World Cup Winners
| Year | Host Country | Winner | Runner-Up |
| 2022 | Qatar | Argentina | France |
| 2018 | Russia | France | Croatia |
| 2014 | Brazil | Germany | Argentina |
| 2010 | South Africa | Spain | Netherlands |
| 2006 | Germany | Italy | France |
| 2002 | South Korea/Japan | Brazil | Germany |
| 1998 | France | France | Brazil |
| 1994 | United States | Brazil | Italy |
| 1990 | Italy | West Germany | Argentina |
| 1986 | Mexico | Argentina | West Germany |
Players to Watch at World Cup 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to feature some of football’s biggest stars. Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior are all likely to play major roles during the tournament.
Top Goalscorers From Recent World Cups
| Tournament | Player | Country | Goals |
| Qatar 2022 | Kylian Mbappé | France | 8 |
| Russia 2018 | Harry Kane | England | 6 |
| Brazil 2014 | James Rodríguez | Colombia | 6 |
| South Africa 2010 | Thomas Muller David Villa Wesley Sneijder Diego Forlan | Germany Spain Netherlands Uruguay | 5 |
| Germany 2006 | Miroslav Klose | Germany | 5 |
World Cup Match Markets
The expanded World Cup schedule creates a wide range of match and tournament betting markets throughout the competition.
Popular options include match result, total goals, correct score, both teams to score and tournament winner markets.
World Cup 2026 FAQ
When is the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026.
How many cities will host World Cup matches?
A total of 16 host cities across Canada, the United States and Mexico will stage matches during the tournament.
Which country has won the most FIFA World Cups?
Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup five times, more than any other national team.
Will Canada automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. As one of the host nations, Canada automatically qualifies for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
```