World Cup 2026 Favorites: Who Will Win the Trophy?

Every World Cup has its favourites — the teams backed by bookmakers, pundits, and fans to lift the trophy. In 2026, a handful of nations stand clearly above the rest, but the expanded 48-team format and the new Round of 32 introduce more opportunities for upsets before the business end of the tournament.

Brazil

Brazil arrive in 2026 in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. They are the most successful nation in World Cup history (five titles) and come into the tournament with a squad full of elite club talent. Their group looks manageable, and a potential quarter-final path through the bottom of the bracket suits them.

Argentina

The reigning world champions are in Group J with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Defending a World Cup title is notoriously difficult, but Argentina have a settled squad and an exceptional generation of players. They are slight co-favourites with Brazil in most predictions.

France

France are drawn in Group I with Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. Les Bleus possess arguably the most individually talented squad in the tournament. Their record in knockout football is exceptional — two World Cup titles and two finals in the last eight years.

Germany

In Group E alongside Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador, Germany have a clear route through the group stage. A resurgent Germany, fresh from hosting Euro 2024, will be dangerous from the Round of 16 onwards.

England

England find themselves in Group L with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. After reaching the semi-finals in 2018 and the final in the delayed Euro 2020, a golden generation needs to deliver at a World Cup. The pressure is immense, but the quality is undeniable.

Spain and Portugal

Spain (Group H) and Portugal (Group K) both have excellent squads and favourable group draws on paper. Both have the squad depth to cope with tournament attrition, and their potential route to the semi-finals could avoid the top half of the bracket.

Predict which favourite actually lifts the trophy in our World Cup 2026 prediction game.