FIFA World Cup 2026 · Updated June 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 Predictions and Favorites 2026
Quick answer
Based on seeding, the top-fancied sides include Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil and Germany. Full reasoning and groups below.
Pre-tournament favourites
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is the first 48-team edition, with 104 matches in total. This guide is written with a North American lens — kick-off times in US and Canadian zones and the host cities closest to fans on this side of the Atlantic. Based on seeding and FIFA rankings entering the tournament, the most-fancied sides include:
- Spain — Top-ranked side entering the tournament and reigning European champions.
- Argentina — Defending world champions, seeded second.
- France — Seeded third; runners-up in 2022.
- England — Seeded fourth; strong qualifying campaign.
- Brazil — Perennial contenders drawn in Group C.
- Germany — Returned to form late in qualifying.
Format note that shapes the draw
FIFA created two semi-final pathways so the top-ranked sides cannot meet before the final if they win their groups — for example Spain and Argentina sit on opposite paths, as do France and England.
Groups for reference
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia |
| Group B | Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland |
| Group C | Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland |
| Group D | United States, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye |
| Group E | Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador |
| Group F | Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia |
| Group G | Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand |
| Group H | Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay |
| Group I | France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway |
| Group J | Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan |
| Group K | Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan, Colombia |
| Group L | England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama |
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 World Cup?
It runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the USA, Canada and Mexico.
How many teams play?
48 teams in 12 groups of four — the first 48-team World Cup, with 104 matches.
Where is the final?
At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
Who are the favorites for the 2026 World Cup?
By seeding and ranking, the top-fancied sides include Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil and Germany.
Can the host nations win?
The USA, Canada and Mexico all qualified automatically as hosts and will aim to advance from their groups.
Related resources
General information about the 2026 FIFA World Cup. To watch matches, follow the official broadcaster in your region. FIFA and FIFA World Cup are trademarks of FIFA; this page is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by FIFA. Verify all dates and ticket details against official FIFA sources.