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With the World Cup now officially taking place next month, it’s safe to say that football fans are starting to become increasingly excited. Normally at this point in time, footy fans can become disheartened. The season is winding down, and ordinarily it signifies a summer without the beautiful game. During the World Cup, though, that all changes (excluding 2022 of course).

Taking place across America, Mexico, and Canada, the 2026 World Cup promises plenty of thrills, spills, and excitement along the way. The World Cup isn’t just great excuse to get together, watch the match, and have a few drinks with your mates (or watch in bed, as the case may be) it’s also a great way to place a bet or two and hopefully win a few quid in the process.

But what do the bookies think? Will this be the year that football finally comes home for England, will a weakened Argentina be able to defend their title, or will Spain, France, or anybody else for that matter, throw a spanner in the works? Here are the current favs and the odds you can expect.

Spain 9/2

Currently, it is Spain whom the bookies are tipping to lift the trophy in July.

BetVictor and Boyle Sports both currently have Spain at 9/2 odds to win the tournament, and considering their recent form, and the quality of players on the pitch, that’s hardly surprising.

Spain may only have won the tournament once, but they are no slouches when it comes to major tournament victories, having broken English hearts back in 2024 in the finals of Euros. With Rodri looking so solid in defence for City, and Barcelona’s wonder kid Lamine Yamal currently on 16 goals, he’ll be looking to make an impression on the world stage.

France 5/1

Of course, you couldn’t discuss World Cup favourites and not talk about France.

France are one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament, and any team unlucky enough to draw them will certainly not relish the opportunity. With two World Cups to their name out of 16 appearances, they’ll be looking to add a third.

Of course, all eyes will be on Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, with the 27-year-old currently sitting on 24 goals in La Liga this season. At the World Cup, on 11 goals he is 5 goals shy of becoming the all-time goalscorer at the tournament, so we can expect plenty of attacking football as he looks to seal his name in the record books.

France are currently at 5/1 odds to win the tournament with both BetVictor and Boyle Sports.

England 6/1

In recent years, England have looked incredibly threatening at major tournaments, ever since Gareth Southgate took over.

Following their Euro defeat to Spain in the final however, Southgate stepped down, and was replaced by Thomas Tuchel. For Tuchel, this will be his true test as it’s his first tournament with the Three Lions. With Pickford looking solid as ever in goal, Bellingham finding form, and Cole Palmer looking as calm as a grizzled vet, things are looking good.

Ultimately, many expect Harry Kane to be the deciding factor. He just cannot stop scoring goals for Bayern and he clearly loves captaining his country. Maybe football will come home this year?

England are currently third favs to win, with both Boyle Sports and BetVictor offering 6/1 odds.

Argentina 8/1

Finally, somewhat outsiders considering the fact that they won the trophy back in 2022,and have won the trophy three times, we have Argentina.

Lionel Messi is not yet confirmed for the tournament, but it’s almost a given that the 38-year-old will appear. The Inter Miami striker has 8 MLS goals to his name this season, out of 10 matches. He may have lost a touch of pace, but let’s not forget the unbelievable quality he possesses.

Argentina are currently at 8/1 odds with Boyle Sports and BetVictor, so they certainly have more than a chance. The hot summer temperatures of the tournament will also work in their favour, especially Messi, who plays in the hot sunshine of Miami.