Top Favorites to Win the FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup is underway, and while we’ve already had a sliver of a taste of what’s to come, the top favorites for the trophy remain largely the same as we anticipated at the start of the tournament. Let’s walk you through those:
Top Five for the Title
- #1 Spain: Still to play, the European Champions are in one of the easiest groups, alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and the only real challenger, Uruguay.
- #2 France: France faces a stern challenge from Norway, and Senegal won’t be a walk in the park, but the two-time winners have more than enough talent to emerge victorious.
- #3 England: Gareth Southgate may no longer be at the helm, but the Three Lions are still top-three favorites, although Croatia and Ghana represent challenges in their group.
- #4 Portugal: The 2016 European Champions haven’t had much luck in the World Cup, with a third-place finish in 1966 their best result. Their squad this time around means business, though.
- #5 Argentina: Favorites from South America, the defending champions will take some beating, and an easy group should see them hit their stride come the knockout rounds.
Best of the Rest
- Brazil: A shock draw with Morocco is not the start Brazil wanted, but let’s face it – it’s Brazil we’re talking about. You would always expect them to be there, or thereabouts.
- Germany: A 7-1 drubbing of Curaçao isn’t exactly proof that Germany is here to win, but it’s a strong start for the four-time champions, and something to build on with Ecuador and the Ivory Coast to come.
- Netherlands: Drawing 1-1 with Japan wasn’t the start they wanted, but we’d expect them to easily overcome Tunisia, and a good result against Sweden will put the Oranje right back on track.
Outsiders
- Norway: If it weren’t for Erland Haaland, we wouldn’t be talking about Norway at all. He’s in the squad, he’s firing on all cylinders, and if they can squeeze through the group with France and Senegal, they could get an easier route to the final.
- Morocco: A big draw with Brazil has lifted the spirits of the North African country. Semi-finalists in 2022, Morocco aren’t expected to win, but they represent the real dark horse of the tournament. They couldn’t go all the way, could they?
