Top 10 teams to win the 2026 World Cup
All odds provided by bet365 Sportsbook & Racebook
10. U.S. (+4000)
On Friday night, the U.S. took the field against Paraguay, and while the opening few minutes clearly showed some nerves and jitters, those were quickly shaken off as the U.S. looked better than they have for quite some time in a commanding 4-1 win.
Paraguay isn't the strongest opponent, but a result like that can do wonders for a team's confidence and give this roster a significant boost. The three-goal victory represented exactly how the match played out. The U.S. controlled the play, possessed the ball, and looked comfortable on the back line.
Captain Christian Pulisic was subbed out at half for a knock on his leg, but doesn’t seem too fearful about his injury heading into this Friday’s game against Australia. If the U.S. looks at how they did on Friday, they could be a feared team coming out of the group stage.
Opening Statement. ???? pic.twitter.com/yhWOQbVlV8
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 13, 2026
9. Netherlands (+1600)
Despite a disappointing tie against Japan yesterday, there were several positives to take away for the Netherlands.
The Netherlands had much more control in this game, completing nearly 200 more passes than Japan. The Japan keeper had a solid day with four saves, but it really was the attacking third where the Dutch didn’t shine.
Yes, they scored two goals, but given their possession, there should have been more big chances created, and if they can right that ship, this becomes a dangerous team.
8. Argentina (+1000)
Argentina has yet to play, with its opening match against Algeria on Tuesday night, and it should, keyword should, be three points for the defending champions who are -250 to win.
Everyone, whether you’re a soccer fan or not, knows about the skill and impact that Lionel Messi possesses. He has the capability to completely change the game in a few plays with his speed and agility to break down defenses and not only finish on goal, but also be patient and find the best pass available in the danger area.
He isn’t a one-man wrecking crew, though. One of my key players for this team will be Enzo Fernandez. The midfielder is known for really facilitating and being at the center of it all. He knows how to distribute the ball well and get his teammates into the best positions to score goals.
The combo of Enzo and Messi will be a headache for most opponents, and we will see that on full display come tomorrow night.
7. Portugal (+750)
Just as people know about Messi, they are also familiar with Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.
His power on his shots is something to see, but his ability to outjump most defenders to win the ball in the air is a crucial part of his game, especially on set pieces and corner kicks.
Similar to Argentina and Messi, Ronaldo has more than just some help on this roster.
Midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva have played alongside Ronaldo at the international level for years, and they know how each plays and can complement one another’s skill sets.
Up front, you have Joao Felix and Pedro Neto, who can really help spread the defense out wide and create runs behind the backline. You will see a lot of attacking third possession from this squad throughout the tournament.
6. Germany (+1400)
By far the most dominant performance in the World Cup so far came from Germany in a 7-1 win over Curaçao.
Sure, Curaçao isn’t the best team by any means, but putting up seven goals in a World Cup game will always catch the eyes of viewers. Germany’s next opponent is Ivory Coast on Saturday, which it should also win, but it will be a step up in competition. Anytime you are completing over 500 passes, 554 to be exact, you are doing something right. Sure, Curaçao scored in the 21st minute to tie the game at one, but from the 38th minute on, it was all Germany.
On Saturday, we will see whether they lose some focus after a 7-1 win or continue where they left off and come out swinging.
??????#fifaworldcup #dfbteam ?? DFB/Max Galys pic.twitter.com/HvJtAecjso
— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) June 14, 2026
5. Morocco (+4000)
A 1-1 tie against Brazil may not seem historic, but it was for Morocco. On Saturday, Morocco became the first country to have their starting 11 in the World Cup be foreign-born.
Outside the U.S., this was the game I was most excited to see, as Brazil and Morocco are both considered among the top 10 in the world for this tournament. The game was extremely fast-paced, with the ball constantly on the move and nearly 900 total passes completed.
The chances kept on coming, and both keepers played well to keep their sides in it. Morocco came out with a little more fire early, striking first with a goal from Ismael Saibari in the 21st minute, but that seemed to wake up Brazil.
In the 32nd minute, Vinícius Júnior made a move from the left wing toward the box and unleashed a laser that found the back of the net, which ended up being the final goal in the match.
Morocco did show it can hang around with some of the best in the world and that it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Don’t be shocked when these two finish first and second in their group.
4. Brazil (+1000)
Continuing on with Brazil, Neymar Jr. was absent in Saturday’s game against Morocco due to a calf injury he suffered about a month ago. However, there is hope within the team that he will be able to start practicing this week and be ready for Friday’s game against Haiti.
Adding Neymar to this squad just adds even more speed on the outside with the ability to dribble by several defenders or get the ball into the box to create havoc.
If that wasn’t enough, defenders will also have their hands full with Raphinha, who likes to play in the middle and play off of Vinícius Júnior.
If this team does end up losing, it won’t be because of a lack of offensive threat.
THE EQUALIZER! ????
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 13, 2026
VINI JR. SCORES BRAZIL'S FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! pic.twitter.com/EQyKVP5E4T
3. France (+450)
While we have yet to see France play, it is no surprise to anyone that they are near the top of many predictions.
The co-favorite on bet365 opens their tournament play tomorrow against Senegal, where they are expected to leave the field with three points.
It will be difficult to score on this roster with the likes of William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, and Theo Hernandez.
But you want to keep the ball down there with those big defenders because once it gets closer and closer to the feet of Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe, that’s where the issues really arise for other teams.
Both of these attacking-minded forwards are too fast to stay in front of and too creative with their moves to predict where they are going. Expect big things from these two, but you can’t lose focus on the others running up to help on the counterattack.
2. Spain (+450)
The other co-favorite on bet365, Spain, opens their World Cup campaign as we speak against Cape Verde, and let’s just say, this one should really be over in the opening minutes as they are -1600 to win this one.
The standout player of this Spain team is the 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who is said to be fit to play but is starting on the bench today to be more cautious about his hamstring recovery, likely just precautionary, because Spain should win easily without him today.
No need to worry, as Gavi, Ferran Torres, and Mikel Oyarzabal in today’s lineup should create enough chances to put at least a few goals up to get the lead this team needs and then coast to the finish line.
Once Yamal is back in form, this team is obviously scary from top to bottom.
1. England (+700)
England will be one of the last teams to play its opening World Cup game, as it battles Croatia on Wednesday afternoon.
Everyone knows that at the top will be none other than Harry Kane. The strong #9 is really good at keeping defenders on his back, making himself available for midfielders and wingers to get him the ball and run off him to create high-scoring chances.
To control the midfield, England depends on Jude Bellingham, who is more than capable of distributing wide or attacking defenders who don’t pressure him.
It will be interesting to see if Reece James, who has struggled with injuries a lot in his career, will play the right wing back spot for England, as he is a great attacking threat from the back and can play great crosses into the area.
But with a strong roster and a group they should clear without issue, I dare say…maybe it is coming home!