The 2026 FIFA World Cup is right around the corner, but who will take home the trophy? We’ve looked at the five frontrunners to win the World Cup this summer.
2026 FIFA World Cup: Outright favourites to win the trophy
Portugal – 10/1
Portugal are the most heavily-fancied team to become a first-time world champion this summer.
Roberto Martinez’s side qualified comfortably for the tournament, and the head coach possesses a star-studded team. Cristiano Ronaldo will captain his country in a record-setting sixth World Cup for the 41-year-old, who is the oldest outfield player called up for the tournament.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s leading goal threat, but it’s a stellar midfield cast that puts the Portuguese among the favourites. In Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Paris Saint-Germain pair Joao Neves and Vitinha, Portugal have arguably the best engine room in world football.
Brazil – 8/1
Brazil bumbled their way through qualification with a fifth-place finish in South America. It’s been more than two decades since the record five-time winners last lifted the World Cup, but Brazil produces the talent to be perennial contenders.
Vinicius Junior and Raphinha represent world-class creativity, while a central defensive axis of Champions League-winning captain Marquinhos and Arsenal defender Gabriel is formidable.
Perhaps the biggest trump card is head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The serial winner has claimed a record-breaking five Champions League trophies and each of Europe’s top five leagues during his decorated dugout career. Can he add the World Cup to his résumé?
Surprisingly, the Selecao are ranked more favourably than defending champions Argentina (10/1).
England – 15/2
Can England end their agonising wait for major tournament success? It’s been 60 years since England won the World Cup, the first and so far only tournament triumph in the country’s history.
The Three Lions waltzed through qualification without conceding a single goal, and have the outstanding Harry Kane spearheading their charge.
England have edged closer to tournament success with back-to-back European Championship final defeats, but still have so much to prove.
Spain – 9/2
Spain beat England in that aforementioned final, and the European champions start this summer among the favourites.
Luis de la Fuente’s side stormed to success at Euro 2024 and are stacked with trophy-winning experience. Lamine Yamal will provide the x-factor for La Roja, but the lack of a genuine number nine is a question mark against their hopes.
France – 9/2
France start as joint-favourites, alongside Spain, and are bidding for a third consecutive World Cup final. Les Bleus have, arguably, the most talented team on paper with a squad packed with world-class depth.
A frontline of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele is mouthwatering, while the supporting cast contains game-changing talents. France will be tough to stop.
Read –Â The favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
See more –Â The five favourites to win the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot
