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The draw for the 2026 World Cup took place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC on December 5, 2025, officially ushering in and football betting favorites for FIFA’s biggest tournament yet.
The draw marked the first return of the men’s World Cup to the United States since the iconic 1994 edition and the new expanded format.
For the first time in its history, the competition will bring together 48 teams, divided into 12 groups, followed by an extended knockout phase.
Europe’s elite and traditional South American powers continue to dominate early showings, although the expanded format introduces a greater range of games and possible secondary group favorites, causing an upset.
2026 World Cup format designed for established betting favorites
The 2026 World Cup format includes more teams and more fixtures. Three teams progressing through most groups and an additional knockout round absorbing the expanded field show that the risk of a premature exit from the elite nations is not on the agenda.
In practical terms, this makes a repeat of surprise eliminations, such as France’s group stage exit in 2002, much less likely.
Team rotation, depth and recovery could prove as decisive as the quality of the stars at the 2026 tournament, as match congestion is expected to rival or exceed that of Russia 2018.
There was a notable ticket reaction since the draw settled and the markets reacted to the biggest matches presented. Supporters groups have forced FIFA to rethink its pricing following the first blow to tournament organizers.
@FIFAcomIt is #WorldCup the price of tickets is a betrayal of the most dedicated fans. At least $6,900 to support your team from the first match to the final – almost 5 times more than in Qatar.
FSE calls for an immediate end to ticket sales.
Statement: https://t.co/AgEdqsfrox pic.twitter.com/2Yq5z5GIDZ
– Football Fans Europe (@FansEurope) December 11, 2025
The big players: 2026 World Cup betting favorites remain familiar
Through direct marketsSpain continues to lead the pack as tournament favorites, generally priced around 5/1, with some books drifting slightly into the 6/1-7/1 range.
They are closely followed by Brazil and Argentina, both well-established South American giants in the tournament. France and England complete the top spot, with the latter typically trading at around 13/2, placing them second behind Spain in several UK-targeted books.
Hosts face great difficulties
The United States is the strongest of the three host countries in terms of outright prices, typically trading between 40/1 and 60/1. Mexico, co-organizer of the tournament after 1970 and 1986, is slightly behind, between 50/1 and 66/1.
Canada remains the best of the trio, with odds between 80/1 and 100/1, reflecting the team’s fighting spirit during its greatest tournament performance.
Decipher the group draw
Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Playoff D
Markets are leaning toward Mexico at the top of the group, driven primarily by host country advantage rather than belief in strong progress. South Korea is touted as the main challenger, while the introduction of a European playoff winner, such as Denmark or the Czechia, would significantly tighten prices.
Group B: Canada, Playoffs A, Qatar, Switzerland
This group remains unresolved. Switzerland is the strongest confirmed team, but if Italy came out of the Playoffs A, they would become clear favorites despite of Canada home support, and you can never rule out the Azzuri at a World Cup.
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Brazil are the heavy favorites to win the group, backed by odds of around 8/1 to 10/1. Morocco has some incredibly talented individuals, but nothing matches the quality of the Seleção.
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Playoff C
The United States is favored to lead the group, but Paraguay and Australia pose a physical test for the hosts, while a strong playoff C team, as Türkiyewould quickly compress prices.
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Germany are expected to top the group despite recent inconsistencies in squad composition and the retirement of the old guard who brought so much domestic success. Their odds generally range from 12/1 to 16/1, with Ecuador and Ivory Coast close behind them.
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Playoffs B, Tunisia
Markets favor the Netherlands, with Japan seen as the main threat. A strong B playoff participant like Ukraine, Sweden or Poland could make this one of the tightest groups.
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Belgium remains the obvious choice in the market as a team that regularly produces complete players at the highest level in the European knockout stages. soccer.
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Spain are expected to top the group and remain tournament favorites at around 5/1, with a clear gap to Uruguay, who will likely finish second.
Group I: France, Senegal, Bolivia/Iraq/Suriname Playoffs, Norway
France dominates the group’s expectations, supported by outright odds around 7/1–8/1. Senegal and Norway are dangerous but clearly second in terms of group pricing.
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Defending champions Argentina are the heavy favorites to finish top of the group, at odds of around 8/1 to 9/1.
Group K: Portugal, Playoff 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Portugal are favorites to win the group, and this could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last dance at the World Cup. Colombia are the main challengers, but compared to a golden generation comprising a possible Ballon d’Or winner and PSG’s Vitinha, they do not seem likely to cause an upset.
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
England are expected to top the group, although Croatia are keeping prices tighter due to their previous tournament performances and a strong backbone of Champions League-level talent.
The tournament begins with a repeat of the opening match of the 2010 competition between Mexico and South Africa. The drama and betting opportunities will unfold worldwide at the Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026.
Featured Image: FIFA
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