What's happened
Spain and France are the pre-tournament favorites, with BetMGM and DraftKings listing them as top contenders. The U.S. and Mexico trail with longer odds while injuries affect key players ahead of the opening matches.
What's behind the headline?
Why this matters
- Spain and France are the clear frontrunners in early betting markets, with both countries attracting the highest wagers and money.
- France’s back line is dealing with injuries, while Spain is hopeful Lamine Yamal returns for the opener.
- Odds shift as teams manage squad depth and form; a single upset could reshape expectations.
What to watch
- How injuries influence opening fixtures and group outcomes.
- The USMNT’s long odds could narrow if recent form translates to early results.
- Portugal remains a dark horse with a deep pool of talent.
How we got here
The 2026 World Cup in North America features 48 teams in 12 groups. Defending champions Argentina face a tough path to reclaim the title, while traditional powers Spain, France, and Portugal are among the early favorites. The tournament kicks off in Mexico City, with teams preparing amid ongoing injuries and schedule logistics.
Our analysis
The New Arab; The Scotsman; betting markets (BetMGM, DraftKings) as cited by those outlets.
Go deeper
- Which teams are considered the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup?
- How are injuries affecting Spain and France heading into the tournament?
- What are the early betting odds for the USMNT and Mexico?
More on these topics
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Spain - Country
Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe with some pockets of territory across the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean. Its continental European territory is situated on the Iberian Peninsula.
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France - Country in Europe
France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
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Scotland - Country of the United Kingdom
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96 mile border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and w
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England - Country of the United Kingdom
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest of England and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. England is separated from continental Europe by