Every football fan dreams of winning the World Cup. There are only a privileged few who have ever played at one, let alone actually got their hands on the gold.
This summer’s tournament in North America is the biggest in FIFA’s history, expanding to 48 competitors and adding an extra round of knockout fixtures to suitably whet the appetite.
But which sides stand out above the rest? Here are our top five picks for teams who stand the most realistic shot at glory.
Argentina
Argentina are out to become the first team in 64 years to successfully retain the World Cup. Not since Brazil’s triumphs of 1958 and 1962 has a country won two in a row.
What’s the case in favour of La Albiceleste, then? Well, they still boast the might of Lionel Messi while raw talents like Enzo Fernandez and Cristian Romero have grown in stature among their international peers since their fine performances in 2022.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni also boasts an utterly obscene record as Argentina boss, losing only nine of his 94 matches at the helm heading into the tournament. You’d be hard pressed to find an international team that resembles a club side more than this one.
Argentina are priced at $10 with TAB to lift the trophy
France
Didier Deschamps’ last dance as France manager will see him aim to become only the second manager in history to win multiple World Cups, following on from Vittorio Pozza in the 1930s with Italy.
Though Deschamps has often come in for criticism over his team’s typically conservative approach for a side blessed with such attacking flair, there’s no denying he gets results. After all, they were a penalty shootout away from retaining the World Cup in 2022.
This iteration of Les Bleus is a little long in the tooth, but that experience could serve them well during the latter stages of the tournament. Oh, and don’t write off Kylian Mbappe even despite his troubles with Real Madrid.
France head into the tournament at $6 with TAB to lift the trophy.
Spain
Speaking of Real Madrid, Spain did not call up a single player from the Bernabeu for the first time ever. And yet they are still among the favourites to lift the trophy.
La Roja wowed Europe with a series of fun performances on their way to the Euro 2024 title a couple of years ago, proving that it is possible to succeed on the international stage by entertaining. They may need Lamine Yamal to shake off his injury to recreate that style, however.
Spain’s last golden generation kicked off with a continental trophy before taking home the World Cup two years later. Is history about to repeat itself?
Spain can be backed at $5.50 with TAB to be crowned World Cup champions
England
Of all the big boys expected to make a deep run, England are the most intriguing. They parted company with Gareth Southgate days after their Euro 2024 final defeat, doing away with his famed man management for a tactical tinkerer in Thomas Tuchel.
What will Tuchel’s Three Lions look like, however? It’s tough to say. Performances have proven a mixed bag to this point, and his team and squad selections have often left fans puzzled back home.
England are, though, only a wildcard in terms of how they will look. They’re still expected to reach the semi-finals one way or another - anything less would be a significant failure.
Backed by a talented squad, England are priced at $8 with TAB to claim the title.
Portugal
Over the last few World Cups, Portugal have flattered to deceive. They are always tipped as potential winners before failing to win ties they really shouldn’t lose.
What’s different this time around? The Selecao may have found the right balance to go all the way. A midfield of Joao Neves, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes is potentially the best at this tournament, and Cristiano Ronaldo is searching for a fairytale ending to his storied career.
The Selecao have never won the World Cup. They haven’t even reached a final. Now seems like the appropriate time to end that record.
At odds of $11 with TAB, Portugal represent an intriguing option to be crowned world champions.
*Odds correct as of 02/06/26
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