2026 FIFA World Cup Winner Odds and Predictions – Who Lifts the World Cup Trophy?

• World Cup Wins: 2 (1998, 2018)
• 2022 World Cup: Runners-Up
• Manager: Didier Deschamps
• Key Players: Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, William Saliba

France has been very successful in recent World Cups, winning in 2018, and losing to Argentina on penalties in 2022. They also went to the Euro 2024 semifinals, where they lost to Spain.

Ousmane Dembele scored all 3 goals inside 32 minutes, trailing only Austria’s Erich Probst (24 minutes) in 1954 as the fastest in World Cup history! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hSf7OwNfFo

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) June 26, 2026

Forward Kylian Mbappé is near the top of the Ballon d’Or odds after a scorching season for Real Madrid, and is now #1 on France’s list of all-time goalscorers with 57, one more Olivier Giroud’s record of 57. “Les Bleus” also have Ousmane Dembélé, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, although he’s been injured much of this season. The midfield is strong with Aurélien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot, who was a bright spot with AC Milan. Michael Olise has blossomed for Bayern Munich, and will find himself near the top of the Ballon d’Or shortlist as well.

Keeper Mike Maignan is one of the most underrated shot-stoppers in the world. However, the defense has hit an issue as William Saliba was doubtful for the World Cup because of a back injury. “Les Bleus” has players who can step in for the Arsenal defender, and Dayot Upamecano is the de facto top center back now. But Saliba is one of the very best defenders in the world, and it’ll be a big loss for France if he can’t take the field. It seems as though he’s ready to go for his country. But it is definitely something to keep an eye on for France (and Arsenal).

Manager Didier Deschamps will leave his post after his tournament, and has been brilliant for France. He’ll be replaced by French legend Zinedine Zidane. Can Deschamps leave on a high note? With Mbappé leading the way, France presents a considerable value with their 2026 FIFA World Cup winner odds!

Mbappé, Dembele, and Olise dominated the group stage as France scored ten goals and conceded two. Dembele and Mbappé had four goals apiece, which is tied for second in the tournament. Olise’s three assists are tied for first. If France’s attack keeps this up, they’re going to be tough to beat! France will take on Sweden on June 30 in East Rutherford.

• World Cup Wins: 3 (1978, 1986, 2022)
• 2022 World Cup: Winners
• Manager: Lionel Scaloni
• Key Players: Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister, Cristian Romero

Lionel Messi finally won a World Cup with Argentina to add to his GOAT resume as he led them to the 2022 title. He then captained “La Albiceleste” to the win at the 2024 Copa América.

Lionel Messi, the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score in 7 consecutive matches at the tournament 😱 pic.twitter.com/BXcQFsbZdi

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 28, 2026

Messi had been coy about playing in this World Cup, as he’ll turn 39 during the tournament. But he was named in the final squad, along with 16 other players from the 2022 title team. Speaking of, Messi was subbed off in Inter Miami’s final match before their World Cup break, complaining of muscle fatigue. However, it doesn’t appear to be serious. To say he has looked good so far is an understatement.

Manager Lionel Scaloni still has to find a way to take pressure off Messi. I expect him to lean more on Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. Martinez led Copa América in scoring, while Alvarez scored four goals at the 2022 World Cup. Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister are set in midfield, but there’s not much depth after them.

The defense is also a concern as Nicolás Otamendi turned 38 in February, and Cristian Romero was injured, but should be fine to play the World Cup. Lisandro Martinez also had injury problems this season. Emi Martinez was inconsistent with Aston Villa this season. He did help Villa to the Europa League title, but Martinez suffered a fractured finger. He started the first two games between the sticks for Argentina. The defense could be a problem as we get further into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

I still think Argentina are better than their bitter rivals from Brazil. They still need a lot to go right, though, or Messi to play like he did in 2022 or in the first two games, to beat these World Cup soccer odds.

Messi’s six goals leads the World Cup, and Argentina finally got goals from other players as Giovanni Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez scored in the final group game against Jordan. Argentina will face World Cup debutants Cape Verde on July 3 in Miami.

• World Cup Wins: 1 (1966)
• 2022 World Cup: Quarterfinals
• Manager: Thomas Tuchel
• Key Players: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice

The World Cup hasn’t come “home” to England since 1966, but they’re coming off their second consecutive runner-up finish at the Euros, losing to Spain 2-1 in 2024. They lost in the quarterfinals of the 2024 World Cup to France by a score of 2-1.

Harry Kane was not fully fit in Qatar in 2024. When he is, the Bayern Munich star may be the best striker in the world with his goal-scoring ability, but also his willingness to drop deep and pass the ball around. Bukayo Saka is emerging as one of the best players in the world at Arsenal, and club teammate Declan Rice might be the best midfielder on the planet. Saka is still working his way back to full fitness, but started the final group game.

