Football fans are in for a treat in 2026, as the 23rd edition of the prestigious FIFA World Cup is staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Each of the hosts are guaranteed a place in the tournament, and they will be joined by another 45 teams who will book their spots after a lengthy qualification process.
Read on as we look at the latest betting, format, schedule and broadcasters, before assessing which teams are most likely to win the World Cup.
World Cup 2026 – Ante-Post Odds
Bookmakers worldwide will offer a plethora of markets on the World Cup including outright odds, match betting, correct score, top goalscorer and many more.
The sportsbook attached to this leading Canada online casino will be among the platforms which will be inundated with wagers on the footballing extravaganza. The latest odds are as follows:
- Spain – 6/1
- France – 6/1
- Brazil – 6/1
- England – 7/1
- Argentina – 8/1
- Germany – 10/1
- Portugal – 14/1
- Netherlands – 20/1
- Italy – 20/1
- Belgium – 33/1
- Uruguay – 33/1
- Colombia – 40/1
- United States – 50/1
- Bar – 66/1
World Cup 2026 – Format & Schedule
FIFA has increased the number of teams from 32 to 48 for the tournament, thus making it even more appealing to football fans worldwide.
The governing body has also awarded hosting rights to three nations for the first time, giving the US, Canada and Mexico automatic entry into the showpiece event.
The tournament features 12 groups of four teams. The top two sides from each section progress to the knockout phase, alongside the eight best third-placed teams.
The tournament becomes a straight knockout from this point. Here are the dates for each phase of the 2026 World Cup:
- Group stage – June 11-27
- Round of 32 – June 28 – July 3
- Round of 16 – July 4-7
- Quarter-finals – July 9-11
- Semi-finals – July 14-15
- Third place play-off – July 18
- Final – July 19
Related: UCL: PSG Better Without Mbappe – Donnarumma
World Cup 2026 – Broadcasters
The following companies have agreed deals with FIFA to broadcast the World Cup.
- Argentina – Argentina TV, TyC Sports
- Albania – TV Klan
- Australia – SBS
- Austria – ORF
- Brazil – Grupo Globo, Grupo Bandeirantes, TB
- Bulgaria – BNT, NOVA
- Bosnia & Herzegovina – BHRT, MY TV
- Canada – Bell Media
- Chile – Chilevision
- Colombia – Caracol Television, Canal RCN
- Croatia – HRT
- Czechia– CT, TV Nova
- Denmark – DR, TV2
- Europe – EBU
- Finland – YLE, MTV
- France – M6
- Guatemala – Chapin TV
- Hungary – MTVA
- India – Viacom18
- Israel – IPBC
- Latin America – DSports
- Mexico – Televisa, TV Azteca
- Netherlands – NOS
- North Macedonia – Arena Sport
- Norway – NRK, TV2
- Peru – America Television
- Russia – Match TV
- Romania – Antena 1
- Serbia – Arena Sport
- Slovakia – TV JOJ
- Slovenia – Arena Sport
- Sweden – SVT, TV4
- South Korea – JTBC
- Suriname – SCCN TV
- Turkey – Kanal 1
- United Kingdom – BBC, ITV
- United States – FOX (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
World Cup 2026 – Preview
Brazil (5), Germany (4) and Italy (4) are the most successful teams in the history of the World Cup and will fancy their chances of making a deep run in the tournament.
Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment as Brazil manager could boost their chances of success as they strive to lift the trophy for the first time since 2002.
Reigning champions Argentina are also fancied to go a long way next summer having impressed during the South American qualification phase.
Spain, France and England are among the other teams who will be well-backed by punters in the outright betting market for the World Cup.
The three hosts will be eager to reach the knockout phase. Canada could be the surprise package of that trio having reached the Copa America semi-finals last summer.
While no African team has ever won the World Cup, several from the continent have an excellent chance of making their mark in North America.
They include Tunisia, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Egypt and Morocco, who have all looked impressive during the qualification phase.
Nigeria are currently fourth in their group, but still have time to at least secure a place in the inter-confederation play-offs.
