2026 FIFA World Cup: Which Teams Have the Best Odds to Lift the Trophy

The countdown is on for this summer's 2026 FIFA World Cup, the sport's premier global event that draws billions of viewers worldwide.

The tournament's 23rd iteration launches this Thursday, June 11, bringing together a record 48-team field across three host nations. For the first time in World Cup history, matches will take place simultaneously in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The schedule spans from June 11 through July 19, with competition ramping up as the tournament progresses. The opening days feature two matches daily on June 11 and 12, expanding to four matches per day from June 13 through 23. Beginning June 24, the tournament shifts to six matches daily through June 27, culminating in 104 total matches. The championship final is set for July 19.

The 2022 World Cup drew an estimated 5.6 billion viewers across television and digital platforms, and this year's tournament is expected to reach comparable—if not larger—audiences given the expanded format and tri-nation hosting arrangement.

Betting enthusiasm is already in full swing. Kalshi, a major prediction market platform, has already processed over $119 million in wagered volume on World Cup outcomes. Sportsbooks and betting sites worldwide are offering odds on the full field of contenders, with the most competitive markets tracking which teams oddsmakers view as genuine title threats.

The expanded 48-team format represents a significant shift from previous tournaments, potentially creating new pathways for underdog nations while intensifying scrutiny of traditional powerhouses. As the tournament draws closer, betting markets will continue to reflect shifting expectations based on team form, injury reports, and other pre-tournament developments.