World Cup 2026 betting tips: Outright predictions and selections

There have already been 17 of the 48 places filled for next summer’s World Cup Finals, with six of those spots taken up by South American teams.

The likes of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia have confirmed that they will be in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.

Although there is still plenty of football to be played in the European section, things are starting to take shape and the outright betting market makes interesting reading.

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World Cup betting tips

Messi still inspiring –  Argentina to win World Cup – 8/1

Argentina have built on their success in Qatar three years ago, romping to top spot in the CONMEBOL standings.

Going into Tuesday’s clash with Ecuador, Lionel Scaloni’s men have lost just three of their 17 qualifiers and are 10 points clear of their nearest challengers – Brazil.

The current world champions beat their major rivals both home and away in qualifying, including a 4-1 success in Buenos Aires, back in March. 

Despite those two wins, Argentina are currently a bigger price to lift the trophy again next summer, with Scaloni’s squad 8/1, while Brazil are available to back at 7/1.

He might now be 38, but Lionel Messi continues to prove that he can still deliver at the very top level, with eight goals in qualifying.

The Inter Miami star leads the way in the South American top scorer charts, while team-mates Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez have four each to their name.

Spain making waves – Spain to win the World Cup – 4/1

After being crowned European champions last summer, Spain seem intent on following that up with a World Cup success in 2026.

Luis de la Fuente’s men have only played two of their six qualifiers so far, but they are already top of Group E and are the 4/1 favourites to be world champions next year.

Spain have found the net nine times in two matches and made a real statement with a 6-0 away win in Turkey, as Arsenal’s Mikel Merino bagged a hat-trick.

They now look nailed on to seal an automatic qualification spot and getting that finalised early can help give them the chance to look at different options for their final squad.

England need to improve – England to win the World Cup – 13/2

England are probably the best-placed of the other European big hitters, despite flattering to deceive in their matches so far.

Thomas Tuchel’s men have won four from four in Group K, ahead of Tuesday’s clash in Serbia, and are now available at 13/2 to win their first World Cup in 60 years.

Ronaldo’s last stand? – Portugal to win the World Cup – 12/1

Another European nation to consider are Portugal, who are currently available at 12/1, even though they have only played one qualifier to date.

The 2016 European champions were massively helped by a 2-2 draw between Republic of Ireland and Hungary and a win in Budapest this week will put them firmly in control of Group F.

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