The 2026 World Cup is approaching: Here are the current odds on winners

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching and interest is already growing for this summer's big football event. Organised by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament is planned for 16 host cities. In parallel with the preparations, betting market speculation has started, with favourite countries and contenders circulating. With the kick-off still a few months away, here are the current odds on who will lift the trophy.

World Cup odds - favourites and contenders

In the run-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, speculation has already begun to bubble at the betting shops, with long-shot betting odds already published for which nations are considered to have the best chance of winning. Searches like "odds Norway wins the World Cup" shows that even teams that are not traditionally top favourites are attracting interest in the betting market. Norway is playing in its first World Cup since 1998 and was virtually ready to play after a victory against Estonia at the end of last year.

Odds give an indication of how the market assesses the likelihood of different outcomes, but please note that odds are dynamic and never guarantee a set outcome. The favourites tend to be established footballing nations, and this year Spain is being touted as the early favourite to take home the gold. Other countries are classed as contenders or potential surprises. According to Svenska Spel, these include France, England, Brazil and Argentina.

How to interpret the odds

The World Cup is a popular event that draws huge crowds when it takes place every four years. Interest in the sport and its stars does not seem to be slowing down any time soon, which is reflected in the betting market. Through the odds, betting companies show how the market values different outcomes.

Lower odds indicate that a team is considered more likely to win, while higher odds indicate a lower probability. For example, experts from Oddsnet.com say that a team with odds of 5.00 is considered less likely than one with 3.00. At the same time, they emphasise that odds are never a guarantee of the final outcome.

Factors affecting the odds

Odds change with new information, and between 48 participating countries, three host countries and probable heatwave there are many variables to take into account. Oddsnet's experts emphasise factors such as team selections, previous match results, injuries and players' general form. It should therefore be emphasised that odds are an indication and not a definite forecast.

As mentioned, betting companies already offer World Cup odds in the form of long term bets. During the championship itself, there is then the chance to place short-term bets and live bets, which means that the odds are continuously updated in real time.

Current odds: an overview

For the 2026 World Cup, odds include which countries will reach the final and who will be the top scorer. Spain are the favourites, with competition from England and France (among others). Among the candidates for potential top scorers are 2022's top scorer Kylian Mbappé, as well as Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo. Otherwise, you can bet on everything from the number of goals, scores and scorers to corners and cards.

In order to give an idea of the market's perception at the time of publication, we have collected some current (approximate) odds on which teams are predicted to win this year's World Cup. The odds show how the market assesses each team's chances based on history, form and other factors. These change as new information comes in, so please note that the table is an indication of the current situation and that various odds are constantly updated.

Why is Spain the favourite for the 2026 World Cup?

Spain is historically a strong football nation and has shown impressive form ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The mix of seasoned players and new blood, many believe, will ensure that the team can go all the way in this championship. Spain has shown a fast, technical and coordinated game that has made both experts and betting companies take note.

Brazil challenges with a vengeance

Brazil has a string of successful championships under its belt and is considered one of the contenders for this World Cup. Although they are not the absolute favourites at the moment, anything can happen. Experts believe they are also fuelled by a desire for revenge after losing the quarter-final to Croatia in 2022.

The market shows odds that reflect both respect for their history and the fact that tournaments can always surprise.

The market's perception of this year's World Cup

As the 2026 World Cup draws ever closer, the odds already provide an interesting insight into the dynamics of the betting market. Both favourites and teams that could surprise are highlighted, with the emphasis on the fact that nothing is written in stone in advance.

The odds from Svenska Spel and other betting companies show how the market currently views the probability of different nations winning the championship. Before that, however, a lot can happen that affects the current odds. As qualifiers and friendlies are played, and later group games once the tournament has started, the odds are continuously adjusted.

As far as Sweden is concerned, it is not yet decided whether we will make it all the way to North America, but we are certainly following developments with excitement.