England head into the 2026 World Cup as third favourites, with odds of 7/1 reflecting an implied probability of 12.5 per cent. Spain and France lead the betting at around 6/1, according to the latest odds from football betting sites.
Thomas Tuchel's side are in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Their tournament begins on 17 June against Croatia in Dallas, a team that eliminated England at the 2018 semi-final stage. The Three Lions are heavy favourites to top the group.
Should England finish first, a potential round of 32 match awaits against one of Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Algeria or DR Congo. The round of 16 could pit them against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, with a quarter-final against Brazil in Miami a possibility. A semi-final against defending champions Argentina and a final against Spain on 19 July are also on the cards.
Bookmakers see the semi-finals as England's most likely exit point, reflecting the tournament's depth. Harry Kane leads the attacking line and is a strong contender for the Golden Boot, supported by options such as Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford.
Tuchel has named a 26-man squad, omitting Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Harry Maguire. A 4-2-3-1 formation is expected, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson in midfield. Key battles for starting places include left wing and centre-back, with Marcus Rashford, John Stones and Eberechi Eze in contention.
England's status as third favourites is justified after reaching the Euro 2024 final. Betting value may lie in England to reach the semi-finals at 7/4, or to reach a first World Cup final since 1966 at 10/3.