England misses two GOLDEN chances from Nico O’Reilly and Harry Kane 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/erCJdDjJUS

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 23, 2026

Jordan Pickford will have the gloves in goal, and he’s been excellent for England behind a solid defense. Manager Thomas Tuchel’s (who took over for Gareth Southgate) biggest issue is Jude Bellingham.

The Real Madrid midfielder has been up and down, but Bellingham was England’s best player in 2024, and he was also excellent in 2022. If he’s struggling, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has played well enough to take his spot, although he’s taken a step back recently. Both played in England’s World Cup opener for a few minutes with Bellingham starting, and Rogers coming off the bench. The same happened against Ghana, but both started in a 2-0 win over Panama to top Group L.

Tuchel made some big omissions, including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, all three had underwhelming seasons for their clubs. Leaving Harry Maguire at home for John Stones will also raise some eyebrows. Stones started the first game, and hasn’t been on the pitch since.

Still, this is one of the most talented English teams ever, and on their day, can beat anyone. But they have to prove it, and that’s why the “Three Lions” have dropped to third in the World Cup odds for 2026. However, that means more value for the bettors!

Kane has scored three goals so far, while Bellingham has scored two. But England looked slow in the scoreless Ghana draw, and they’ll have to raise their game going into the knockout stages. They’ll take on DR Congo on July 1 in Atlanta.

• World Cup Wins: 1 (2010)
• 2022 World Cup: Round of 16
• Manager: Luis de la Fuente
• Key Players: Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri, Unai Simon/David Raya

Spain seems to be back after a down period that followed an incredible 2008-2012 run where they won the World Cup, and back-to-back European Championships. They’ve gone out in the Round of 16 in each of the last two World Cups, but they’re coming off a terrific run through Euro 2024 that resulted in the title.

Alex Baena firma una gran definición para marcar el gol del partido y guiar a España hacia una valiosa victoria en la Copa del Mundo 2026, presentado por @BankofAmerica pic.twitter.com/3cMXm9eNLj

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 27, 2026

All eyes will be on Lamine Yamal, who will turn 19 in the middle of the 2026 World Cup. The Barcelona wonderkid is one of the favorites in the Ballon d’Or odds, and he won Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024. Yamal was slated to miss the first couple of games due to a hamstring injury.

It’s not just Yamal, as Spain had six players in the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament. 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri marshals the midfield, but he’s battled injury over the last year. The same goes for Pedri, Barcelona’s 23-year-old do-everything midfielder. If everyone is healthy, it’s difficult to find a better midfield in the world than “La Roja”.

The defense is my concern with Spain. Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon will get the goalkeeper’s gloves over Arsenal’s David Raya, at least to start the World Cup. But the defense in front of Simon (or Raya) with Spain isn’t as good as Arsenal’s. Pau Cubarsí is solid, but he’s still 19. Marc Cucurella leads a decent fullback group, but Spain can be soft in the middle of the back four.

However, manager Luis de la Fuente has a marvelous set of attacking talent, and that’s why Spain sits at the top of the FIFA World Cup winner odds with France! If the team’s midfield is healthy, they can certainly make up for the deficiencies at the back.

But if de la Fuente fails to win with this squad, a managerial change could be on the horizon. Pep Guardiola is leaving Manchester City, and one of the best managers in soccer history played 47 times for Spain, including at the 1994 World Cup.

The seat for de la Fuente might be a little warm after Spain’s underwhelming Group H efforts. They were held 0-0 by Cape Verde, but looked terrific in a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, led by Yamal. Spain needed a goalkeeping error to beat Uruguay 1-0 to win the group.

You have to think they need to find another gear in order to challenge France and Argentina, as the FIFA World Cup winner odds reflect. Their Round of 32 opponent is Austria, who they’ll face on July 2 in Inglewood.

• World Cup Wins: 5 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
• 2022 World Cup: Quarterfinals
• Manager: Carlo Ancelotti
• Key Players: Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes 

Brazil hasn’t won the World Cup since 2002, which means it’s a crisis for the “Selecao”. They went out in the quarterfinals in 2022, and even lost in the quarterfinals at the 2024 Copa América!

Brazil replaced Dorival Junior with Carlo Ancelotti, the former Real Madrid manager who has won virtually everything, but is trying his hand at a national team. The Italian manager will be tasked with getting the best out of Vinícius Júnior, who played his best under Ancelotti at Madrid. The mercurial forward joins Barcelona’s Raphinha, although keep an eye on Endrick, the 19-year-old Real Madrid player who had a great loan spell at Lyon. Neymar, who is 34 and has battled injuries, will represent his country. He has yet to step onto the pitch.

Vinicius Junior joins an exclusive club packed with Brazilian royalty.

