With arguably the most anticipated football event of the calendar year, just around the corner, especially with it being the first extended version of the tournament, there are betting enthusiasts who will no doubt be looking ahead at this with intrigue.
Taking place of course in the USA, Canada and Mexico, the latter nation hosting the first game of the tournament against South Africa, the 2026 edition has attracted considerable global interest.
To give you more of an idea, we have analysed some of the main betting markets at this World Cup and the selections that we believe may yield good value.
Outright Winner
This is always a popular market, especially with the number of sweepstakes that take place in some companies among employees.
Across many major bookmakers, it appears to be France, who were runners-up four years ago in a pulsating final against Argentina, who are the favourites at around 5/1 odds. Considering the sheer quality strength in depth the squad has, these could be good odds, though we have seen them crumble before.
Meanwhile, Spain, who exceeded expectations to win the European Championship two years ago, in brilliant fashion appear to be second favourites with many bookmakers. With many talented youngsters in the squad’s ranks, if they perform to their ability, it could well be their year.
Brazil is an interesting prospect and under renowned coach Carlo Ancelotti, there will be many interesting eyes watching with intrigue. They have attacking talent in abundance, a defensive bedrock built on experience and quality, plus a robust selection of midfielders. Fourth favourites at 8/1, there will likely be numerous bets in their favour.
Both Teams To Score
This could very easily become one of the most frequently used betting markets at the tournament.
Usually, most games feature goals from both teams, each being eager to prove themselves on the global stage. Furthermore, with many of the world’s top strikers on show, this will definitely be a market that is popular for games between ‘big’ teams.
In Group L for example, the game between England and Croatia could well feature both teams scoring, while in Group I the clash between France and Norway looks a mouthwatering prospect, with Erling Haaland in top form and a France attack that has Ousmane Dembele.
Tournament Top-Scorer
A market that always draws plenty of intrigue, this time around there are many candidates who are in with as good a chance as any of winning this accolade.
Seemingly, the favourite appears to be England’s Harry Kane at around 11/2, off the back of his prolific season with Bayern Munich, in which he scored 58 goals across all competitions, including 36 in the Bundesliga. Much will depend on how England do and the number of chances they create.
Of course, Kylian Mbappe, who won this award four years ago, after having scored a hattrick in the final, only to lose on penalties, will be backed well and his odds of 13/2 could well yield a nice return.
While he will likely start every game, France has an abundance of top quality in-form attackers.
Where there could be value is backing Haaland at around 14/1 with Norway actually possessing a good team of players who can create chances. Even if Norway do not progress to the latter stages (there is a good chance), an in-form Haaland is clinical and scoring over two goals every game is more than conceivable. Should Norway turn out to be ‘shock’ semi-finalists (there is usually one every World Cup), these odds could easily start to look like very good value.