World Cup
Six Months Until World Cup 2026: Preview & Predictions
With just six months to go until the 2026 World Cup kicks off across the USA, Canada and Mexico, anticipation is building and the outright markets are already taking shape.
From established heavyweights to attacking superstars eyeing personal glory, early prices give us a clear indication of where the smart money may lie.
Tournament Winner
Spain (4/1)
Spain head the market and it is easy to see why after their Euros win last year. Their blend of tournament experience and emerging young talent has restored belief that La Roja can dominate on the biggest stage once again. Control in midfield and technical depth make them a formidable proposition, especially in the knockout rounds.
England (6/1)
Close behind are England, who continue to knock loudly on the door of major international success having come so close in the Euros twice in a row. With a settled and experienced group of core players, tactical maturity and one of the most potent forward lines in international football today, this tournament could represent their best chance yet to end a long wait for World Cup glory. It’ll be up to manager Thomas Tuchel whether he can take them over the line.
France (7/1)
France undoubtedly remain a constant threat at major tournaments, shown by their World Cup win in 2018 and then reaching the final once again in 2022. Their squad depth is unparalleled, allowing them to absorb injuries and suspensions better than most. If they peak at the right time, Les Bleus have more than enough quality to lift the trophy once again with Kylian Mbappe sure to spearhead their momentum.
Argentina (8/1)
Argentina will be looking to defend their crown having stolen it off the French in the last World Cup. While history suggests repeat winners are rare, writing off the reigning champions would be foolish. Tournament know-how, resilience and individual brilliance still course through this squad and it’ll likely be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup run, which is all the more reason to make it a memorable one.
Portugal (11/1)
Completing the top five in the market is Portugal. With a generation that blends experience and flair, Portugal look well placed to make a deep run. If their attacking players fire consistently, they could finally convert promise into ultimate success. This’ll be their ninth appearance in a World Cup and they’ll be hoping to take the trophy home for the first time. This trophy is the main honour which has evaded Cristiano Ronaldo and it could be the perfect end to his glittering career.
Golden Boot
In the Golden Boot market, Harry Kane (13/2) is a standout. England’s talisman remains relentlessly reliable on the international stage and is likely to shoulder penalty duties, a significant advantage in a tightly-priced market. It’s obviously worth noting that the further the player’s nation goes in the competition, the more likely it is they’ll pick up more goals.
That’s why the danger for Kane lies in French striker Mbappé (7/1), who needs little introduction. His pace, movement and finishing make him a nightmare for defenders, and he has already proven he can deliver on the biggest World Cup stages having scored four times (including the penalty shootout) to no avail against Argentina in the last World Cup final.
On the winning team that day was none other than Lionel Messi (12/1), who cannot be discounted. If Argentina enjoy another deep run, Messi’s creativity and goal threat could once again put him firmly in the mix.
Erling Haaland (14/1) is yet to show his talents on the World Cup stage, but his scoring record at club level suggests he’ll be a real threat. If Norway can make a run to the latter stages, he could prove exceptional value. The questions marks around their chances of making the deeper rounds could be a hindrance if he doesn’t load up on goals in the group stage.
Rounding out the top five is Barcelona’s wonderkid Lamine Yamal (18/1). The young star represents the new generation, and while still raw, his fearlessness and attacking instincts could make him one of the key players of the tournament and he’ll certainly be finding himself in front of goal with the players he has behind him.
Final Thoughts
With six months still to go plenty can still change, but these early markets provide a fascinating snapshot of where expectations currently sit. Whether backing proven winners or emerging stars, the countdown to World Cup 2026 promises drama, goals and no shortage of betting intrigue.
