The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest of its kind. Hosted in North America across the United States, Canada and Mexico, there will be a record 48 teams taking part, with a total of 104 matches to be played. This new and expanded format will dramatically change how fans, experts and bettors approach the competition.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, twelve groups of four teams will battle it out in the opening round of the competition, with the top two nations automatically advancing. The eight best third-placed teams will join them in the Round of 32 knockout stage. The expanded format will create more opportunities for underdogs to progress, adding far more unpredictability to proceedings.

From outright winners to dark horses, the 2026 World Cup could redefine international soccer and create new sports betting opportunities along the way.

The Group Stage blueprint: Predicting the 12 winners

Predicting the group winners in the expanded 48-team World Cup will prove to be far more complicated than it has been previously. The increased number of teams taking part, and groups, as well as all the conditions surrounding the tournament, will have an impact.

Historically, the top nations have relied on having quality throughout their squad and previous tournament experience to breeze through the group stage. It’s a trend that should continue this summer, but World Cup 2026 betting could be more unpredictable because of the new-look format.

South America’s powerhouses should thrive

Argentina and Brazil start as strong favourites to top their respective groups. Argentina, the reigning world champions, have the recent experience of winning the tournament, while Brazil’s attacking prowess should see them have far too much for their Group C opponents.

The expanded format may be a boost for Brazil, as it could allow their attacking players to find their rhythm more quickly than at previous World Cups.

Europe’s elite are the favourites

Spain, France and England will start the World Cup not only as favourites to top their respective groups, but to go all the way in North America.

Spain has recent experience of winning major tournaments after defeating England in the Euro 2024 final. France made it to the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar but lost on penalty kicks, and England continued to improve.

France’s attacking quality, with the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe at the top of the pitch, will make them one of the most backed nations in soccer betting markets in the run-up to the tournament.

Predicted Group winners

The potential group winners could include:

  • Czech Republic
  • Switzerland
  • Brazil
  • USA
  • Germany
  • Netherlands
  • Belgium
  • Spain
  • France
  • Argentina
  • Portugal
  • England

It’s worth noting that due to the expanded format and likely squad rotation could create some shock results and group winners.

ToonieBet is invested in responsible gaming. Please play safe.

The “Best Third Place” scramble: Who survives the cut

The introduction of third-place qualification at this summer’s World Cup, where the best eight-placed teams will advance, will completely transform the dynamics of the group stage. At previous World Cups, teams often needed big results on Matchday 3 to keep their hopes alive. Whereas in 2026, victory may not be required.

Therefore, weaker teams may approach matches with more caution, looking to be strong at the back rather than being open and giving up goals. That’s because goal difference could be key, especially where third-place qualification is concerned.

For bettors, this could create several interesting angles:

  • Lower-scoring games
  • Increased likelihood of draws
  • Cautious second halves
  • Unpredictable qualification permutations

The final group stage matches could be the most dramatic in the tournament, making them ideal for live sports betting, where bettors can react in an instant to goals and momentum shifts.

The anatomy of a third-place survivor

There will be eight teams that make it through to the Round of 32 knockout stage at the World Cup, and they will likely all share one or more of the following traits:

  • Strong defence setup
  • A disciplined midfield
  • Being able to strike on the counterattack
  • A reliable goalkeeper
  • Patience

In reality, a nation that is capable of grinding out a couple of credible draws could find itself progressing out of a group.

ToonieBet’s third-place dark horses

Several nations already look to be 3rd place dark horses ahead of the tournament.

In Group B, you have a situation where Bosnia, Canada and Switzerland will battle it out for the top two places. However, with third-place potentially leading to qualification for the next round, Bosnia and Canada will be the teams to watch.

In Group C, Scotland could be real dark horses, especially with Brazil and Morocco expected to finish 1st and 2nd. The Scots have been able to pull off some shock results under manager Steve Clarke.

Group I will be hotly contested, too. France would be expected to breeze through the group as winners, but Norway and Senegal will be looking to finish second, and if that’s not possible, third. Senegal, for a third-place finish, could be worth considering, and they should handle the conditions well.

Knockout stage chaos: Navigating the Rounds of 32 & 16

The introduction of the Round of 32 knockout stage is another hurdle for nations to leap over if they’re to be a threat later in the competition. If the top teams don’t get it right, they could find themselves headed home earlier than planned.

The extra knockout round will increase:

  • Injury risk
  • Fatigue
  • Suspension risk
  • Pressure to rotate

The above could negatively impact older squads and nations that lack depth of elite talent.

What the expanded format could also produce is clashes between top nations a lot earlier in the tournament. Upsets in the group stages could have a knock-on effect on the latter stages of the competition.

That unpredictability may create volatility for bettors across all markets, meaning they should be watching closely.

The huge amount of interest in the World Cup will also increase interest in alternative entertainment between games, with virtual sports betting one option to consider.

The road to New Jersey: Quarterfinals to the final

As the tournament progresses into the quarter-finals and beyond, experience and player rotation will become decisive.

Top European nations such as Spain, France and England will be well built for the physical and technical demands of what’s to come.

South American teams like Argentina and Brazil, both previous winners of the World Cup, with the former the reigning champions and the latter the most successful in the tournament’s history, will also be ready to show their prowess.

The final four prediction

The teams expected to do well are:

  • Spain
  • France
  • England
  • Argentina
  • Brazil

With the likely final four being:

  • Spain
  • France
  • England
  • Brazil

The ultimate champion

At present, it could be between Spain and France, as far as winning the World Cup is concerned. What both sides have is strength in all departments and the depth, which will matter at this year’s tournament.

Still, this is the World Cup we’re talking about, and it’s never straightforward. There’s also the expanded format and the extra knockout round to deal with.

Bracketology strategy: Hedging your tournament bets

There’s the potential for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to reward flexibility more than any previous tournament.

Rather than solely relying on placing pre-tournament wagers, bettors may be best exploring:

  • Live betting
  • Quarter-final futures
  • Top goalscorer markets
  • Knockout stage accumulators

Being able to adapt will be key for bettors this summer, especially when things can change in an instant.

2026 World Cup bracket & predictions FAQ

1 Which teams are the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup?

The following teams are the favourites to win the World Cup: Spain, France, England, Argentina and Brazil.

2 How many teams will qualify for the Round of 32 in third place?

The best eight third-place teams will qualify for the Round of 32 knockout stage.

3 How many group winners will there be?

There will be a total of twelve group winners that will advance to the knockout stages of the tournament.