Photo by Wikimedia Commons 2.0
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place against a backdrop of global uncertainty but for the 48 sides in the draw, there is arguably no bigger platform in global sport.
For just over a month, the eyes of the sporting world will be transfixed on Canada, Mexico and the USA, with footballing immortality on the line.
As ever with any World Cup, there are the usual host of sides that are amongst the front runners to lift the trophy.
Holders Argentina will spearhead the South American contingent, along with Brazil – the country that has lifted the infamous World Cup trophy the most.
European presence will be as strong as ever, with France, Germany, Spain and England all hoping to go big and win the biggest competition in world football.
The international flavour of the World Cup always makes it a true celebration of footballing culture, and every football betting site will be fully locked in for every game of the expanded tournament.
Betting on the 2026 World Cup is expected to be one of the biggest revenue generators in the history of the game and shock results could yield significant returns for players.
Every team in the competition has grafted to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup and here are a few World Cup 2026 betting predictions, with a look at the five teams that could spring a few surprises:
Mexico
Playing in front of home fans at a World Cup is bucket list stuff for most footballers and for Mexico, this dream will be realised at the 2026 tournament.
With no qualification period needed, this Mexico side has been slowly getting their house in order for this tournament, and they feel very well balanced.
They have reached the last 16 in seven of the last eight World Cups and are always a tough but to crack, with plenty of the dark arts of the game in play.
One omen that could lean towards the Mexicans having a good run in 2026 is their performance the last time they hosted the tournament.
Back in 1986, they reached the quarter finals, willed on by their passionate home support and they will be eager to channel that spirit this time around.
On paper, they have a very manageable group, with effectively home matches against South Africa, South Korea and either Czechia or Denmark, they will fancy their chances of progressing from their pool.
With plenty of experienced players in their ranks and a country backing them to the hilt, Mexico could spring a few shocks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Norway
Having two of the most sought after players in world football in their ranks does place a degree of expectancy on Norway ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but they are a better team than they are often given credit for.
Manchester City powerhouse Erling Haaland and Arsenal creator in chief, Martin Odegaard have long been touted as two of the brightest talents in Europe and it is time for them to announce themselves on the big stage.
Having not reached a World Cup since 1998, there is a real sense of optimism building around this young and exciting Norwegian squad, who are led with aplomb by Stale Solbakken.
In terms of going deep in the tournament, the Norwegians will need to navigate a group that houses both Senegal and France, as well as either Iraq or Bolivia but they have plenty of players in their ranks with big game experience.
Just reaching the World Cup finals feels like a significant achievement for Norway but they will be out to prove that they can mix it with the very best in world football and are seen as an unknown quantity by many World Cup betting sites.
Ecuador
South American hopes tend to always land with Brazil and Argentina and justifiably so, with both sides setting the standard for the continent when it comes to international football.
The global impact of the game has seen scouting programmes expand and Ecuador have been one of the key beneficiaries in recent years.
Prodigious talents such as Moises Caicedo and Piero Hincapie have been unearthed in the country, and the national team has boomed as a result.
After making their World Cup debut back in 2002, Ecuador have consistently made appearances at the finals, without progressing past the last 16 but they should be better for that experience.
With plenty of players in their ranks that have a wealth of international credentials, they are well versed in tournament football, and they will be fiercely competitive.
Sharing a group with Germany, Ivory Coast and Curacao won’t strike them with too much fear and they could be a side to watch in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Morocco
Seeing their AFCON campaign continued to be shrouded with dialogue and uncertainty will surely only motivate Morocco to kick on here in the 2026 World Cup.
They have been awarded the 2026 African Cup of Nations title retrospectively following their controversial final against Senegal, in a debate that is sure to rumble on, but the brass tacks of the World Cup lies in wait next.
Finishing 4th at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar felt like a pivotal moment for both Morocco and African football in general and this group of players are a tight knit unit.
The likes of Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi are plying their trade at some of the top clubs in European football and they will be desperate to make an impact here, on the biggest stage of all.
Group C will pit Morocco against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, which should give them a decent platform to spring a few surprises in the 2026 World Cup beyond the opening rounds.
Japan
While it feels like Japan have been the perennial surprise package in a few of the last World Cups, there is no denying that they should be a force to be reckoned with here in 2026.
Many pre World Cup odds appear to back this cohort of Japanese players to be in the mix to go deep in the tournament and they have plenty of players making a name for themselves in Europe.
Housed in Group F, Japan have to overcome the likes of the Netherlands and Tunisia to reach the knockout rounds, but they have a squad well versed in international tournament football and they could spring a fair few shocks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
