6 Nations That Could Lift the World Cup
With world-class talent in every position, envious depth, and recent success, France and Spain are widely seen as the two best teams in the world and rightful favourites to win the 2026 World Cup. But, should the pair win their respective groups, they’ll be on a collision course for the semifinals, opening up the field to a quartet of hopefuls with a shot at World Cup glory.
Spain (+400)
The one-time champions are favourites after a dominant showing at the most recent major international tournament, winning Euro 2024 with victories over Germany, France, and England along the way. With teenager Lamine Yamal (+2000 to win the Golden Boot) already making a claim as the world’s best player and a suffocatingly controlling midfield, a continuation of their Euros form should be expected.
France (+475)
France’s latest golden generation is back among the favourites after back-to-back World Cup finals, including a 2018 triumph. Though no team can match their ridiculous attacking depth, led by Kylian Mbappe (+510 to win the Golden Boot) and Michael Olise (+4000), their midfield is less certain. With a potential semifinal date with Spain, the middle of the park could loom as a glaring weakness.
England (+600)
Sixty years after their lone World Cup success, England enter the summer’s tournament with hopes of continuing a revival that began in 2018. With Harry Kane (+640 to win Golden Boot) fresh off a 60-goal campaign for Bayern Munich and serial winner Thomas Tuchel charged with livening up a squad that had grown stale, a semifinal should be the minimum expectation.
Argentina (+800)
Lionel Messi's international career had become synonymous with heartbreak, with losses in the finals at the 2014 World Cup as well as the 2015 and ‘16 Copa Americas. The hiring of Lionel Scaloni changed everything, however, with Messi finally winning his first trophy with Argentina at the 2021 Copa America. It was followed by the '22 World Cup and then a defense of their Copa America crown in 2024.
In what will surely be Messi’s final World Cup (+1600 to win Golden Boot), he'll be flanked by a dead-eye finisher in Julian Alvarez (+2500), a relentless midfield, and the reliable, infamous Emiliano Martinez in goal.
Brazil (+800)
The World Cup’s winningest team is now led by five-time Champions League-winning manager Carlo Ancelotti, giving a team that can teeter on crisis an air of seriousness. While talisman Vinicius Junior (+2500 to win Golden Boot) is yet to deliver for his country on the international stage and their defense leaves a lot to be desired, they remain rich in talent higher up the pitch and won’t wilt in the intensity of the knockout stages.
Portugal (+800)
An underdog in name only, Portugal stand out as a serious contender… provided their most famous name doesn’t sabotage the efforts. With a midfield arguably only outdone by Spain, talent in the back, and exciting young attackers, they’re positioned to make their first semifinal in 60 years. That is, however, contingent on Cristiano Ronaldo (+2000 to win Golden Boot) taking a backseat. The 41-year-old hasn't been a part of a winning solution in years and no longer has the legs or defensive desire to fill the role required of forwards in the modern game. Should his supersized ego accept a bit part role, Portugal can reach their promise.
Click here to see all World Cup odds at BET99.
Odds as of June 8, 2026.