FIFA World Cup 2026 Betting Odds & Predictions

Canada, Mexico and the United States will each co-host FIFA 2026 World Cup matches, with the star-studded extravaganza set to hit fever pitch when the highly anticipated feast of football is served up in June and July. The world’s favourite tournament will be accommodated by three countries for the first-time ever. You should adjust your betting strategy as the latest World Cup finals have been expanded from 32 teams to 48 nations.

This summer’s FIFA World Cup is expected to trigger record betting. There are more stringent regulations for online wagering and global responsible gambling tools, which were introduced this year:

• There are still six teams seeking to secure a highly lucrative 2026 World Cup berth, which will be determined at the end of March.

• Sixteen European sides are chasing four slots, which include three-time champions Italy. With two places up for grabs via the FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Offs, to be contested by Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caldonia and Suriname.

• While around five million spectators are expected to attend the 104 games, there’s an estimated six billion global audience to tune in as teams chase glory at this iconic competition.

• Spain are favourites to triumph at the 2026 World Cup, ahead of titans Argentina, Brazil, England and France.

• Argentina’s goal is to become only the third defending champions to retain the coveted Jules Rimet trophy, seeking to follow in the footsteps of Brazil and Italy.

• Belgium, Germany and Spain have been handed favourable group draws when you consider the FIFA world ranking of their opponents, while Argentina, Brazil, England, Croatia, France, Morocco, Norway and Senegal face tougher tests.

There will be plenty of unfancied underdogs who could cause a surprise in matches. The extreme heat conditions will be a factor at the 2026 World Cup, which should suit teams from Africa, the Caribbean as well as North and South America. High summer temperatures could be a strain for some players, meaning that FIFA has sanctioned a three-minute hydration break after both 22 minutes and 67 minutes in the 2026 World Cup matches. This effectively divides games into quarters.

With 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup, there is a genuine concern about potential player fatigue. With a record-breaking 48 teams at the World Cup finals, this is the chance for more nations to show off their silky skills and potentially cause an upset on the ultimate football stage.

How to Read World Cup Odds?

All the major sportsbooks in South Africa use three main odds:

• American: American odds use a minus sign and a plus sign. A minus sign indicates the favourite(s). This number shows how much you must bet to win R100. For example, if Spain were priced at -150 to win the 2026 World Cup, you must bet R150 to get a R100 profit. A plus sign indicates a dark horse and shows how much profit you can win from a R100 bet. For example, Norway are priced at +2800 to win the FIFA World Cup 2026, so from your R100 bet you would make a R2800 profit.

• Decimal: Decimal odds are displayed as a single figure, which shows your total return for every successful R1 bet. You get your stake back and any profit. For example, a R1 bet on South Africa to win the World Cup finals priced at 501 means your total return could be R502 (R501 profit and your R1 stake).

• Fractional: Fractional odds appear as A/B, with A representing your potential profit and B the amount of the bet. For example, Spain are 9/2 favourites to win the 2026 World Cup. If you bet R2 on Spain, you stand to gain a R9 profit and your R2 back.

You should scrutinise which are the most suitable South African bookmakers for you, seeking an operator who consistently offers competitive odds for the 2026 World Cup.

It is advisable to factor in such important details as previous World Cup performances, head-to-head results, the team coach and his tactics, the strengths of each squad, the venues and draw for before you opt for either pre-match or in-play betting.

World Cup Betting Options

When you fancy a flutter on the world’s most popular football tournament, there are plenty of World Cup betting markets where you do not have to predict who the match winner will be.

A Double Chance stake is perfect if you are a cautious football bettor. This is arguably one of the easiest and safest bets for the 2026 World Cup. You pick from one of three options to bet on a match.

For example, the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening game on 11 June will see Mexico tackle South Africa. Your Double Chance betting choice is to back a Mexico win or draw, a South Africa win or draw, or a victory for either Mexico or South Africa.  You will be in the money if the specific bet you picked wins.

Asian Handicap Betting

This is a tactic with which bookies even up the playing field, ideal for punters who want fairer odds in matches where one team seems stronger before kick-off. Bookies give both teams either a positive or negative handicap in goals.

The outcome is calculated after adding this Asian Handicap adjustment to the real score at the final whistle, which determines the betting outcome. Although each bet has only two potential results: win or lose.

