The betting markets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are now live across UK gambling sites, setting the stage for the largest and most expansive tournament in football history. The 23rd edition of the global showpiece will see 48 nations compete across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a significant increase from the traditional 32-team format.
Star-Studded Draw and Tournament Favourites
All eyes will turn to Washington DC this Friday for the official tournament draw, a glitzy event set to be attended by US President Donald Trump. The ceremony will be hosted by a trio of celebrities: supermodel Heidi Klum, comedian Kevin Hart, and actor Danny Ramirez.
According to the latest outright winner odds from UK-licensed bookmakers, the competition is expected to be fiercely tight. England, under manager Thomas Tuchel, have emerged as favourites with some firms, having cruised through their qualifying campaign. They are priced at 8/1 or shorter, alongside other giants including reigning champions Argentina, European champions Spain, France, and Brazil.
Spain, buoyed by their Euro 2024 triumph, possess one of the deepest squads globally. France, finalists in the last two World Cups, boast an enviable attacking arsenal featuring Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. However, history suggests value can be found further down the list; the last winner to start at double-figure odds was Italy in 1982 at 18/1.
Qualified Teams and Historic Debutants
The field for the expanded tournament is nearly complete, with 42 of the 48 teams already securing their place. Six final spots will be decided via inter-confederation play-offs early next year.
The 2026 World Cup will welcome several debutants, with Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan all qualifying for their first-ever finals. Suriname and New Caledonia could join them if they succeed in the play-offs. In Europe, nations including Italy, Wales, and Denmark are among those vying for the remaining berths.
The confirmed participants are:
- Algeria
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Cameroon
- Canada (co-host)
- Cape Verde
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Curaçao
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- England
- France
- Germany
- Haiti
- Iran
- Japan
- Jordan
- Mali
- Mexico (co-host)
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Scotland
- Senegal
- South Korea
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
- USA (co-host)
- Uzbekistan
Betting Responsibly on the World Cup
With the tournament running from 11 June to 19 July 2026, and the final scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, bookmakers are expected to roll out a plethora of promotions, including free bets and price boosts. All recommended betting sites are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring a secure platform.
It is crucial to practice responsible gambling. Punters should set strict budgets, never chase losses, and utilise the tools provided by sites, such as deposit limits and time-outs. Support is available from organisations like GamCare and BeGambleAware for anyone concerned about their gambling habits.
Odds are subject to change following the draw and in the lead-up to the tournament, so bettors are advised to check regularly for the most up-to-date markets.
