The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in North America on June 11, and for fans across the United States, Canada and Mexico, this is a chance to watch the prestigious tournament on home soil. 48 teams will battle through twelve groups and then five stages of knockouts, leading to one nation lifting the trophy on July 19.
The expanded format of the competition is what makes this tournament different to all the rest. With more teams and matches should come more upsets. In fact, established sportsbooks and especially new sports betting Ontario focused brands and markets such as Tooniebet Ontario reflect the uncertainty the new format brings with it. However, the likely winners are one of the strongest nations, and we’ve picked out a handful of them below.
5 Teams Most Likely to Win the World Cup in 2026
Spain
Spain are the reigning European and Olympic champions and one of the top-ranked teams with FIFA. They have a squad blessed with so much talent that an injury here and there barely registers. Luis de la Fuente has got his team playing a style of soccer that combines relentless pressing with technical brilliance, something other teams struggle to achieve. With Lamine Yamal set to be fit for the start of the tournament, Spain will be at full strength and ready to make a run to win the World Cup.
Also Read: Spain Predicted Lineup for 2026 World Cup
France
France have made the last two World Cup finals, winning one and losing one on penalties. They’ve proven themselves to be one of the most feared forces at the tournament, primarily because of the quality they possess. Their attacking players, such as captain Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, head to North America in great form, which is excellent news for Didier Deschamps and bad news for the teams they will come up against.
Also Read: France Predicted Lineup for 2026 World Cup
Argentina
Argentina are the current world champions, and the experience they have of coming good in big moments, such as in the 2022 Qatar World Cup final, is a huge advantage. The aim for Lionel Scaloni and his team is to defend what’s theirs, and they’ll do so with Lionel Messi involved one final time. They may not have the strongest squad on paper, but they make up for it with their winner’s mentality and they have #10, the GOAT. Argentina can never be underestimated to win the World Cup.
Germany
Germany are four-time World Cup winners. And the hope is that two group stage exits have lit a fire under them heading into the tournament. With Julian Nagelsmann in charge, one of the world’s best coaches, and players such as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz at his disposal, the rebuild is complete, and Germany should finally be ready to go again on the biggest stage.
Also Read: Germany Predicted Lineup for World Cup 2026
Brazil
Brazil may not have won the World Cup since 2002, but they remain the most successful nation in the tournament’s history. On his day, winger Vinicius Junior is unplayable, with the Selecao having a genuine superstar in their ranks. The good news is that Carlo Ancelotti is now in post and, due to coaching Vinicius Junior previously, he should be able to get the best out of the Real Madrid man.
Also Read: Brazil Predicted Lineup for World Cup 2026
The Bottom Line
To win the World Cup, you have to be a top team and have a little bit of luck go your way. All the teams mentioned above have what it takes, with many of them previous winners of the tournament. So the question is, which of them will have luck on their side this summer to go with their quality? With our latest National Team rankings of the top 5, there is not a very clear favourite.