For example, if you back Mexico with a -1.50 Asian Handicap, they must win by at least two goals for your bet to pay. If you bet on South Africa at +1.50, your bet wins if they avoid losing by two or more goals.

Future Betting

This type of bet at the 2026 World Cup involves locking in generous odds by making a wager before the tournament kicks off. It is worth researching the best FIFA World Cup bet offers for group winners, the Golden Boot (top scorer) and Golden Glove (best goalkeeper), as well as the quarter-finalists, semi-finalists and overall champion.

World Cup group odds let bettors target which teams will finish first in their group or qualify for the knockout stage, often at better prices than outright futures. These markets are shaped heavily by group draw, goal differential and projected paths.

Goal Line Betting

The bookmaker sets up a total number of goals to be scored in a match, which is called a goal line. Your goal line bet is to back more or fewer goals scored in the World Cup game than the bookie’s goal line.

Golden Boot Betting

You can place a wager on the 2026 World Cup top scorer, referred to as the Golden Boot winner.

Bookies currently have England attacker Harry Kane and France forward Kylian Mbappe neck-and-neck at +8.00 to clinch the Golden Boot accolade. The latest odds show the pair ahead of prolific contenders Erling Haaland (Norway), veteran Lionel Messi (Argentina) and fearless teenager Lamine Yamal (Spain).

Both Haaland and Yamal are set to compete in their inaugural World Cup finals, while Messi and Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo have one last shot to grab glory on football’s biggest stage.

Should there be a tie between players in goals scored at the 2026 World Cup, whoever provided the most assists will secure the Golden Boot. Should those figures be identical between players, the winner will be whoever played the fewest tournament minutes.

South Africa striker Lyle Foster enjoyed AFCON 2025. The Burnley hotshot scored twice and provided two goal assists. He is currently priced as an outsider at 501.00 to win the Golden Boot.

Moneyline Betting

This is a straightforward wager to place on the outcome of a 2026 World Cup match. You pick a team to win or draw, or bet on their opponent to triumph. The bookmaker odds can greatly vary with moneyline betting, and there tends to be tempting prices to back underdogs.

Over/Under Betting

The wager for Under/Over total is two-fold. Your bookmaker provides a figure, meaning you need to predict whether the number is higher or lower than the number that relates to a specific 2026 World Cup market (e.g. cards, corners, goals scored, etc.).

Parlay Betting

Often referred to as an accumulator, combo or multi-bet, a parlay bet combines two or more picks to create a single wager. Although the odds will increase when adding a leg to a parlay bet, this poses a higher risk gamble. You only win a parlay bet if all selections come up trumps.

Prop Betting

This is an alternative wager to predicting the result or winner of a 2026 World Cup match. A typical prop bet permits you to focus on individuals and the team, encompassing player prop bets (eg anytime goalscorer, cards, goalkeeper saves, etc.), team prop bets (e.g. Both Teams To Score, Method of First Goal, Over/Under, etc.) and long prop bets (e.g. Golden Boot, Golden Glove, etc.).

Main FIFA World Cup 2026 Contenders

The favourite five nations to triumph at the 2026 World Cup boast a super talented squad and are led by a coach with glittering credentials. They appear to be true title contenders at this prestigious tournament for a reason. There have been eight World Cup finals contested in the Americas. A South American team were crowned champions seven times, with this streak broken in 2014 when Germany beat Argentina 1-0 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Spain, the 2026 World Cup favourites, became the inaugural European nation to scoop the Jules Rimet trophy outside their own continent. They beat the Netherlands 1-0 at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2010.

Argentina

The reigning World Cup champions breezed through their South American qualifying group to finish nine points above second-placed Ecuador. Since winning at Qatar 2022, the three-time world champions Argentina have won everything without being overly dependent on veteran Lionel Messi (Inter Miami).

Coach Lionel Scaloni has transformed the team since being appointed in 2018, which has positioned Argentina as a strong contender to win the 2026 World Cup. Their goal is to become the first nation to retain the World Cup outside their own continent. Scaloni’s tactical flexibility results in three main formations. Aside from his preferred 4-4-2 lineup, he adapts to a 4-3-3 system to seize midfield control and often reverts to a 3-5-2 setup when they must play more defensively.

• Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica) and Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur) are Argentina’s defensive backbone, brilliantly marshalled by shotstopper Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa).

• Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) expertly engineers the midfield, and with Argentina opting for compact blocks in the middle of the pitch, they limit opposition space as well as make swift counterattacks.

