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The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada promises to be a thrilling showcase of top-class international football.
Read on as we look at the format and qualification process for the tournament, before assessing the latest odds and potential contenders for the prestigious title.
World Cup 2026 – Format
FIFA has expanded the tournament to accommodate 48 teams. There will be 12 groups of four teams and an additional knockout round.
- 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
World Cup 2026 – Qualification
Forty-six teams qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the final two places will go down to what should be a mouthwatering intercontinental showdown.
The CONCACAF region will get six automatic qualifying places. However, only three will be up for grabs because the US, Mexico and Canada’s automatic places have been subtracted.
The intercontinental play-offs feature six teams, one from all the five federations besides Europe (AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and OFC) and an extra for host confederation CONCACAF.
The two highest-ranked teams secure automatic slots in the final, while the remaining four will slug it out in bracket semi-finals. The winners of the finals will secure a place in the World Cup group stage.
- UEFA (Europe) – 16 teams
- AFC (Asian) – 8 teams
- CAF (Africa) – 9 teams
- CONCACAF (North, Central America and Caribbean) – 6 teams
- CONMEBOL (South America) – 6 teams
- OFC (Oceania) – 1 team
World Cup 2026 – Betting Odds
France are one of the bookmakers’ favourites after winning the title in 2018 and reaching the final in 2022. They have a deep talent pool for manager Didier Deschamps.
Les Bleus face competition from 2024 European Championship winners Spain. La Roja sent France packing on their way to clinching the Euro title.
Outsiders such as the Republic of Ireland will be looking to prove their mettle. Irish football betting sites will be inundated with wagers from optimistic fans.
The Irish squad has steadily been improving and they could be a good bet to enjoy another excellent run at a major tournament in North America.
England will hope to mark the 60th anniversary of their 1966 World Cup win with another major title, and their odds have improved after appointing Thomas Tuchel as manager.
- France – 7.00
- Spain – 7.00
- Brazil – 7.50
- England – 7.50
- Argentina – 11.00
- Germany – 11.00
- Portugal – 17.00
- Netherlands – 21.00
- Italy – 21.00
- Uruguay – 34.00
- Colombia – 41.00
- United States – 51.00
- Bar – 67.00
World Cup 2026 – Preview
FIFA has attracted criticism for expanding the 2026 World Cup, with clubs complaining about the impact of the extra games on their players.
They have also received backlash for the poor scheduling. Domestic club football ended on May 20, 2018 and the World Cup began on June 14.
Teams had 25 days to prepare, but that number has been cut to 16 days to allow an expanded tournament in 2026.
Concerns are also being raised over the state of the pitches in North America. The 2024 Copa America was filled with complaints over shaky surfaces, and teams are wary of a repetition.
Despite the issues, the top teams will be desperate to emerge victorious when the action gets underway in the US, Mexico and Canada.
France and Spain are worthy favourites, while Brazil and Argentina could be dangerous if they produce their best form.
England will also fancy their chances, although their penchant for failing to win silverware undoubtedly makes them a risky betting proposition.
The value bet could be Germany. The improved at Euro 2024 and were in excellent form during the recent Nations League games.
Odds of 11.00 are a fair reflection of their chances and they are fancied to lift the trophy for a record equalling fifth time.
