Key points to know
- the 2026 tournament will be the first World Cup in history with 48 teams.
- Four teams are making their debut: Curacao, Cape Verde, Uzbekistan and Jordan.
- Argentina won the 2022 World Cup and are again among the main favourites.
- Italy will miss its third consecutive World Cup.
- 26 teams from the 2022 World Cup are also participating this year.
- Brazil is participating for the 23rd time, more than any other team in history.
2026 FIFA World Cup groups and teams
The expanded format of the tournament has opened up additional opportunities for weaker teams. Since 1998, the World Cup has been held with 32 participants, and in 2026 the number reached 48 for the first time.
Four teams are participating for the first time in history: Curacao, Uzbekistan, Jordan and Cape Verde. Qatar took part in the 2022 tournament, but then had host status – this year, the team managed to make it through the qualifiers for the first time.
The six teams that participated in 2022 missed out this year: Cameroon, Costa Rica, Serbia, Wales, Denmark and Poland. Meanwhile, Colombia, Panama, Sweden and Egypt missed the 2022 tournament, but are participating in 2026.
The biggest disappointment of the qualifiers was Italy, who lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina after a series of penalties. This is the third World Cup in a row without Italians. It is worth recalling that this country was World Champion in 2006 and won the European title in 2021.
The DRC and Haiti are returning to the tournament after a long break, having last played in the World Cup in 1974.
Group A
The Group A matches will take place in Mexico City, Sapopan, Atlanta and Guadalupe. Hosts Mexico are the main favourites, while the clear outsiders are the RSA.
- Mexico – 1.90
- Czech Republic – 3,32
- South Korea – 3.72
- PAR – 13,00
Group B
Group B matches will be played in Toronto, Santa Clara, Inglewood, Vancouver and Seattle. Although Canada is one of the hosts, Switzerland is considered the favourite. The clear outsiders are Qatar.
- Switzerland – 1.81
- Canada – 3.62
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – 4.50
- Qatar – 30,00
Group C
Group C matches will be played in East Rutherford, Foxborough, Philadelphia, Miami Gardens and Atlanta. Brazil is the clear favourite and Haiti is the underdog.
- Brazil – 1,16
- Morocco – 7.10
- Scotland – 13,00
- Haiti – 100,00
Group D
The Group D matches will take place in Inglewood, Vancouver, Seattle and Santa Clara. The host USA is the favourite in the group, although Turkey has almost the same chances. Australia is considered an outsider in the group.
- USA – 2.39
- Turkey – 2.76
- Paraguay – 4.70
- Australia – 8.00
Group E
Group E matches will be played in Houston, Philadelphia, Toronto, Kansas City and East Rutherford. Germany is the main favourite in the group, while the tournament debutant Curacao is considered an outsider.
- Germany – 1.28
- Ecuador – 5,00
- Ivory Coast – 8.00
- Curacao – 100,00
Group F
The Group F matches will take place in Arlington, Guadalupe, Houston and Kansas City. The Netherlands are the group favourites and Japan are predicted to advance to the next round. Tunisia has the least chance.
- Netherlands – 1,69
- Japan – 4.30
- Sweden – 5.00
- Tunisia – 10,20
Group G
Group G matches will take place in Seattle, Inglewood and Vancouver. Belgium is the favourite and New Zealand the main outsider.
- Belgium – 1,36
- Egypt – 5,50
- Iran – 7.10
- New Zealand – 21,00
Group H
The Group H matches will take place in Atlanta, Miami Gardens, Houston and Sapopan. European champion Spain is the overwhelming favourite in both the group and the whole tournament. Cape Verde has the lowest odds to qualify for the play-offs. For more on the squad, see our Spain at the World Cup 2026 preview.
- Spain – 1,21
- Uruguay – 5,00
- Saudi Arabia – 17,00
- Cape Verde – 55,00
Group I
Group I matches will be played in East Rutherford, Foxborough, Philadelphia and Toronto. France is the favourite in the group, while Iraq has the smallest chance. For a detailed view of the French line-up, see the France at the World Cup 2026 article.