• Argentina regularly unleash superstar Messi in a free-roaming role to create chaos for opponents. While star strikers Julian Alvarez (Real Madrid) and Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) also prove a handful, the trio has all strong candidates to clinch the Golden Boot accolade.

Argentina’s Group J Games

Algeria and Austria should be the only tests for Argentina, with a comfortable win over newcomers Jordan anticipated. Yet Argentina were stunned by Saudi Arabia in their opener at Qatar 2022.

Argentina’s World Cup 2026 Odds

Brazil

The legacy of the most successful team in World Cup history helps to drive Brazil and its legions of fans. They last lifted the Jules Rimet trophy in 2002, following their 2-0 success over Germany in South Korea. The five-time world champions tend to light up the big stage. Although they bowed out at the quarter-finals in the past two World Cup finals, which means they need to make their attacking flair as lethal as it is entertaining.

Brazil surprisingly stuttered to fifth place in their World Cup qualifying campaign, tasting six defeats from their 18 games despite boasting such an exceptionally talented squad. Carlo Ancelotti has been the head coach since May 2025, with his dilemma of how to accommodate rising stars into his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. The Italian tactician is spoiled for choice with so many gems available upfront and on the wings.

• The trio of Endrick (Olympique Lyonnais), whose left foot generates goals and delivers exceptional off-ball movement, teenage sensation Estevao (Chelsea) and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) have helped to reshape Brazil’s attacks under Ancelotti.

• This leaves the iconic Neymar (Santos FC), renowned for his double stepover and explosive movement, battling it out for a starting berth at the World Cup finals.

• Wingers Rodrygo (Real Madrid) and Vinicius Junior delivered titles, including two Champions League trophies, at Spanish giants Real Madrid under Ancelotti.

• The Brazilian defence is dominated by French-based players such as Alexsandro (LOSC Lille), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain) and Vanderson (AS Monaco). Shaky goalkeeping could cost Brazil their long-overdue glory days, with Allison (Liverpool) tipped to be the first-choice shotstopper over Ederson (Fenerbahce).

Brazil’s Group C Games

Brazil are expected to dominate their group despite a tricky game against Qatar 2022 surprise side Morocco. Maximum points are expected against Haiti and Scotland, who both return to the World Cup finals for the first time this century.

Brazil World Cup 2026 odds

England

As they won all eight World Cup qualifiers and did not concede a goal, the Qatar 2022 quarter-finalists are understandably among the favourites to win this summer’s tournament with bookmakers. England finished runners-up at the past two European Championships, but head coach Thomas Tuchel has yet to tackle a tournament since being appointed in January 2025.

• He favours 4-2-3-1 and 3-2-5 formations with his settled squad and has reliable selection choices such as Russia 2018 Golden Boot winner Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (Everton) and set-piece specialist Declan Rice (Arsenal).

• England’s all-out action, high-intensity tactics and recent reintroduction of long throws mean there’s more physicality involved. Yet this has resulted in midfielders and wingers frequently falling foul of injuries, which could prove to be England’s downfall at the World Cup finals.

England’s Group L Games

Croatia and Ghana appear to be tough matches for the Three Lions, while Panama should be easy pickings for fearless England who tend to thrive at major tournaments.

England World Cup 2026 Odds

France

The Qatar 2022 runners-up went unbeaten in their World Cup qualifying under head coach Didier Deschamps, who will step down after the 2026 World Cup. France’s longest-serving manager will leave following a magnificent 14-year stint, which included winning the 2018 World Cup and 2021 Nations League. He is expected to return to club management, having previously been in charge at AS Monaco, Juventus and Olympique Marseille. The master tactician has often switched formations mid-tournament, moving from a 3-5-2 system to 4-3-2-1.

• Deschamps’ revised setups suit the speed of star striker Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), create midfield freedom with a double pivot and allow his defence to be shielded.

• Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Mbappe and Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) are France’s formidable sharpshooters. Yet they could face little service if France stick to their guns with slow build-up play, which has often seen the side struggle to break down opponents.

• At the other end of the pitch, Mike Maignan (AC Milan) has developed into one of Europe’s top goalkeepers. He saved France’s blushes when defensive gaps were exploited.

France’s Group I Games

AFCON 2024 champions Senegal and in-form Norway could prove to be a stern test for a France side that shows glimpses of complacency. Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname will be the other group opponent for France, who suffered a shock early elimination in the group stage with only one point at South Africa 2010.

