2026 World Cup: Betting sites name favorites, top Golden Boot contenders

Betting markets have identified Spain, France, England, Brazil, Argentina, and Portugal as the leading favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. Germany and the Netherlands are also considered potential contenders, though with lower projections.

Spain tops the forecasts, largely due to their recent status as reigning European champions. In the 2026 World Cup group stage, "La Roja" will aim for the top spot in Group H against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.

France, the runner-up in the 2022 World Cup, is positioned as the second-highest favorite. The French squad will compete in Group I, facing Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. England rounds out the top three predicted contenders for the World Cup title.

Betting platforms also project that the top scorer will emerge from these leading nations and their star players. Odds are concentrated on Kylian Mbappé of France, Harry Kane of England, Lionel Messi of Argentina, Erling Haaland of Norway, Spain's Lamine Yamal, and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to commence on Thursday, June 11, with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico. The final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in the United States.