He is only the fifth player to score in all three of Brazil’s group stage games at a men’s World Cup — he is the first to do so in six editions.

🇧🇷 1970: Jairzinho
🇧🇷 1994: Romario
🇧🇷 2002: Ronaldo and… pic.twitter.com/jWOZ0i8HeR

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) June 24, 2026

Bruno Guimaraes leads a midfield that is short on depth, but a rejuvenated Casemiro can help. Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes should be a great central-defensive pairing. However, fullback is a weak position. Liverpool’s Alisson is their #1 keeper, despite an inconsistent and injury-plagued season with Liverpool.

I think Brazil’s FIFA World Cup winner odds at +1200 are priced fairly, but I do see hope with Ancelotti at the helm. Vinícius Júnior has scored four goals in the tournament so far, while Matheus Cunha has found the back of the net three times. Brazil will need to keep it up with a tough Round of 32 game against Japan on June 29 in Houston.

• World Cup Wins: 0
• 2022 World Cup: Quarterfinals
• Manager: Roberto Martinez
• Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Rúben Dias

Portugal has yet to lift the World Cup, and they’ve lost in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup and at Euro 2024.

Manager Roberto Martinez has to figure out what to do with Cristiano Ronaldo. He turned 41 in February and still scoring goals in Saudi Arabia and for Portugal. But he demands a lot of the ball, while Portugal has the likes of Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto, who would offer more mobility up front. The midfield might be as good as Spain’s, led by Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, and Joao Neves. The PSG duo were terrific against DR Congo.

Martinez also left Rúben Dias on the bench, although he is reportedly not 100%. He’s a fantastic option at the back, and Portugal could have used him on the goal they allowed. Diogo Costa is the main man between the sticks.

Cristiano Ronaldo has done it again.

He is now the first player to score in six FIFA World Cups 😤 pic.twitter.com/Bdd1Kh5Yfn

— The Sports Geek (@TheSports_Geek) June 23, 2026

But the spotlight will be on how Martinez handles Ronaldo. Will he be afraid to drop him? I believe that is the key to the FIFA World Cup odds for the “Selecao das Quinas”.

That spotlight is even brighter now after a poor performance in Group K, where Portugal finished second to Colombia. Ronaldo has scored two goals, but he seems to slow the team down in the final third. Portugal will play Croatia in the Round of 32 on July 2 in Toronto, and they really need to improve or there’s a good chance they go home.

• World Cup Wins: 0
• 2022 World Cup: Quarterfinals
• Manager: Ronald Koeman
• Key Players: Cody Gakpo, Tijjani Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong, Virgil van Dijk

The Dutch have a long soccer pedigree, but they’ve never won the World Cup! They crashed out in the quarterfinals in 2022, and lost in the semifinals of Euro 2024.

Manager Ronald Koeman will look to build his team from the back. He has solid options in the middle of defense with Virgil van Dijk and Micky van de Ven. They also have solid fullbacks, led by Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong, and Bart Verbruggen is a steady keeper.

Crysencio Summerville scores from outside the area to make it 5-1 Netherlands!

Hit the night-night celly after too 😴 pic.twitter.com/JVQa2aIjWW

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 20, 2026

Tijjani Reijnders and Frenkie de Jong lead a dynamic midfield. But outside of Cody Gakpo, the “Oranje” are thin up front, especially now that Hugo Ekitike will miss the tournament with an Achilles injury. However, Donyell Malen is coming off a good season with Roma.

That said, I’m skeptical of their FIFA World Cup winner odds despite winning Group F. They’ve scored ten goals, led by three from Brian Brobbey. But they’ve also conceded four, losing two one-goal leads against Japan. The defense needs to tighten up in the knockout stages, where the Dutch open with a difficult Round of 32 game against Morocco on June 29 in Guadalupe.

• World Cup Wins: 4
• 2022 World Cup: Group Stage
• Manager: Julian Nagelsmann
• Key Players: Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, Manuel Neuer

Germany is one of soccer’s international powers, but they’ve struggled recently. They’ve been eliminated in the group stage of the last two World Cups, then were beaten in the quarterfinals by Spain at Euro 2024, which Germany hosted.

“Die Mannschaft” has a wealth of attacking talent, including Kai Havertz and the underrated Deniz Undav up front, and the duo of Florian Wirtz and Jama Musiala in midfield. Joshua Kimmich can set the tempo of the team from either midfield or right back, although he’s played the latter in the first two games.

Deniz Undav at the World Cup so far. 🌎🇩🇪

🇨🇼 Coming on 64’ — Goal and two assists
🇨🇮 Coming on 60’ — Two goals scored.

The player with most G/A so far, a goal contribution delivered each 𝟏𝟏 (!) minutes.