France World Cup 2026 Odds

Spain

The Euro 2024 champions were mightily impressive during their World Cup qualifiers until they were held 2-2 by Turkey. Led by coach Luis de la Fuente since 2022, Spain remain legendary possession pioneer with trademark short passes and geometric precision. Their last competitive defeat, apart from last year’s Nations League final penalty shootout loss to Portugal, stretches back to the March 2023 shock 2-0 reversal against Scotland.

• The 2010 World Cup winners have become more fluid between defence and attack since fearless youngsters like Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) were given the nod.

• This mix and versatility of experience and youth offers a dynamic attacking approach, which has evolved from Spain’s traditional possession-based play.

• Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City) and Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain) are the midfield maestros. While the defence looks solid under the command of Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona) and Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid).

Spain’s Group H Games

They should ease into the knockout stages as their group comprises debutants Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, although Uruguay should be a tough nut to crack.

Spain World Cup 2026 Odds

Main FIFA World Cup 2026 Rans

Runs at the World Cup finals separate legendary squads from good ones, when everything slots together under the spotlight of the world’s most prestigious football tournament.

All teams at this summer’s tournament boast top-quality players in every position, but the right tactical approach and formations are crucial to get the very best out of a squad.

Three teams from each group can potentially qualify under the new format at the 2026 World Cup. With 32 nations making it to the knockout stages, more teams than ever will have the self-belief of grabbing glory.

Croatia

Their World Cup pedigree is enviable, having reaching the semi-finals at France 1998 and Qatar 2022 while finishing as runners-up to France at Russia 2018.

Zlatko Dalic, Croatia’s longest-serving coach having been at the helm since 2017, breezed his side through the World Cup qualifiers. Held to a scoreless draw by Czechia was the only blemish from the eight-game campaign, having reeled off seven victories.

Dalic’s favoured 4-3-3 formation has worked over the years, although recently there has been evidence of defensive frailties and players utilised who are past their prime. Both factors could prove costly to their 2026 World Cup chances.

• Although Dalic has an experienced squad at his disposal, he is overseeing their transition by gradually introducing emerging talent into the Croatia set-up, although he will most likely stick with goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb) as the first-choice goalkeeper.

• Left-back Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), outwitted by Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the 2022 World Cup semi-final, will return to the showpiece tournament stronger and determined to make his mark.

• Midfielder Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City) is a serial winner at club level, but was recently sidelined for five months because of an ankle injury. He plays a pivotal role in Croatia’s success.

• Attacking midfielder Luka Modric (AC Milan) will compete in his fifth World Cup finals. With this summer’s tournament being his swansong for the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, he is Croatia’s most-capped player with 194 appearances.

• Left winger Ivan Perisic (PSV Eindhoven) banged in four goals during their World Cup qualifiers, although the 37-year-old may be overlooked as a starter as Dalic has striker Andrej Kramaric (TSG Hoffenheim) and versatile Nikola Vlasic (Torino) in prolific form.

Croatia’s Group L Games

Tackling England, their nemesis, in the opening group game paves the way for Croatia to try and pick up maximum points against Ghana and Panama to progress to the knockout stages.

Croatia World Cup 2026 Odds

Germany

The four-time World Cup winners look strong under Julian Nagelsmann, who has refreshed his squad since being appointed head coach in 2023.

Germany lost their opening World Cup qualifier, but they reeled off five victories on the spin to show that they are back in business. They could appeal to bettors with renewed belief thanks to high-pressure play, physical strength, technical precision and versatility. Since winning the 2014 World Cup, Germany suffered shock group stage exits at the 2018 Russia and 2022 Qatar. Their only downfall this summer could be Nagelsmann’s reliance on a plethora of unproven players.

• Yet flair and self-assurance from midfielders Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich) and Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), plus forward Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United), could help lead their assault on winning the Jules Rimet trophy.

• While defenders Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich) and Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), midfielder Leroy Sane (Galatasaray) and striker Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich) are veterans who can help push Germany towards a fifth World Cup trophy.

Germany’s Group E Games

Having collected just a pair of victories from their past two World Cup finals, Germany n need to take their group games seriously. They will tackle newcomers Curacao, in-form Ecuador and African powerhouse Ivory Coast.

