The 2026 World Cup is upon us! Years of painstaking preparation will be laid out in front of us as 48 teams compete for the World Cup Trophy. This year’s behemoth field is the biggest in history and is spread across host cities throughout the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
We’ve perused the futures board to see which countries have the best shot at reigning atop the soccer world, which ones are in contention, and which dark horses are worth backing.
Top Threats
France (+450)
Not surprisingly, France enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the top threats. The French claimed victory back in 2018 before losing on penalties to Argentina in 2022. Armed with an arsenal of elite attackers and one of the best tactical managers in Didier Deschamps, the French will be ready to make it three straight finals appearances in New York.
Spain (+450)
It’s been 16 years since Spain last claimed victory in the World Cup, but 2026 could be the year it all comes together for La Roja. Led by Lamine Yamal, Spain captured the 2024 European Championship, appearing virtually unstoppable from start to finish. If they maintain that standard in North America, there will be no denying the Spaniards their second world title.
England (+700)
England has been trying to reassert itself as a world champion since 1966. While they’ve made headway in recent years, they continue to fall apart in World Cup play. They made it to the quarterfinals in Qatar in 2022, finished fourth in 2018, and didn’t make it out of the group stage in 2014. Thomas Tuchel may come to regret some of his roster decisions, perpetuating England’s dismal performances at the World Cup.
Portugal (+800)
The price continues to drop on Portugal. Formerly a +1200 contender, the Selecao have been bought up to +800 ahead of kick-off this week. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the face of the team, but Joao Felix will be tasked with doing more heavy lifting upfront. Expect a defensively robust performance from Portugal, meaning extra-time and penalties are on the horizon in the knockout round.
Second-Tier Teams
Brazil (+900)
The gap between the top and second-tier teams in the World Cup is bridged by Brazil. The Canarinho will demand a lot from Vinicius Junior and Raphinha, but their defense could be exposed in group play and beyond. A knockout round berth is nothing more than a formality in Group C, but depending on the draw, Brazil could have a hard time containing some of the top teams in the tournament.
Argentina (+900)
The defending World Champs, Argentina enters the 2026 World Cup in a precarious position. They aren’t the titans they once were, but they still rank among the premier teams in the world. Continuity will be a big factor upfront, with the Athletico Madrid trio of Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada, and Giuliano Simeone. Flanked by Messi, there is no disputing La Albiceleste’s firepower. But concerns at midfield could limit the number of scoring chances. If they don’t lean into their offensive strength, the Argentinians are another team that could suffer an early demise.
Germany (+1400)
Defensive concerns plague Germany ahead of the World Cup, but tactical precision and execution remain a strength. We’ve seen Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz excel in the attacking half, but they could struggle to produce consistently given Germany’s defensive lapses. Without a knockout round game since 2014, the onus is on the Germans to prove they can compete in Group E.
Dark Horses Worth Riding
Colombia (+4000)
Pay attention to what Colombia does in Group K. While Portugal is favored, Colombia can match offensive wits with the Portuguese and other top contenders. Their success is premised on pace upfront, but it can’t come at the expense of defensive responsibility. We’re betting that Los Cafeteros go on a deep run. Watch their odds shrink throughout the tournament.
Croatia (+8000)
Even at 40-years-old, Luka Modric remains one of the most reliable midfielders in the game. He’s the key to Croatia’s success in 2026, and if the qualifying rounds are any indication, Modric is still on top of his game. Croatia breezed through qualifying allowing just four goals across eight games. Their tactical expertise was on full display throughout, and we don’t expect them to concede any ground in Group L. A draw versus England could ensure Croatia the top seed.
Japan (+5000)
Finally, we’re taking a calculated risk on Japan exceeding expectations at the World Cup. The Samurai Blue have taken on a new identity in international play, focusing their efforts on possession and counter-attacks. We saw that in qualifying, with Japan going undefeated in the AFC without conceding a goal. If Wataru Endo is healthy throughout the tournament, Japan could surprise many in Group F and beyond.
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