FIFA World Cup 2026 Predictions - Who are the Favourites to Win the World Cup?

However, it's not only players and fans alike that are anticipating the World Cup. Bettors who own accounts on 1xBet Lebanon are also looking forward to wagering on the tournament. Therefore, this article will provide a preview of the top 5 favourites to win the competition.  

What is the 2026 FIFA World Cup Format?

After playing with 32 teams for seven consecutive World Cup tournaments from France 1998 to Qatar 2022, FIFA has expanded the 2026 edition to 48 countries. The aim was to allow more countries to participate on the global stage. Thanks to this, countries like Curaçao, Jordan, Cape Verde, and Uzbekistan have qualified for the first time. New Caledonia and Suriname also have a chance to qualify for the first time if they advance from the FIFA Inter-Confederation playoff tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 countries divided into 12 groups of 4 (Groups A-L). Hosts Mexico, Canada, and the USA are in Groups A, B, and D, respectively. Each country will play the other three teams in its group, and the top two in each group (24 teams) will automatically qualify for the round of 32. The 8 best third-placed teams from the 12 groups will also make it to the knockout stage, bringing the total to 32 teams. 

A round of 16 stage will follow 16 round-of-32 matches before the quarter-final stage, where 8 teams will qualify. Following the quarter finals, four teams will move into the semifinals, and two will make it to the final. At the end of the tournament, 104 matches will have been played, with the two finalists playing eight each. The competition will span just over a month, from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Who are the 2026 FIFA World Cup Favourites?

Like other international tournaments, there are always favourites and underdogs going into each competition. For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, below are the top 5 countries Lebanese bettors must consider before placing their bets.

Argentina 

After winning their 3rd title at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Argentina are the favourites going into the 2026 edition. The reasons are not far-fetched. Even though Lionel Messi has yet to confirm whether he will go to the tournament, La Albiceleste still retains the core of the 2022 winning squad, with the likes of Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Christian Romero all set to grace the show. Argentina will also be looking at Emiliano Martínez, who won the Golden Glove award at the 2022 edition, to remain between the sticks. To top things up, Lionel Scaloni is still their head coach going into this one.

Spain

After winning the Euro 2024, the Spanish National football team has cemented itself as one of the favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After a disappointing run in the 2022 edition, where they crashed out to Morocco on penalties in the round of 16, Luis de la Fuente took over the side. He led them to win the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and the UEFA European Championship in 2024.

With the likes of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, and Mikel Oyarzabal set to be in the team, Spain will be seeking their second-ever World Cup title, following the first in the 2010 edition in South Africa.

England

The English National football team has come up short in major tournaments in recent years after losing back-to-back European Championship finals in 2021 to Italy and 2024 to Spain. They've now hired Thomas Tuchel with the hope of winning their first major tournament since winning the 1966 World Cup, when they hosted the competition. Tuchel will rely on top players like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Jordan Pickford, and Jude Bellingham to lead the team to victory. 

Brazil

With five FIFA World Cup trophies to their name, no one can underrate Brazil. Despite a disappointing outing at the 2022 edition, where they crashed out in the quarterfinals to Croatia on penalties, Brazil are hungry for their first World Cup title since 2002. 

They've hired Carlo Ancelotti following his successful stint at Real Madrid, with the hope of leading them to success in a tournament. Ancelotti has not confirmed whether Neymar will be added to his squad, but players like Casemiro, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, and Marquinhos are expected to be part of it.

France

After winning their second World Cup in 2018, France did their best in the 2022 edition to reach the final. They came up short against Argentina on penalties following a 3-3 draw.

Les Bleus remain as dangerous as ever, with Didier Deschamps still the head coach since 2012. They are heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with top players such as Kylian Mbappe, William Saliba, Marcus Thuram, Hugo Ekitike, and Mike Maignan.