Germany World Cup 2026 Odds

Netherlands

The three-time World Cup runners-up seem to be back on track with consistently dynamic and fluid performances ever since Ronald Koeman was appointed head coach in January 2023. The talent is blatantly there, but the Netherlands appear to have recently suffered stage fright at major tournaments.

• Their unbeaten record in the World Cup qualifiers saw Koeman include youngsters like midfielder Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) and striker Xavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur).

• This was a breath of fresh air for Netherlands fans. The collective responsibility for fluid displays was no longer down just to experienced campaigners like defender Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), midfielder Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) or forwards Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) and Memphis Depay (Corinthians).

• Koeman’s acumen and tactics are major strengths for the Netherlands. He deploys attacking prowess, defensive organisation, high-press play, spatial awareness and versatility.

• Yet the Netherlands lack a truly top-notch goalkeeper, their only flaw. Bart Vanbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion) is their first-choice shotstopper over Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen) and Robin Roefs (Sunderland).

Netherlands’ Group F Games

The European giants are clear favourites to defeat Tunisia and either Albania, Poland, Sweden or Ukraine in their group matches. While tackling Japan will be a challenge as the Asian side are strong, slick and highly competitive.

Netherlands World Cup 2026 Odds

Norway

Making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway could be menacing for opponents under head coach Stale Solbakken. He has an array of explosive individual talents to call upon. In charge of arguably Norway’s best generation of football players since 2020, he brilliantly orchestrated a 3-0 victory over Italy in last year’s World Cup qualifiers with his high-intensity pressing tactics and attacking prowess.

• They have been firing on all cylinders with Sander Berge (Fulham) and Martin Odegaard (Arsenal) running the midfield, while wingers Oscar Bobb (Fulham) and Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig) deliver crosses for goal machine Erling Haaland (Manchester City).

• Norway are a force to be reckoned with by creating high volume scoring opportunities, for the prolific pairing of Haaland and Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid) to find the back of the net.

• They rarely concede goals, thanks to centre-back Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford) organising their compact zonal system fixed, although Norway’s major flaw at the 2026 World Cup is that they lack an established goalkeeper.

Norway’s Group I games

Despite ending up in a tricky group, Norway’s balanced and precise play alongside relentless self-confidence means they have a shot at toppling France. Norway face a tough game against AFCON 2025 champions Senegal, although will fancy collecting maximum points against the FIFA Inter-Continental winner from either Bolivia, Iraq and Suriname.

Norway World Cup 2026 odds

Portugal

Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) announced he will tackle his final World Cup this year, aged 41. His Portugal team is a title contender, at least on paper, under head coach Roberto Martinez. The Spaniard, appointed in January 2023, has adopted a high-octane style of play that steered Portugal to its second Nations League crown last year. Portugal has a serious shot at lifting the Jules Rimet trophy for the first-time ever with their high-pressure system and swift counterattacks. Martinez introduced a possession-based system, with the emphasis on dominating and attacking from all outlets in his favoured 4-3-3 setup.

Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 success story, with the World Cup the only major trophy that the iconic player has yet to win. Portugal possesses a plethora of impressive players in every department, with the well-balanced squad brimming with confidence.

• Diogo Costa (Porto) was integral to their Nations League triumph and will be expected to be first-choice goalkeeper, although Martinez has Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers) as a solid back-up option.

• The centre-back pairing of Ruben Dias (Manchester City) and Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon) has proved formidable, while explosive left-backs Joao Cancelo (Barcelona) and Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain) add an additional attacking element.

• There is serious bite from their attacking midfielders who control the tempo of games in the shape of Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) and Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain). While Joao Palhinha (Tottenham Hotspur) is the man in the middle relied on for important tackles.

• Rafael Leao (AC Milan) and the ageing Ronaldo can be razor sharp in front of goal. Portugal’s flaw is that the pair can be man-marked out of matches, as well as the emotional weight on the nation in giving Ronaldo the international send-off he so desperately craves.

Portugal’s Group K Games

They are heavy favourites to top their group with Colombia their only challenge. Portugal will also minnows Uzbekistan and the winner of the FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off Tournament that is between DR Congo, Jamaica and New Caledonia.

Portugal World Cup 2026 Odds

World Cup 2026 Dark Horses

Underdog stories will captivate football fans, especially at the World Cup finals. Such shocks are a reminder that passion, tactics and teamwork can overcome the odds. Although a lack of concentration and mistakes can also help to inspire unfancied teams.

