World Cup 2026 Betting — Odds, Predictions & Best Sportsbooks
Reviewed by The Best Sports Bet editorial team · Last updated July 2026 · Our editorial & review policy
Updated for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — kickoff 11 June.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be the biggest betting event in history — 48 teams, 104 matches, played across the USA, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. The tournament opens with Mexico v South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This page tracks live World Cup odds across the major sportsbooks, the favourites, and where to bet.
World Cup 2026 outright favourites
Indicative outright (to lift the trophy) prices as of early June 2026 — check the live odds below for current numbers:
| Team | Decimal |
|---|---|
| Spain | ~5.50 |
| France | ~6.00 |
| England | ~8.00 |
| Brazil | ~9.50 |
| Argentina | ~11.0 |
Live World Cup odds
Best available odds across Dafabet, SBOBET, 1xBet, Bovada and Unibet — group-stage matches appear here as the books post them.
Where to bet the World Cup
Dafabet offers deep World Cup markets — outrights, match odds, Asian handicaps, goalscorer and same-game multis — across all 104 matches. Read our full Dafabet review →
Bet the World Cup at Dafabet →
World Cup 2026 format & schedule
The expanded tournament has 12 groups of four (A–L). The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to a new round of 32. The group stage runs 11–27 June; the knockouts follow through to the final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on 19 July 2026.
Betting the World Cup knockout stage
From the round of 32 onward, ties can be decided in extra time and penalties — and that changes how your bets settle. Know the difference before you stake:
- Match result (1X2) settles on 90 minutes only — a game that goes to extra time still settles as a draw for this market.
- To qualify / to advance covers the full tie including extra time and penalties — the safer market when you fancy a team to progress rather than win in 90.
- Draw No Bet refunds your stake if the 90 minutes end level, a useful hedge in tight knockout ties.
- Outright winner shortens fast as teams are eliminated; if you backed a side pre-tournament, consider trading out for guaranteed profit as they near the final on 19 July.
World Cup betting — frequently asked questions
How do you bet on the World Cup?
The most popular options are outright winner (which team lifts the trophy), match result on individual games, and props such as top goalscorer. Compare odds across two or three books and take the best price on your selection.
What is the best World Cup betting market?
For value, match result and Asian handicap on individual games carry the tightest margins. Outright winner is popular but the bookmaker edge is higher on long-term markets.
Can I bet on the World Cup final in-play?
Yes — every major book we rate offers live in-play betting on knockout matches, with odds updating ball-by-ball, including markets on extra time and penalties.
How do knockout bets settle if there is extra time?
Standard match-result bets settle on 90 minutes. To back a team through the tie including extra time and penalties, use the “to qualify” market instead.
Bet responsibly
18+. Betting should be entertainment, not a way to make money. Never stake more than you can afford to lose, and check the rules in your jurisdiction. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free confidential help is available at BeGambleAware.org.