⭐️ Man of the Match against Ivory Coast. pic.twitter.com/K1cpPdFzBq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 20, 2026

Germany’s issues come at the back, where Antonio Rudiger will likely partner Jonathan Tah in central defense after Nico Schlotterbeck injured his ankle and will miss the rest of the World Cup. Also, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is 40, and wasn’t at his best for Bayern Munich during the season.

At +2500, the Germans bring back a nice return, and they’re a talented squad who can play with anyone on their day. Can Nagelsmann bring a consistency to this team? They ran riot over Curacao in a 7-1 win in which Havertz scored twice, and Undav added one. However, they needed two goals from Undav off the bench, including an injury-time winner, to beat the Ivory Coast 2-1. The 2-1 loss to Ecuador was a tough one. Germany will need to put that loss in the rearview as they face Paraguay on June 29 in Foxborough.

• World Cup Wins: 0
• 2022 World Cup: Round of 16
• Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
• Key Players: Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson

This could be the most talented team the United States have brought to the World Cup. Christian Pulisic is coming off a good season with AC Milan, although he continues to have injury issues. Folarin Balogun had 19 goals for Monaco in France this season. The midfield is strong with Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, while Chris Richards returned from injury to play in the Americans’ first game against Paraguay. Antonee Robinson bombs forward down the left wing.

FOLARIN BALOGUN FORCES THE OWN GOAL!!!

THE USMNT LEAD 1-0 ON AUSTRALIA! pic.twitter.com/rPUGJfyAsR

— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 19, 2026

The main issue for the Americans is in goal, where Matt Freese has taken the gloves for the #1 spot. However, manager Mauricio Pochettino could make a switch if Freese has a bad game. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Matt Turner between the sticks as the United States have already clinched their spot in the knockout stage.

For all the concerns, the Americans are through after their two wins. Balogun scored twice in the 4-1 win over Paraguay. He then forced an own goal in a 2-0 win over Australia. However, Pulisic missed the Australia game with a calf injury, and that will have a major impact on Team USA’s FIFA World Cup winner odds going forward.

The States were +6000 to open the tournament, and have worked all their way up to +2500, which means there still some value left for betting on this team! They won Group D despite a 2-1 loss to Turkiye in the final game, although Pulisic did play the final 30 minutes. The United States will need Pulisic in top form as they prepare to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 in Santa Clara.

• World Cup Wins: 0
• 2022 World Cup: Didn’t qualify
• Manager: Ståle Solbakken
• Key Players: Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Alexander Sorloth, Kristoffer Ajer

Leading Norway is Erling Haaland, who is, arguably, the best striker in the world. Haaland powered Norway back to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, when they lost in the Round of 16.

ERLING HAALAND BAGS A BRACE TO MAKE IT 3-1 NORWAY! 🇳🇴

Truly unreal goalscoring prowess from the Norwegian striker pic.twitter.com/WEWtTWdmtr

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 23, 2026

The hopes of the “Rode, Hvite, Bla” rest on Haaland’s shoulders, although he’ll have help from Alexander Sorloth up front. Martin Odegaard pulls the strings in midfield, alongside Sander Berge.

But the Norwegian defense is a massive concern against big-time competition. Keeper Orjan Nyland hasn’t played a lot for Sevilla, but is the starter. Manager Stale Solbakken has to hope his attack is firing on all cylinders, because I think they could give up plenty of goals!

Haaland scored two goals in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq, and added two more in a 3-2 win over Senegal. However, Norway’s defense showed some cracks in the Senegal game. They rested their starters in a 3-1 loss to France, basically giving top spot in Group I to the French. But that means Haaland, Odegaard, and others should be rested for their Round of 32 match against the Ivory Coast on June 30 in Arlington.

• World Cup Wins: 0
• 2022 World Cup: Group Stage
• Manager: Rudi Garcia
• Key Players: Romelu Lukaku, Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois

Belgium has not finished better than third at the World Cup, which was in 2018, and they fell out in the group stage in 2022. They went out in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024.

Forward Romelu Lukaku, goalie Thibaut Courtois, and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne are the last of Belgium’s “Golden Generation”, which failed to deliver. They get one more shot, but Belgium’s best player might be Jeremy Doku. The tricky Manchester City winger can beat anyone in the world one-on-one, and he’ll be key to any attacking threats Belgium has. It should be noted that Doku missed the second game against Iran to be at the birth of his first child.

The defense can be shaky, but Courtois is still one of the best keepers in the world. It’s an uphill climb. But at +6500, Belgium provides a great return on their 2026 World Cup odds! They were due to improve after needing an own goal to save a 1-1 draw with Egypt. However, Belgium looked worse in a 0-0 draw against Iran in which Ngoy was sent off. They did rout New Zealand 5-1 to win Group G on goal difference. But Belgium has to be better against Senegal in Seattle on July 1.