Unexpected results under the spotlight and scrutiny of a global audience prove that star-studded sides can sometimes be humbled.

Austria

Rejuvenated under head coach Ralf Rangnick, whose high-pressing tactics and positional flexibility have worked wonders since being appointed in April 2022. He has made Austria a force to be reckoned with, courtesy of a distinctive playing style based on his 8-second and 10-second rules. The team attempts to win the ball back within eight seconds and tries to generate a goalscoring opportunity within 10 seconds when they have possession. They look fluid under Rangnick’s preferred high-tempo 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formations, which shifts to a 4-2-2-2 or 4-4-2 setup when defending.

Austria’s record at World Cup finals makes grim reading as they return to the showpiece tournament for the first time since France 1998. Austria failed to make it out of the initial group stage in their past two FIFA World Cup appearances. Yet they reached the semi-finals on their World Cup debut at Italy 1934 and finished third at Sweden 1954.

• Rangnick has four standout players in defender David Alaba (Real Madrid), midfielder duo Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich) and Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund), plus veteran striker Marko Arnautovic (Red Star Belgrade).

• Arnautovic is Austria’s all-time top goalscorer with 47 goals from 130 internationals, a record he claimed during their World Cup qualifying campaign. The 36-year-old is a long shot to win the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup.

Austria’s Group J Games

Austria is expected to make it to the knockout stages. Despite a tough group that will see them tackle Algeria, Argentina and Jordan.

Austria World Cup 2026 Odds

Japan

Having only lost one World Cup qualifier, beaten 1-0 by Australia last June, Japan’s performances and results make them a noteworthy underdog at the 2026 World Cup. They even registered a 3-2 triumph over Brazil in October. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who has been at the helm since July 2018, returns to the World Cup finals having stunned Germany and Spain at Qatar 2022 with a cautious low-possession setup.

Japan won their group at the 2022 World Cup, but they bowed out after losing a penalty shootout to eventual losing semi-finalists in the round of 16. Yet Moriyasu is much more adventurous since tackling the previous World Cup finals by integrating emerging stars into his squad, showing more tactical flexibility and pressing with high-intensity for quick transitions. Japan head to their eighth World Cup on the bounce with Moriyasu difficult to outwit, as he is renowned for his trademark mid-tactical switches from an initial 4-2-3-1 formation.

• Opponents could be caught off guard by Japan’s ever-evolving setup mid-game. Reverting to three central defenders means explosive wing-backs Ristu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Kairu Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion) join the attack alongside central midfielders Wataru Endo (Liverpool) and Hidemasa Morita (Sporting Lisbon).

• Hotshot striker Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord) was on fire during the World Cup qualifiers with seven strikes. He is Japan’s best bet to clinch the 2026 Golden Boot.

• Moriyasu has masterminded success by constantly improving Japan’s tactical discipline and introducing vertical counterattacks.

Japan’s Group F Games

Their biggest challenge should be against Euro 2024 semi-finalists the Netherlands. Japan will also face Tunisia and either Albania, Poland, Sweden or Ukraine.

Japan World Cup 2026 Odds

Morocco

The surprise package at Qatar 2022, beaten 2-0 by France in the semi-final, will return to football’s biggest stage with renewed confidence.

Their sixth World Cup appearance included delivering the knockout blow to Spain in the round of 16 and Portugal in the quarter-final.

Morocco was on fire in their World Cup qualifiers, winning all eight matches. They have since replaced Walid Regragui as head coach by promoting Mohamed Ouahbi following AFCON 2025. The AFCON 2025 hosts stuttered to the final in Rabat, where they initially suffered a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Senegal following Brahim Diaz’s stoppage-time penalty being saved. However, in a surprise turn of events, Morocco was crowned the official AFCON champion when Senegal was disqualified as a result of an official appeal.

Regragui drummed in the importance of counterattacking and defensive discipline during his four-year stint as Morocco manager, but had recently focused on grinding out results without any real panache. His blueprint of a strong defence and counterattacks from pacy wingers will continue under Ouahbi, who also favours a 4-2-3-1 formation. Ouahbi has been brought in to revive Morocco’s fortunes and reinvigorate their playing style. He sensationally lifted the U20 2025 World Cup with a remarkable 2-0 triumph over Argentina in Chile last October. Promoted to U23 head coach, Ouahbi combines that role with the position of Morocco manager since March.

