Spain tipped as slight favourite as 2026 World Cup betting markets open
With the expanded 48-team tournament set to commence in North America, bookmakers have released initial odds for the title, placing Spain at +450 and the host nation United States at 50-1.
Betting operators have released initial odds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, identifying Spain as the slight favourite at +450 to win the tournament. France, England, Brazil, and Portugal follow as the next most likely contenders. The United States, co-hosting the event alongside Canada and Mexico, holds odds of 50-1, a shortening from the pre-draw estimate of 66-1. The tournament marks the first expansion to 48 teams and will feature simultaneous opening ceremonies across the three host nations on 11 June 2026, with matches commencing on 12 June.
Spain’s position at the top of the betting markets reflects its status as a traditional football powerhouse, with France priced at +500, England at +700, Brazil at +800, and Portugal at +900. Defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi share the +900 odds with Portugal, while Germany is listed at 14-1 and the Netherlands at 20-1. Every other team has odds of at least 33-1, with Mexico, Senegal, Switzerland, Turkey, and Uruguay priced at 66-1.
The United States enters the tournament as the +138 favourite in Group D, ahead of Türkiye (+175), Paraguay (+400), and Australia (+800). The US odds were shortened from 66-1 following the finalisation of the group draw in December 2025. Prior to the draw, a notable $5,000 wager was reportedly placed on the United States to win the title at 75-1 odds at Hard Rock Bet, which would have returned $375,000 had the US secured its first World Cup victory.
The tournament structure involves simultaneous opening ceremonies across Mexico, Canada, and the United States on 11 June 2026. The opening match is scheduled for 12 June, with the host nation facing Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The event is expected to be the most-bet sporting event globally this summer, drawing attention to the performance of the 48 participating nations.
Lower-ranked teams in the betting markets include Algeria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Egypt, the Republic of Korea, Paraguay, and Scotland, all listed at 250-1. A further group comprising Cape Verde, Iraq, Jordan, New Zealand, Panama, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Uzbekistan is priced at 1,000-1. The release of these odds coincides with the final preparations for the tournament, which begins later this week.
