We are less than a year away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place in 16 North American cities with the United States, Canada, and Mexico as the host countries. A young Spain squad is currently the favorite to win the prestigious tournament, but odds on football show that the World Cup is—as usual—should be tight among the established football players on the world stage.
This is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and three host countries, so next year will be bigger than ever. These several teams are among the most interesting to watch for the 23rd World Cup.
Portugal (+1200)
A World Cup win is the only thing that’s missing from Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary career. He’ll be 41 years old next summer, meaning it could be his final crack at hoisting the FIFA World Cup Trophy. While they had disappointing outings in the Euros in 2024, Portugal is coming off a UEFA Nations League title—beating defending World Cup champion Spain in a penalty shootout. It’d be quite the story if a 40+ Ronaldo and an impressive group around him were to win a World Cup. This club might be playing with an edge, too, as it was stunning when Morocco knocked them out in 2022 while becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
United States (+3400)
Canada and Mexico deserve an honorable mention, but many eyes will be on the United States led by new head coach Mauricio Pochettino. 2026 is the 100th anniversary of the United States as a nation, so there’ll be plenty of energy throughout one of the host countries—and the USMNT will look to ride that to a deep tournament run.
Argentina (+800)
Argentina finally claimed its third World Cup title in 2022, with superstar Lionel Messi winning the elusive championship. A big question is whether Messi, who previously was said to be playing in his last World Cup in Qatar in 2022, decides to play again for his country or stay out while ending on the highest of notes from last tournament. Argentina is looking to become the first back-to-back World Cup winner since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Germany (+900)
Now let’s move to the team that broke the hearts of Argentina in the 2014 final, winning a classic match on an extra-time goal by Mario Götze to break a 0-0 tie during the first 90 minutes. Germany is tied with Italy for second all-time with four World Cup titles, but they’ve been inconsistent in recent years.
Italy (+2300)
Italy must get mentioned as the other nation with four World Cups, but their standing on the world stage has obviously declined since their last win in 2006. In 2010 and 2014, they failed to make it out of the group stage—and they didn’t qualify for the tournament in 2018 and 2022. First order of business is qualifying for next year.
England (+650)
2026 marks 60 years since England’s lone World Cup title, and they haven’t made it to a World Cup final since that victory in 1966—though they did make the Euro final in 2021 and 2024, losing to Italy and Spain. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane lead the way for The Three Lions.
France (+600)
In 2022, France lost the World Cup final in crushing fashion to Argentina in penalties—dashing a real chance to repeat as champions after previously winning in 2018. Looking to join Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Argentina among countries with three World Cup titles, France is led by superstars like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. They’re an all-around club with obviously a very realistic chance at yet another deep tournament run.
Spain (+500)
Spain has just one World Cup win, but they’re the favorites to take the FIFA World Cup 26. Rodri won the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or and is clearly one of the world’s top players entering the tournament—and the midfielder’s continued progress from a serious knee injury suffered in September 2024 is one of the biggest storylines to track leading up to summer of 2026. Rodri is slowly but surely making his way back from the injury and should be full-go by the tournament.
Brazil (+600)
Finally, the only five-time winner of the World Cup, Brazil is looking to hoist the trophy for the first time since 2002—which included a bounce-back from a 1998 loss to France in the final (3-0), ending their repeat bid from 1994. Brazil hasn’t finished in the top three of a World Cup tournament since that 2002 championship. Vinicius Junior leads the way as currently one of the top players in the world who recently helped Real Madrid take a UEFA Champions League trophy.