• Emerging stars are highly likely to get playing opportunities under Ouahi, renowned for developing youngsters. Winger Eliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco) had already broken into the senior side under Regragui, with his dazzling dribbles exciting fans.

• Ouahi has inherited a squad brimming with talent that includes commanding right-back Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), the 2025 African Footballer of the Year.

• Morocco possesses a plethora of shining stars, such as goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal), defender Nayek Aguerd (Real Sociedad), midfielder Sofyan Amrabat (Fenerbahce) and three prolific strikers.

• Diaz (Real Madrid) won the AFCON 2025 Golden Boot with five goals despite playing in a more withdrawn role than team-mates Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos) and Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahce).

The shortest-priced African nation at the 2026 World Cup recently set the world record for the longest winning streak in international football. Their 16 successes on the spin seemingly ended at AFCON 2025, but with the new decision, the streak continues.

Morocco seems to pose a serious threat to big-name teams, but overconfidence could prove costly at the 2026 World Cup.

Morocco’s Group C Games

The Atlas Lions will have every confidence as they kick off a new chapter under Ouahi. Morocco could win their group, especially as Brazil were shaky during their World Cup qualifiers. Minnows Haiti and Scotland, who both rely on their physicality to unnerve opponents, make up the group.

Morocco World Cup 2026 Odds

Senegal

The Lions of Teranga kicked off the year by failing to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title, albeit in a controversial final, against hosts Morocco.

Pape Thiaw will be chasing more silverware by deploying his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, which dictates tempo while full-backs add width and wingers burst forward with aplomb. Thiaw has been highly successful by introducing tactical flexibility. Senegal pressurises opponents through athleticism, energy and the shifting systems of 4-4-2 or 4-1-4-1 when they have lost possession. Senegal has a mixture of legendary aces, who are potentially competing in their last World Cup finals, and rising stars.

• Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli) is their undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and a safe pair of hands. Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal) is the defensive lynchpin at centre-back alongside Moussa Niakhate (Olympique Marseille) and Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa).

• Midfielder Idrissa Gueye (Everton) and winger Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr) are both veterans and each frequently captains the team. Mane was ruled out of Qatar 2022 after suffering a severe right leg injury less than a fortnight before the tournament kicked off, so he should be biting at the bit to make his mark at this summer’s tournament.

• Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich) and winger Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) add bite upfront, although this is a very tricky group for Senegal to navigate.

The Lions of Teranga need to keep their cool to improve their disciplinary record if they are going to make an impact at the 2026 World Cup.

Senegal’s Group I Games

The proverbial group of death sees Senegal join European powerhouses France and Norway. The fourth team in the group will be either Boliva, Iraq or Suriname.

Senegal World Cup 2026 Odds

Uruguay

Marcelo Bielsa leads Uruguay into the 2026 World Cup with his unique tactical style, coupled with world-class talents, which could lead the South Americans to glory. The first-ever FIFA World Cup winners triumphed at the 1930 tournament at home and bagged their second crown in 1950, hosted by Brazil. Reaching the semi-finals at South Africa 2010 has been their best World Cup run since. Attack-minded Bielsa employs high-intensity tactics and tends to kick off with a 4-3-3 system.

• Eye-pleasing vertical passing is orchestrated by midfielder maestros Nicolas de la Cruz (CR Flamengo) and Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), who break down defences to generate goalscoring opportunities.

Bielsa is devoted to intense off-the-ball movement and trying to disrupt opponents with a high-pressing game. Uruguay frequently switch to a 4-1-2-1-2 or 5-3-2 defensive shape to seize control.

• He can call on an array of talent to suit his system with a settled side that is well-balanced. These include defenders Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Mathia Olivera (Napoli) and Matias Vina (Flamengo) as well as midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham Hotspur) and Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United).

• Uruguay are a force to be reckoned with, having top-notch strikers like Brian Rodriguez (America), Darwin Nunez (Al-Hilal) and Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos) at their disposal.

Yet the physical nature of “Bielsa ball” could prove to be their downfall, as Uruguay have frequently stuttered during the second half of matches and the 2026 World Cup schedule is tight.

Uruguay’s Group H games

Spain are overwhelming favourites to top their group, but Uruguay are no slouches and finished third at 2024 Copa America. Uruguay should easily dispatch Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, although the Saudis stunned the globe with their shock 2-1 success over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup opening match.

Uruguay World Cup 2026 odds