At Gambling.com, we've handpicked the top World Cup betting offers to help you get more from every match.
Event | Date(s) | Notes |
Qualifiers | Early 2025–Nov 2025 | All confederations |
Final Draw | Dec 2025 | 12 groups of 4 |
Opening Match | June 11 2026 | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
Final | July 19 2026 | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ |
Tournament Span | June 11 – July 19 2026 | 48 teams • 16 cities • 104 matches |
Argentina are the current champions on their third title. And as it stands today, eight nations have lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy:
Nation | Titles | Years Won |
Brazil | 5 | 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002 |
Italy | 4 | 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006 |
Germany | 4 | 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014 |
Argentina | 3 | 1978, 1986, 2022 |
Uruguay | 2 | 1930, 1950 |
France | 2 | 1998, 2018 |
England | 1 | 1966 |
Spain | 1 | 2010 |
According to early outright odds at top UK sportsbooks, the 2026 World Cup betting market is wide open.
France, Spain, and Brazil currently lead the pack at around 6/1, with England close behind at 7/1. Defending champions Argentina and tournament heavyweights Germany sit just behind, priced near 8/1.
Outright odds shift frequently as qualifiers unfold and player form or injuries influence expectations. Once the tournament kicks off, you’ll find the latest live World Cup odds updated right here—so bookmark this page and check back often.
The Golden Boot market often presents long-shot value—especially for players on teams likely to reach the semifinals. While winners typically hail from top-four nations, they don’t always play for the champions. Harry Kane won in 2018 with England finishing fourth, and Kylian Mbappé claimed the award in 2022 despite France finishing as runners-up.
Bookmakers usually release top scorer odds once qualifiers wrap up and the group-stage draw is confirmed. Until then, here are a few names expected to top the list:
Other Contenders — Look for leading scorers from elite teams:
Top-seeded nations are typically strong favourites to win their respective groups—especially host countries like the USA, Mexico, and Canada, who will each headline a group in 2026. Expect other seeded teams such as France, Brazil, and Argentina to anchor groups with similarly short odds.
While favourites often prevail, upsets are a part of World Cup history. In 2022, Japan stunned Group E by finishing ahead of Spain and Germany, while Morocco shocked Group F by topping Belgium and Croatia. These results were prime examples of value in the group winner market.
When group odds go live, savvy bettors should compare offers across platforms. Look for special markets like:
Also, keep watch for “Group of Death” dynamics. A world-class team drawn into a tough group may offer rare plus-money odds to win—presenting strong betting value. Conversely, heavyweights in weaker groups may be priced very short (e.g., –300 or lower), limiting upside but boosting parlay appeal.
Claiming a free World Cup bet is generally simple. All free bet offers are slightly different, although most usually require a qualifying bet to be placed before free bet funds are unlocked. Follow the below instructions to get your hands on World Cup free bets.