The FIFA World Cup is eight months away, but thoughts are already turning towards which teams could potentially win in 2026 as more teams qualify.
We know the identity of 28 of the 48 participating teams, and we have a fair idea who will be joining them, particularly in Europe where most of the top guns are on the cusp of booking their ticket to North America.
We’ve had a look at what the bookmakers are saying about who are the most likely winners at this remove.
It will come as a surprise to almost no one that Spain are the early frontrunners following their win at Euro 2024. They are on a four-match winning streak at the moment, although they did lose the UEFA Nations League final on penalties to Portugal earlier this year.
The team they beat in a nine-goal thriller in the semi-finals of that competition, France, are second favourites at 9/2. They still have arguably the best pound-for-pound squad in international football, and it would come as no shock if they were to reach a third successive World Cup final.
Third in the odds are England, who are looking to finally get over the line in a major tournament after coming so close under Gareth Southgate. Could Thomas Tuchel be the man to get them over the line?
Brazil are considered the fourth most likely team to lift the trophy. It would be the crowning moment of an illustrious career for Carlo Ancelotti if he managed to lead them to a crown time in their history, but the Seleção have flattered to deceive on the world stage in recent years.
Perhaps surprisingly, they are ahead of holders Argentina in the odds, despite the latter dominating South America over the past five years. Indeed, Brazil were on the receiving end of a 4-1 mauling in March of this year and haven’t beaten their rivals since 2019.
Despite a wealth of talent in Roberto Martinez’ squad, Portugal are only sixth favourites to win the World Cup for the first time ever. Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41 years of age by the time the tournament rolls around; this will surely be his last opportunity to complete the set of trophies before he retires, but will his lack of mobility handicap the side at the business end of the competition?
Germany and Netherlands, meanwhile, are considered relative outsiders to go all the way, while Norway and the free-scoring Erling Haaland are 150/1 to spring an unlikely surprise next summer.
