2026 FIFA World Cup: Betting odds, predictions, and tips
The countdown is on for the 2026 FIFA World Cup! With more teams, matches, and more action, this tournament is set to keep fans and bettors on the edge of their seats. If you’re looking to place your bets, now is the time to get ahead.
From outright winners to top goal scorers, there are plenty of ways to wager. Want the best odds and smart tips? Start betting on 2026 FIFA World Cup at Sportsbet.io with this guide:
What to expect in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams instead of 32, meaning more matches and more action. The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Games will take place across 16 cities, from June 11 to July 19, and will have 104 matches, compared to 64 in past tournaments. Here’s a list of the host cities you can look forward to:
United States
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New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)
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Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium)
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Dallas (AT&T Stadium)
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San Francisco Bay Area (Levi's Stadium)
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Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
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Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
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Seattle (Lumen Field)
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Houston (NRG Stadium)
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Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)
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Kansas City, Missouri (Arrowhead Stadium)
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Boston/Foxborough (Gillette Stadium)
Canada
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Toronto (BMO Field)
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Vancouver (BC Place Stadium)
Mexico
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Guadalajara (Estadio Akron)
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Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)
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Monterrey (Estadio BBVA)
Format and expansion
The 2026 FIFA World Cup’s expansion from 32 teams to 48 teams is the first big change to the format since 1998. The teams will be split into 12 groups, with 4 teams in each. Every team will play 3 matches in the group stage.
The top 2 teams from each group will move on, along with the 8 best third-place teams. This will create a new round of 32, making the knockout stage longer and more intense.
Teams that reach the final four will now play 8 matches, instead of 7. The tournament will last 39 days, a full week longer than the previous World Cups.
How to bet on the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Sportsbet.io?
Sportsbet.io is a leading crypto sportsbook that offers the best betting options for a worthwhile wagering experience. With a user-friendly interface and secure crypto payment methods, betting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a breeze.
To get started, all you have to do is follow these quick steps:
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Log in to your Sportsbet.io account and click the ‘Soccer’ sports category.
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Go to ‘Future’ and look for the ‘International’ category.
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Select the ‘2026 FIFA World Cup’ offer.
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Bet on any available game under the In-play, Next 24hrs, or Future section.
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Explore the odds and place your bet. Your selections will instantly reflect in your betslip found at the bottom right corner of the screen.
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Click ‘Place a bet’ to submit your wager.
2026 FIFA World Cup betting markets to consider
To help you maximise your betting experience, Sportsbet.io offers a wide range of betting markets you can wager on. These markets show the possible outcomes of the tournament and its matches.
Some of the best markets you should consider include:
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1x2 → Choose one of three outcomes: the home team wins (1), the match ends in a draw (x), or the away team wins (2). This market is great for beginners since it’s easy to understand. The lower the odds, the more favoured that team is to win.
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Handicaps → This levels the playing field between two teams. If one team is much stronger, the bookmaker may give them a negative handicap. This means they must win by at least two goals for your bet to win. On the other hand, the weaker team might get a positive handicap, meaning they can lose by one goal, draw, or win for your stake to be successful.
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Correct score → In this market, you predict the exact final score of the match. This bet can be tricky but offers high rewards if you get it right. For example, if you think the match will end 2-1, you place your bet on that specific score.
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Double chance → Double chance betting allows you to cover two of the three possible outcomes in a match. You can bet on either Team A or a draw, or Team B or a draw.
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Both teams to score → You bet ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on whether both teams will score at least one goal during the match. This market adds excitement, especially in high-stakes matches where teams are likely to go all out.
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Prop bets → These are fun and creative wagers that don’t directly relate to the match outcome. You can bet on things like which player will score first, the total number of yellow cards, or whether a specific team will receive a red card.
Sportsbet.io: Betting odds formats to choose from
Aside from exciting markets, Sportsbet.io also offers competitive odds in three formats. Learn how to reach each of them below:
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American → These odds have positive (+) and negative (-) numbers. The positive odds show your payout for every unit staked (bet x American odds /100). On the other hand, the negative odds show how much you need to bet to win a payout of 100 Tether (USDT) (wager / American odds x 100).
