The Group Stage blueprint: Predicting the 12 winners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Historically, the top nations have relied on having quality throughout their squad and previous tournament experience to breeze through the group stage. It\u2019s a trend that should continue this summer, but World Cup 2026 betting<\/strong> could be more unpredictable because of the new-look format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s attacking prowess should see them have far too much for their Group C opponents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n France\u2019s 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<\/a> markets in the run-up to the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The potential group winners could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s worth noting that due to the expanded format and likely squad rotation could create some shock results and group winners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The introduction of third-place qualification at this summer\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s because goal difference could be key, especially where third-place qualification is concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For bettors, this could create several interesting angles:<\/p>\n\n\n\nSouth America\u2019s powerhouses should thrive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Europe\u2019s elite are the favourites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Predicted Group winners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"ToonieBet](\"https:\/\/blog.tooniebet.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Responsible-Gaming-Banner-Sports.webp\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe \u201cBest Third Place\u201d scramble: Who survives the cut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n