- France – 1.44
- Norway – 3.78
- Senegal – 8,00
- Iraq – 46,00
Group J
Group J matches will be played in Kansas City, Santa Clara and Arlington. Argentina is the favourite to defend its World Cup title, while Austria and Algeria will fight for second place. For a detailed look at Lionel Messi's line-up, check out the Argentina World Cup 2026 preview.
- Argentina – 1.33
- Austria – 5.55
- Algeria – 6,55
- Jordan – 43,00
Group K
Group K matches will take place in Houston, Mexico City, Sapopan, Miami Gardens and Atlanta. Portugal is the main favourite in the group, while debutant Uzbekistan is considered an outsider.
- Portugal – 1.41
- Colombia – 3.62
- DRC – 12,00
- Uzbekistan – 30.00
Group L
The Group L matches will take place in Arlington, Foxborough, Toronto and East Rutherford. England are predicted to finish first, with Panama as the main outsiders.
- England – 1.28
- Croatia – 4.55
- Panama – 11,00
- Ghana – 55,00
Highlights of the 2026 World Cup squads
The FIFA World Cup is a sporting event that brings the whole world together. This year, with 48 teams, it involves more countries than ever before. More participants means more matches, with a total of 104 matches to be played. Full FIFA World Cup schedule here.
There are a few key points to note when betting on the tournament.
Argentina's title defence record
Argentina is one of the five main favourites to win the tournament. However, the statistics are against them – the last successful title defences were by Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Champions often fall early
in 2022, France broke a long-standing streak of bad luck. The Italians, champions in 2006, finished last in the group in 2010. The Spanish, champions in 2010, ended the 2014 campaign in third position in the group. germany, champions in 2014, finished last in the group in 2018. the 2018 champions, the French, reached the final in 2022.
round of 32 opens up 32 places
The top two teams from each group and the top eight third-placed teams will qualify for the play-offs. The last matches of the group stage will see the motivation increase and determine the path to the next round.
Top five favourites
The main favourites for the tournament are European champions Spain. The other main contenders are England, Brazil, France and Argentina. These five teams make up the so-called “top 5” according to the bookmakers.
Group dynamics
In the group stage, the favourites are not always in the best shape, but the extended number of participants means that there is a clear hierarchy in most groups, with a clear favourite and a clear outsider. This creates predictable match patterns, especially in the first duels.
Betting opportunities at the World Cup
The three-week group phase will offer more than 70 matches.
In the odd matches (e.g. Brazil v Haiti), an outright victory offers very low odds. In such cases, over under betting or a team's individual goal total is often a more profitable option. When choosing a platform, it is worth comparing the best bookmakers in terms of in-play market offerings and streaming availability.
Responsible betting during the tournament
The World Cup lasts almost six weeks and matches are played almost every day. This pace increases the risk of chasing losses or betting just for fun. For practical advice on how to remain disciplined, please refer to the Responsible Gambling Guide.
FAQs on the 2026 FIFA World Cup Participants
How many teams are participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
48 national teams. the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first tournament with this number of teams. It has already been confirmed that 48 teams will also play in the 2030 and 2034 editions.
Who are the main favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Spain, England, Brazil, France and Argentina are the main favourites. Argentina and France played in the 2022 final, while Spain and England faced off in the EURO 2024 final.
How many teams are making their debuts at the 2026 World Cup
Four teams – Cape Verde, Jordan, Uzbekistan and Curacao – are taking part in the FIFA World Cup for the first time in history.
Which team has played in the World Cup the most times
the 2026 World Cup will be the 23rd for Brazil. This is the team that has participated the most times in history. Germany is participating for the 21 19th time and Argentina for the 19th time.
Which team has won the World Cup the most times
Brazil has won the World Cup five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002). Germany and Italy have four titles each.
Why Italy is skipping this tournament
The Italians lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifying play-offs after a series of penalties. This is the third consecutive World Cup tournament missed by the 2006 World Champions.
When will the 2026 FIFA World Cup take place
The tournament will take place from 11 June to 19 July in North America. The hosts are the USA, Canada and Mexico, and matches will be played in 16 cities.
How the play-off stage works
The top two teams from each of the 12 groups (24 teams) plus the top eight third-placed teams will qualify for the Round of 32. In total, 32 teams will play in the play-offs.