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Decimal → Decimal odds show your payout for every unit wagered. For instance, if the underdog has odds of 2.00, a winning bet of 30 USDT offers a payout of 60 USDT (2.00 x 30 = 60), giving you a profit of 30 USDT.
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Hong Kong → To get HK odds, simply add 1 to the decimal odds. For example, a stake of 40 USDT on HK odds of 0.20 (+1) gives you a payout of 48 USDT (40 x 1.20 = 48).
FIFA World Cup betting tips to increase your chances of winning
Make the most of your 2026 FIFA World Cup betting odds and increase your chances of winning with these useful tips:
Set a budget
Before you start betting, decide how much money you can spend. This will help you stay in control and avoid losing more than you can afford.
Know the national teams
Take time to learn about the national teams playing in the 2026 World Cup. Look at their strengths, weaknesses, and playing styles. For instance, some teams are known for strong defense, while others are all about fast attacks.
The World Cup is also the international stage of the best players in European football as they represent and play for their countries. Check national team lineups and see if football’s current bests are included.
Study the odds
Odds tell you how likely a team is to win. Take a good look at them before you place your bet. Higher odds mean more risk, but they also offer bigger payouts if you win. Understanding odds can guide your decision-making.
Check previous performance
Look into how teams have played in past matches, especially in big tournaments. For example, when France faced Argentina in the 2022 World Cup Finals, it showed the skill of both teams. Seeing how they performed will give you insight into how they might do in future matches.
However, since World Cups happen every four years, Argentina’s winning lineup then might not be the same for the 2026 edition. Check the most recent past results to help you spot trends.
Consider success in the World Cup
Some teams have a strong history in the World Cup, like Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, and France. These squads often know how to win under pressure. When betting, consider a team's past success. A team with a strong track record is more likely to deliver.
Analyse matchups
Look at how teams match up against each other. Some teams might struggle against specific styles or players. Check for head-to-head records, injuries, and current form. Understanding the matchup provides key insights that help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning.
Follow expert opinions
Many sports analysts share their thoughts on teams, players, and odds. Aside from trusting your gut, expert opinions offer useful perspectives that you might not have considered.
2026 FIFA World Cup Power rankings: Who’s most likely to win?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is getting closer, and you might be wondering: Who's most likely to win? Here’s a look at three of the top teams expected to dominate the field and why they have a strong shot at the title:
Argentina: Can they win again?
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup with Lionel Messi leading the way, but 2026 might be a different story since he was not included in the Qualifiers lineup. However, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez are ready to take over. Coach Lionel Scaloni must prepare for a possible 2026 World Cup without Messi, and if other players step up, Argentina could defend their title.
Spain: The team to beat
Spain won UEFA Euro 2024 in style, proving they have the perfect mix of defense, skill, and speed. Even without a top striker, they score plenty of goals thanks to players like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. Rodrigo ‘Rodri’ Hernández Cascante and Fabian Ruiz could control the midfield, making them a strong team to keep an eye out for.
Germany: Rising again
Germany played a great game against Spain in Euro 2024 but lost in extra time. Still, they showed they are back among the best teams. Coach Julian Nagelsmann has rebuilt the squad, and even though stars like Toni Kroos and Manuel Neuer have retired, Germany has plenty of young talent. The squad is filled with exciting players like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.
Sportsbet.io features for hassle-free FIFA World Cup betting
If you want a smooth and fun betting experience, Sportsbet.io has you covered. With these easy-to-use betting features, you get more ways to enjoy your stakes and increase your odds of winning:
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Bet Sharing → This feature allows you to share your selections with friends and fellow punters. After placing a bet, you can generate a unique link and share it on social media. This way, others can see your wager and even copy it if they like your picks.
Wager on the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Sportsbet.io with crypto
Don't miss your shot at big wins during the 2026 FIFA World Cup! At Sportsbet.io, you get top betting options and enjoy fast, secure transactions using popular coins like Tether (USDT). Whether you're at home or on the go, you can place bets anytime using our mobile app. Don’t forget to check out our ongoing promos to make the most of your bets.