As the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup approaches, everyone is already excited speculating on which nation will lift the coveted biggest international trophy. With 48 teams competing for the first time, the tournament promises more thrills, upsets, and memorable moments. 

Kate Richardson, an expert in sports and football betting, will break down World Cup predictions, the odds involved and how they came about it. We will also identify the favourite teams, potential dark horses, and the key players who could decide the outcome.

FIFA World Cup 2026 predictions

Trying to guess the winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup can be quite complex. You need to consider a lot of factors like how well the team is fit, their performance in recent matches and their tactical approaches to games. Expert sites like MightyTips football predictions also consider all these before making reviews. 

Currently, Brazil and Argentina feature prominently in early predictions. Brazil, with their rich world cup history, is always a top contender. Argentina, fresh off their 2022 triumph, will also aim to win back to back world titles, which hasn’t happened since Brazil in 1962. A lot will depend on the form of their key players.

European powerhouses like Germany, England, and France are also consistent at the top level. Spain and Portugal, with their technically gifted players, are also considered to have a good chance to win. The results of continental tournaments like 2024 Copa America and Euro 2024 have also helped to understand how well prepared these teams are.

Also, the expanded format to 48 teams means the competition might be tougher because more nations would qualify. This could mean more unpredictable knockout matches and a surprise winner. The tournament is still some time away, so a lot can still change for nations.

How bookmakers’ odds are calculated

Bookmakers’ odds are not simply a guess at the winner; they are a sophisticated calculation designed to attract betting while ensuring the bookmaker makes a profit. It’s an extensive process to analyze various data and information which include player and team forms, injuries and tactical ability to assign probabilities based on the analyzed information. 

For a team to win the 2026 World Cup, bookmakers will consider their win percentage in qualifier matches and the quality of their roster.

The betting odds tells how probable an outcome is. If Argentina is given odds of 7/1, it means a successful wager would give you a 7 unit profit for every 1 unit staked. Although this new implied probability is adjusted to give the bookmaker a margin. As new information like a star player’s injury or a team’s strong performance in the UEFA Nations League starts getting available , the odds will be adjusted. 

The odds to qualify from the group stages will differ greatly from the odds to win the final. This means that early betting odds can be totally different from those closer to the tournament kickoff.

The role of odds for fans and analysts

For fans, odds reflect how the football world and sports media view each team’s chances. Following the odds makes games more exciting, allowing fans to track their favourite team’s perceived progress. When a dark horse team’s odds begin to shorten, it means more people are begin to believe in them.

For analysts and pundits, odds are very important. They show the actual abilities of teams and show some teams that may be underrated. Comparing different bookmakers’ odds can also provide some interesting information. 

Furthermore, odds can be used to discuss potential upsets and how possible a team will reach the final world cup stages, such as the round of 16. Analyzing historical betting odds against actual tournament outcomes can be quite interesting in understanding guessing accuracy.

Favourites and Dark Horses

Among the favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several nations will surely be considered. Brazil, aiming to add to their record five world cup trophies, is always a strong contender. 

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will be looking to become a back to back world champion. France (Les Bleus), boasts stars like Kylian Mbappe, who has won the World Cup with them before and can do it again. England, with a strong squad featuring Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, will be hoping to finally win the world cup. 

Portugal could also be a major contender, especially if it is the final tournament for Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Although some pundits think otherwise and Steve Nicol said, “If Cristiano Ronaldo is your starting centre-forward in the World Cup, Portugal will not win it. I will guarantee you that.”

Asides from these favourites, several teams could emerge as dark horses. The Netherlands, with a solid defense marshalled by Virgil van Dijk, is always capable. The expanded 48 teams format might allow a nation not typically considered a favourite to surprise everyone. 

Teams from CONCACAF, such as the hosts, or winners of the Gold Cup could use home advantage to cause upsets. Any team with a fair number of star players and stay disciplined tactically could reach the final stages of the tournament. The journey to become world cup champions is long and difficult.

Stars who could decide the outcome of the tournament

The FIFA World Cup can be determined single handedly by the biggest stars. In 2026, several key players will be pivotal. Lionel Messi has hinted at retiring from football and will undoubtedly be a central figure for Argentina with his experience and godly skill, in what will most likely be his last World Cup campaign. His teammates will also be crucial in holding down midfield. 

He recently spoke on how he views the 2026 World Cup and said, “Yes, I am thinking about it. This year will be a key year to decide whether I will participate or not. I want to find my best rhythm in competition and consistency.”

For Les Bleus, Kylian Mbappe will be essential, his blistering pace making him one of the most dangerous forwards in the world. Harry Kane for England will be vital for his team’s success. 

Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala belong to a small group of young talent that can show out and make a statement for themselves in the tournament for England and Germany respectively. Germany’s Florian Wirtz and Spain’s Lamine Yamal are other young stars to watch.

Other players like Vinicius Jr. for Brazil and Bruno Fernandes for Portugal will be critical. Their form in other tournaments like the Champions League will be a good indicator. Rodri, Ballon d’Or winner, and Bernardo Silva will be vital in midfield for their respective countries. The impact of coaches like Deschamps will also be significant. This will be the first world cup for many players, and they will be determined to make most use of it for their national team.

Conclusion

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be spectacular as usual. While early predictions often favour the perennial contender nations in Brazil, Argentina, and France, the expanded 48 teams format opens the door for new challengers and exciting upsets. 

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe,Harry Kane and other key players will also play an important role to decide which nation is crowned the next champion. It will be an interesting battle from the qualifier stages to the main tournament, making the excitement build up towards the world cup final, where a new winner will be crowned.

The article was provided by Kate Richardson.