“We’ll have a great World Cup in 2026,’’ says FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and we believe him. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be held in three countries and host 48 teams for the first time. With the 2026 World Cup only 18 months away, excitement is inevitably building surrounding the event, especially in host countries Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with qualification rounds well underway in the AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, and CONMEBOL continental regions.
Although there’s still a massive array of matches yet to be played between now and the opening game of the World Cup in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, one question that’s never too early to ask remains, who’s going to win the World Cup? Europe's top teams are still engaged in Nations League football, but some are already shaping up incredibly better than the rest.
Who are the World Cup favorites? Which nations may need to up their game in the interim to boost their winning hopes and chances towards the next edition of football’s biggest event? Below is a review of the highest-ranking international teams, per their 2026 World Cup odds, and the perspective of experts. Meanwhile, for fans in the Philippines, BK8 is one of the sportsbooks offering odds for the events. You can read this complete guide to BK8’s features from MightyTips to learn more about the bookmaker.
Now, to the favorites for the big title.
1. Spain
Spain undoubtedly was the worthy winner of Euro 2024, with the team putting forward an excellently offensive and doggedly defensive squad that world football is yet to recover from. The Spaniards defied all-comers, thanks to the defensive heroics of Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella, the midfield masteries of Rodri and Fabian Ruiz, and the skillful paces of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams out wide, despite lacking a prolific striker and a world-class goalkeeper.
De La Feunte's side looks well poised as potential contenders for World Cup glory come 2026, with several other promising young players emerging onto the season. Here's highlighting the all-clear prospects of Samu Agehowa, Pau Cabarsi, Marc Casado, and Pablo Barrios. No doubt, bar any significant drop in form or injuries, La Roja is one side to beat come 2026.
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2. Argentina
Perhaps the biggest question surrounding this squad surrounds whether or not Lionel Messi would play in the 2026 World Cup following his triumph at the last Mundial. Leo stuck around the squad to lift another Copa America, but the bigger question is whether he’ll continue in the squad until 2026.
Despite showing some impressive form for the Albiceleste over the last year, the 37-year-old is clearly past his best years, at the moment. Thankfully, Lautaro Martinez has held on to his brilliant form for both club and country in 2024. Should Julian Alvarez step up his game even further over the next several months, then Argentina should have little worries on its front edge by the time World Cup 2026 arrives – regardless of Lionel Messi's choice.
3. Germany
Only a 119th-minute winner from Mikel Merino could separate Germany from Spain during the Euro 2024 quarter-final clash – an event many wished could have easily made a final berth. While the hosts would want better memories retained, Julian Nagelsmann's side has put up a significant performance that shows how far they've come under the former Bayern Munich manager.
Germany may now be without legendary midfielder Toni Kroos due to retirement; but they can still boast of the multi-talented Joshua Kimmich and Ballon d'Or 2024 nominees like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. Considering their fine form following the Euro 2024 quarterfinal loss, it's clear that Die Mannschaft looks set to be worthy contenders for the Grand Prize of the 2026 Mundial.
4. England
England definitely ranks high in any serious conversation on who is most likely to win the World Cup in 2026. The Three Lions were outclassed by Spain in the Euro 2024 final. But that hasn't changed the fact that England remains a formidable force in world football.
Post the continental showpiece, the English side has demonstrated remarkable feats, including earning a promotion to UEFA League A, thanks to a star-studded side with multiple Ballon d'Or nominees. There'll be no overlooking the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter finalists come 2026, and with the appointment of revered German manager, Thomas Tuchel, all teams would do well to be modestly wary of the England national team.
5. France
After winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the next final berth, France has shown again and again that they remain worthy powerhouses in world football. No one might be sure of Kylian Mbappe's mental/physical state, going forward, but, as is often said in football, ‘‘class is permanent, and form is temporal.” You can safely expect the Euro 2024 finalists to find their way around significantly into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
6. Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't seem to be resting on his oars, just yet, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner firing goals and setting new records for club and country in 2026. Apparently, the 39-year-old showed that he can no longer play at football's peak level during the Euros. However, his significant form and fitness could qualify him to feature in another World Cup for the Selecao come 2026.
No doubt, Portugal is replete with enough superstar players to qualify for the World Cup and even go far enough into the competition. One can only hope that the Portuguese won’t have to pay dearly for indulging an aging Ronaldo at a major tournament – just as they did at Qatar 2022 and Euro 2024.
Conclusion
No one can say who will win the World Cup in 2026. As MightyTips tipster Evelyn Balyton said, ‘‘The World Cup is the height of football competition and it’s hard to predict the winner of the tournament because of the quality of teams present. However, if anything can point us to the possible winner, it is the quality of their squads and track records.’’
While there's no ruling out the possibility of an underdog story, Spain, Argentina, Germany, England, France, and Portugal shine proudly as 2026 World Cup favorites, with barely eighteen months to go. Who do you think could win the World Cup among these teams? Any underdog story you'd love to pitch? Let's hear them in the comments section and get the conversation going!
