The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost over.
For the first time in history, 48 nations will compete across the United States, Canada and Mexico in what promises to be the biggest World Cup ever staged. With just days to go until kick-off, the outright market is beginning to take shape, and several familiar names sit at the top of Bet9ja’s winner odds.
Spain currently lead the betting ahead of France, England, Brazil, Argentina, Portugal and Germany, but as recent World Cups have shown, favourites do not always get their hands on the trophy.
Let’s take a closer look at the seven leading contenders.
Spain – 5.75
Spain head into the tournament as the team everyone is chasing.
European champions in 2024 and blessed with an extraordinary generation of talent, La Roja have the perfect blend of experience and youth. Rodri remains the heartbeat of the midfield, Pedri continues to dictate games, and teenage superstar Lamine Yamal has already established himself as one of football’s biggest names.
Spain have not reached a World Cup quarter-final since lifting the trophy in 2010, but this squad feels different. Their ability to dominate possession, control matches and create chances makes them worthy favourites.
Back Spain to become world champions at Bet9ja and explore the latest FIFA World Cup outright odds.
France – 6.25
Didier Deschamps is preparing for his final tournament as France manager and would love nothing more than to sign off with a second World Cup title.
France have reached two of the last three World Cup finals and arguably possess the strongest attack in the tournament. Kylian Mbappe remains the headline act, but Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki give Les Bleus frightening depth.
The biggest question is whether they can navigate a difficult group featuring Senegal and Norway before building momentum in the knockout rounds.
Mbappé had France on their feet ?? #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/qBv3dWEFSl
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) May 31, 2026
England – 7.50
Sixty years after their only World Cup triumph, England are once again among the leading contenders.
Thomas Tuchel has inherited a squad packed with talent. Harry Kane remains one of the world’s deadliest finishers, while Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Cole Palmer provide quality throughout the spine of the team.
England’s challenge is no longer about talent. It is about proving they can finally deliver in the biggest knockout matches after years of near misses.
Back England to end 60 years of hurt with Bet9ja’s World Cup outright betting markets.
Brazil – 9.50
No nation has won the World Cup more times than Brazil, but their wait for a sixth title has now stretched back to 2002.
There is renewed optimism this year thanks to Carlo Ancelotti, who is taking charge of arguably the most talented attacking pool in international football. Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Neymar and Endrick give Brazil game-changing quality all over the pitch.
If Ancelotti can quickly find the right balance, Brazil could be one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
Back the five-time world champions to lift the trophy again at Bet9ja.
Raphinha ?#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/NIfIJNXfrK
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) May 28, 2026
Argentina – 9.50
The defending champions arrive with plenty of familiar faces from their famous 2022 triumph.
Lionel Messi is now approaching his 39th birthday, but Argentina remain packed with quality. Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister ensure they are not solely reliant on their captain.
History is not on their side though. No nation has successfully defended the World Cup since Brazil in 1962.
Can Argentina go back-to-back? Back the reigning champions in the World Cup winner market at Bet9ja.
Portugal – 11.00
Portugal may represent one of the most interesting outright bets in the market.
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what will almost certainly be his final World Cup, while the supporting cast around him is arguably stronger than at any point during his international career. Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao give Portugal quality across every area of the pitch.
The biggest concern remains whether Roberto Martinez can finally guide a golden generation to major tournament success.
Back Portugal and Ronaldo’s final World Cup dream at Bet9ja.
Germany – 16.00
Germany’s recent World Cup record has been surprisingly poor, with consecutive group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
However, tournament pedigree counts for a lot at World Cups and Germany possess it in abundance. Four-time champions, they arrive with a squad featuring Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich and Kai Havertz.
If they build confidence early, few teams will want to face them in the knockout stages.
Back Germany to add a fifth star to their shirt at Bet9ja
Best of the Rest
Beyond the seven favourites, there are several nations capable of causing problems.
The Netherlands are priced at 21.00 and have the experience to make another deep run after reaching the latter stages of recent major tournaments. Norway are attracting attention at 26.00 thanks to the firepower of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, while Belgium and Colombia are both available at 34.00.
Morocco remain one of the most interesting outsiders at 51.00 after becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022. Japan are also priced at 51.00 and continue to improve with every tournament.
Host nation USA can be backed at 67.00, while Uruguay share the same price despite boasting one of South America’s strongest squads.
Further down the market, Senegal and Sweden are available at 126.00, while Canada, Austria and Paraguay sit at 151.00.
As every World Cup has shown, surprises are inevitable. The question is whether one of these outsiders can follow in the footsteps of Croatia, Morocco or South Korea and make an unexpected run deep into the tournament.
Who Will Lift the Trophy?
Spain may be favourites, but the gap between the leading contenders is incredibly small. France possess elite attacking talent, England continue to improve, Brazil have Carlo Ancelotti, Argentina are defending champions, Portugal have incredible depth and Germany can never be discounted at a World Cup.
One thing is certain: the road to the final at MetLife Stadium promises to be unforgettable.
