2026 FIFA World Cup Betting Primer: Spain, England Boast Shortest Odds

With exactly 99 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America, oddsmakers have already installed Spain and England as the early co-favorites to lift the trophy on July 19 in New Jersey. Both nations are trading at single-digit prices, well inside the 10-to-1 threshold that bookmakers generally reserve for genuine contenders.

The short odds on Spain reflect the momentum Luis de la Fuente’s side built while sweeping all seven matches at Euro 2024. La Roja’s depth was on full display in the final against England, when they lost midfielder Rodri at halftime yet still controlled 65 percent of possession, out-shot the Three Lions 16-9 and won the expected-goals battle 1.95-0.53 on the way to a 2-1 victory. Ten different players found the net for Spain during that tournament, and only two starters in the final were over 30, suggesting the bulk of the championship core should return this summer barring late fitness issues. Winger Nico Williams is currently sidelined indefinitely with a sports hernia, while Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino and Marc Cucurella are also being monitored.

England, runners-up at both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, remain the market’s second choice despite another near-miss on the continental stage. The Three Lions’ appeal rests on a squad that again figures to be among the youngest and most talented in the field, led by Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who is currently the second-favorite (+750) behind France’s Kylian Mbappe (+650) to win the Golden Boot.

France and Argentina, winners of the last two World Cups, sit just behind the co-favorites in the outright market, while Brazil round out the quintet of nations offered at 10-to-1 or shorter. Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands are next in line, all priced between 10-to-1 and 20-to-1.

Host nations the United States, Mexico and Canada are considered long shots, though American fans will learn on May 26 which 26 players Mauricio Pochettino has selected for the group-stage opener. Mexico vs. South Africa at Estadio Azteca on June 11 will officially start the 48-match group phase that runs through early July.

Off the board, attention remains on two veterans chasing history. Lionel Messi, 38, and Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, are both expected to appear in a record sixth World Cup, assuming they are included in final squads by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni and Portugal boss Roberto Martinez. FanDuel lists Messi at +1400 to win the Golden Boot, with Ronaldo next at +2200.

While the next three months will bring friendlies, injuries and final roster decisions that could dramatically shift prices, the early signal from traders is clear: Spain and England enter the countdown as the teams to beat.