The World Cup 2026 is finally set to begin on Thursday, and England are among the top contenders vying for glory across the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer. The Three Lions are eager to end their long wait for a second world title, marking the 60th anniversary of their sole triumph in 1966. That victory on home soil remains the only trophy the England men's team has ever won, but manager Thomas Tuchel is confident his squad can end six decades of hurt.
Main Contenders
Standing in England's way are formidable opponents such as Argentina, the defending champions from four years ago, and Spain, who broke English hearts in the Euro 2024 final. France are also well-positioned to avenge their World Cup final defeat against Argentina in Qatar, while Brazil hope to secure their sixth title after a nearly 25-year drought.
Spain (9/2)
Having conquered Europe two years ago, Spain are the bookmakers' favourites to add the World Cup trophy to their collection. Luis de la Fuente's side have not lost a game in regular time since 2023, though penalty shootout defeats are excluded. However, Spain must improve on recent World Cup performances, having been eliminated in the group stage in 2014 and the Round of 16 in the last two editions.
France (5/1)
Didier Deschamps again boasts an incredible array of talent, with Kylian Mbappe leading a formidable forward line that includes Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Desire Doue. Champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, France face a tough group alongside Norway, Senegal, and Iraq. Deschamps' experience as a player and coach in major tournaments is invaluable.
England (7/1)
England entered Euro 2024 as outright favourites but failed to live up to expectations. This time, they may welcome not being the clear frontrunners. Recent friendly performances against Uruguay, Japan, and New Zealand have dampened expectations. Should they progress from their group, a challenging knockout path could include Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina from the quarter-finals onward.
Brazil (8/1)
Few nations face more pressure than Brazil at a World Cup. With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, the Selecao combine a world-class squad with a world-class manager, expected to unlock the potential of Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Rodrygo. However, an ageing defence could be a weakness. Brazil have only reached the quarter-finals once since their 2002 triumph.
Argentina (9/1)
Argentina are in excellent form as reigning world champions and double Copa America winners. Lionel Messi's side topped qualifying with 12 wins in 18 games. With passionate support expected across North America, La Albiceleste have a real chance to become back-to-back champions.
Full World Cup Winner Odds
- Spain: 9/2
- France: 5/1
- England: 7/1
- Brazil: 8/1
- Argentina: 9/1
- Portugal: 10/1
- Germany: 14/1
- Netherlands: 14/1
- Belgium: 20/1
- Norway: 33/1
- Colombia: 40/1
- Japan: 40/1
- Croatia: 66/1
- Morocco: 66/1
- USA: 66/1
- Mexico: 66/1
- Uruguay: 66/1
- Switzerland: 80/1
- Turkiye: 80/1
- Ecuador: 100/1
- Austria: 100/1
- Senegal: 150/1
- Sweden: 150/1
- Canada: 150/1
- Scotland: 150/1
- Ivory Coast: 150/1
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: 150/1
- Paraguay: 150/1
- Ghana: 500/1
- Egypt: 500/1
- Algeria: 500/1
- Czechia: 500/1
- Australia: 500/1
- South Korea: 500/1
- Tunisia: 500/1
- Iran: 500/1
- Saudi Arabia: 500/1
- DR Congo: 500/1
- Cape Verde: 500/1
- Qatar: 500/1
- New Zealand: 500/1
- Curacao: 500/1
- Haiti: 500/1
- Iraq: 500/1
- Jordan: 500/1
- Panama: 500/1
- Uzbekistan: 500/1
- South Africa: 500/1
Odds via Betfair.
Golden Boot Favourites
Kylian Mbappe (11/2)
Mbappe has saved his best for the World Cup, scoring eight goals across two tournaments. The French star finished as top scorer in 2022 and aims to become the first player to win multiple Golden Boot awards.
Harry Kane (13/2)
Kane won the Golden Boot in 2018, becoming only the second Englishman to do so after Gary Lineker. The Bayern Munich striker needs three more goals to surpass Lineker as England's all-time top World Cup scorer.
Erling Haaland (12/1)
Haaland will experience his first major international tournament with Norway, who are appearing in their first competition since Euro 2000. He topped European qualifying with 16 goals, but Norway's tough group with France and Senegal may hinder his chances.
Lionel Messi (14/1)
Messi scored seven goals in Qatar, finishing second to Mbappe, and won the Player of the Tournament award. Despite being nearly 40, he contributed seven goals in 11 qualifiers.
Lamine Yamal (18/1)
Yamal's preparation has been hampered by a hamstring injury sustained in April. If fit and Spain go deep, he could become the youngest-ever Golden Boot winner and the first Spaniard.
Golden Boot Odds
- Kylian Mbappe: 11/2
- Harry Kane: 13/2
- Erling Haaland: 12/1
- Lionel Messi: 14/1
- Lamine Yamal: 18/1
- Mikel Oyarzabal: 18/1
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 20/1
- Ousmane Dembele: 25/1
- Vinicius Junior: 25/1
- Lautaro Martinez: 30/1
- Julian Alvarez: 30/1
- Raphinha: 30/1
Odds via Betfair.



