The 2026 World Cup still remains almost four months away. We will not even crown a winner for another five months. Despite that, the draw for the event is amazing. Betting numbers have been around for quite awhile. As the groups become more crystal clear, more and more matchups have been listed. Only a few more qualification games are left to fully determine the 48 country field.
The locations have been announced across the Americas. Yes, some games will be sprinkled across Canada and Mexico too. Ultimately, the final rounds will be decided in New Jersey at MetLife Stadium. It will be a long 5 1/2 week journey to crown a champion. This is going to be one wild ride.
Before we look at the betting odds and breakdown for the World Cup Best Bets, make sure to check out our list of the best Vegas soccer betting sites.
| World Cup Early Futures |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | +450 | +400 | +400 |
| England | +550 | +550 | +600 |
| France | +750 | +750 | +750 |
| Brazil | +750 | +800 | +800 |
| Argentina | +800 | +800 | +900 |
| Portugal | +1100 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Germany | +1200 | +1400 | +1500 |
| Netherlands | +2000 | +2200 | +2000 |
| Norway | +2500 | +2800 | +2800 |
| Belgium | +3000 | +3000 | +3000 |
Does Spain finally fulfill the potential? Maybe, that is the biggest question going into this tournament. Spain has the talent and game. Unfortunately, time and time again something invariably goes wrong. The Women won the World Cup last year but the Men failed again in 2022. However, in the World Cup Best Bets, we are spotlighting the favorite here.
Okay, the 2010 champions have looked anything but in their previous three appearances. The Spanish have won one match each time with a bevy of draws and heartbreak in the Round of 16 or worse. Yes, there is little doubt that the pressure is on. Spain’s married to their 4-3-3 system. However, two huge wrinkles missing the past few World Cups is a physicality and directness.
The belief is the youth will serve notice offensively while the midfielders are experienced and primed to mentor the younger strikers. People believe that back-to-back triumphs is a huge ask. However, Spain carries a different attitude and confidence it did not have before Euro 24. The draw figures to be favorable in the early rounds. The question this time around will be later.
How does Spain approach the expanded field? They are better prepared and have far more depth than the previous three World Cup efforts. Yamal and company go up against defending World Cup champion Argentina in March. That should give most an idea what kind of form Spain is in as tuneups continue. Betting Spain may want to take a wait and see approach in order to get a better number.
Is this the time for England? That has been the question for what feels like forever. Now, the ladies came as close as you could get in 2023. However, the men have been knocking on the door too. The expectation is that it might be the Final or bust in the World Cup Best Bets. After all, England has fourth and sixth as results in the last two World Cups.
Right now, the money is close on England as potential favorites. This is especially true if England thrives in the friendlies compared to Spain. England has some tests against Italy among others as the Spring looms. The English trust their goalie Jordan Pickford immensely. With Saka, Rashford, and Kane, there are plenty of offensive options. Wait, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze could surprise.
The reality is that England has a lot of weight on their shoulders. It has been 60 years since the glory of 1966. Everyone in Europe remembers that and soccer fans in the United Kingdom wax poetic forever about that championship. The English squad has come close twice in the Euros finishing second in both 2020 and 2024.
One huge concern is the expanded field. England can often look a little lacking in early play and that is the one thing they cannot afford to do. Having the proverbial foot on the gas from the beginning will pay dividends as they are another country that has possesses depth and balance in abundance.
Yes, there is an eye on Argentina. Furthermore, we mentioned Argentina because they are the defending World Cup champions. World Cup Best Bets want to know can they do it again. Funny enough, even at his advanced age, Messi remains a force. Lionel Scaloni knows what he has in the team. BetUS has them only listed at +900 which surprises some.
That is because the team from South America can be incredible or a total dud. In 2014, they were runners up then went 1-2-1 in 2018. Lost in the 2022 run was the fact that the Argentines found ways to score. Even when things got chaotic, the offense would come and not always from Messi. Julián Álvarez and Angel Di Maria will be key this time around.
The biggest risk is always the pressure to repeat. It will not be easy. With several nations include France and Brazil eager for revenge, Argentina expects to have an even more dangerous path to get to MetLife Stadium late in July. We can see Argentina getting to the Round of 16 or the quarters but will need help and some luck to get much further.
As an appetizer, we have the latest 2026 MLS betting odds. Also, examine our partner table below, where you will find the up to date 2026 online betting sites in the USA for soccer betting and more:
