The World Cup 2026 is now just two months away folks, and, here at SBOTOP, we will be all over the stats, the action and the very latest news right through the tournament.
And there’s plenty to talk about in the run up to the world showcase. The play-offs are done and dusted, and four times winners Italy have crashed out, to miss their third consecutive World Cup finals. Meanwhile, in the new 48 nation format, the likes of Cape Verde and Uzbekistan will be there…what must the Azzurri fans be thinking?
While the nation of Italy mourns, the other big guns of world football are at the fine-tuning stage, so, with 55 days to go let’s look at the most serious contenders. The early World Cup 2026 betting odds have picked out these five teams…with apologies to Portugal and Germany!
5 – Brazil
Five times winners Brazil must be a good bet to win their first World Cup since 2002. Managed by Carlo Ancelotti, one of the best coaches the game has ever seen, the Selecao claims to have the most fanatical fans and some of the most exciting players. With Barcelona wing wizard Raphinha and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior in the attack, and Brentford’s Igor Thiago, now 24, ripping it up in the Premier League there is a lot for Brazil fans to look forward to, and they have quality in defence too, with Paris Saint-Germain skipper Marquinhos marshalling the back four and Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker as the last line.
But they have lacked consistency in qualifying; since the beginning of 2025 Brazil have won five, drawn two and lost three and they finished fifth in the CONMEBOL final table, behind 2022 champions Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia and Uruguay.
4 – Argentina
Lionel Scaloni’s reigning champions will fancy their chances with the legendary Lionel Messi set to make some memorable World Cup 2026 highlights. The three times winners not only have the most famous player, they have a squad dripping with quality, Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez two of the best strikers in world football. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernadez is mellowing with age, now 25, and he has become one of the best playmakers in the game and Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez will be forever remembered for his penalty shootout heroics in the 2022 final.
While Brazil laboured in the qualifiers, Argentina coasted through and they represent South America’s best prospects.
3 – England
As all England fans will know, the Three Lions have won the World Cup only once, way back in 1966, and that statistic alone makes Thomas Tuchel’s team hungry for success…but also vulnerable. Captained by Bayern Munich centre forward Harry Kane, who has already racked up 50 goals for the Bavarians this season, England will need to dig deep to cast off 60 years of hurt, but Tuchel is a determined operator, with incredible attention to detail and he will leave no stone unturned.
This could be a big tournament for England’s young guns who are yet to suffer the regular disappointments of their elders, and Manchester City star Nico O’Reilly is a man to watch, while his team-mate Phil Foden will be keen to prove he is still one of the best.
2 – France
Twice winners France, the last time in Russia in 2018 must still be hurting after they lost the last final on penalties to Argentina. Head coach Didier Deschamps has delivered great success for Les Bleus and he still has the appetite to win more silverware. As does Real Madrid megastar Kylian Mbappe, who leads a glittering attack which includes Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, Michael Olise of Bayern Munich and PSG star Ousmane Dembele.
With friendly victories over Brazil and Colombia in March, France have set down a marker for Europe and, if they meet Argentina they will have revenge at the forefront of their minds.
1 – Spain
So I believe there may be an all-European final, with Luis de le Fuente’s men the most likely champions. Spain have only won the World Cup once, in 2010, but they have since won the European championships twice. La Roja are unbeaten in 2025 and 2026, and they will take some stopping in the United States. With the best blend of youth and experience Spain will have the teen sensation Lamine Yamal and his Barcelona colleague Pedri, still only 23, wowing the fans; and proven winners such as Manchester City’s Rodri, Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal and Chelsea’s mischief maker Marc Cucurella will all be ready to make their mark.
All five of these nations, plus one or two others, will all believe they can be world champions in three months’ time…but it’s La Roja for me.
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