2026 World Cup Overview: All you need to know

World Cup 2026: Key facts

• Hosts: United States, Canada and Mexico

• Teams: 48

• Groups: 12

• Opening match: June 11, 2026

• World Cup Final: July 19, 2026

• Defending champions: Argentina

• Most successful nation: Brazil (five titles)

• World Cup favourites: France & Spain

Why the 2026 World Cup will be so unique

The 2026 edition represents the biggest change in World Cup history.

For the first time, 48 nations will compete at the finals, increasing the number of participating countries and creating a tournament unlike anything seen before. Matches will be staged across three host nations, with venues stretching from Vancouver to Mexico City.

The expanded competition means more opportunities for emerging nations, more knockout football and a greater chance of shocks. While the traditional powerhouses remain the teams to beat, the new format gives outsiders a better chance than ever before to make headlines on the global stage.

It also places additional emphasis on squad depth. Teams will need to navigate a longer tournament, larger travel distances and more potential knockout matches if they are to lift the trophy on July 19.

Who are the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup?

There is no shortage of contenders heading into the tournament, but a handful of nations stand out above the rest.

• Spain

European champions Spain arrive in North America carrying enormous expectations. Their blend of technical quality, attacking creativity and youthful energy has made them one of the most complete international sides in world football. With players such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Pedri capable of changing games in an instant, Spain possess the firepower required to challenge for a second World Cup crown.

• France

France remain one of the most feared nations on the planet, and are once again expected to go deep into the tournament. Kylian Mbappe headlines a squad packed with talent across every position, while France's recent record at major tournaments speaks for itself. Aiming for a third World Cup final in as many tournaments, they know exactly what it takes to succeed on football's biggest stage.

• England

England's wait for a major international trophy stretches back to 1966, but belief remains high that this could finally be the Three Lions' year. Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Declan Rice headline one of the strongest squads in the competition, while Thomas Tuchel's arrival has only increased expectations. The challenge for England is no longer reaching the latter stages - it's finding a way to get over the line.

• Brazil

No nation has won the World Cup more often than Brazil, and the five-time champions once again possess enough talent to trouble anybody. The Selecao boast one of the tournament's most exciting attacks, while the experience of Carlo Ancelotti has brought renewed optimism heading into the summer. If Brazil can find consistency in the knockout rounds, a sixth title is a realistic possibility.

• Argentina

Argentina arrive as defending champions after Lionel Messi inspired victory in Qatar four years ago. Although expectations are slightly lower than in 2022, they remain one of the most dangerous sides in the tournament. Their winning mentality, tournament experience and ability to thrive under pressure make them difficult opponents for anybody they face.

World Cup 2026 betting markets explained

The outright winner market may attract most of the attention, but Coral offers a huge range of betting opportunities throughout the tournament.

Whether you're backing a nation to go all the way, supporting your favourite player in the Golden Boot race or predicting a surprise package to reach the latter stages, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Popular World Cup betting markets include:

• Outright winner

• Golden Boot winner

• Golden Ball winner

• Golden Glove winner

• To reach the final

• To reach the semi-finals

• Stage of elimination betting

• Top goalscoring nation

• Winning confederation odds

In-play betting will also be available throughout the tournament, allowing customers to place wagers as the action unfolds.

Teams looking to spring a surprise

While much of the attention falls on the favourites, World Cups are often remembered for the nations that exceed expectations.

• Norway

Norway return to the World Cup with arguably the most dangerous striker in world football leading the line. Erling Haaland's presence alone gives them the ability to trouble any defence, and they could be one of the dark horses of the tournament.

• Morocco

After their remarkable run to the semi-finals in 2022, Morocco can no longer be considered major outsiders. The Atlas Lions have already shown they can compete with elite opposition, and will be aiming to prove their success in Qatar was no one-off.

• USA

Playing on home soil brings pressure, but also opportunity. Supported by passionate crowds and familiar conditions, the USA will believe they can produce their deepest World Cup run in modern history.

• Portugal

Portugal are often discussed among the favourites, but they still sit slightly below the leading contenders in most outright markets. With a squad packed full of talent and experience, they have all the tools required to go much further than many expect.

Five players to look out for in the group stages

• Antonio Nusa (Norway)

Erling Haaland will naturally attract most of the attention in Norway's squad, but Antonio Nusa could be the player who truly surprises fans. The winger possesses electric pace, fearless dribbling ability and a willingness to take defenders on at every opportunity. If Norway make a deep run into the knockout stages, Nusa could quickly become one of the tournament's most talked-about players.

• Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)

Iliman Ndiaye may already be a familiar name to Premier League fans, but the World Cup offers him the opportunity to establish himself on a much bigger stage. Capable of playing as a forward, attacking midfielder or winger, his versatility makes him one of Senegal's most dangerous weapons. Quick, creative and unpredictable in possession, Ndiaye has the ability to produce moments of quality in the biggest matches and could be the player who drives Senegal deep into the tournament.

• Arda Guler (Turkey)

Known by football fans as a future global superstar, Guler arrives at the tournament with enormous potential. His creativity, technical quality and eye for a decisive pass make him one of Turkey's most important players. Major tournaments have a habit of creating stars overnight, and Guler looks perfectly suited to that role.

• Nico Paz (Argentina)

Argentina's squad is packed with established names, but Nico Paz represents the future. The attacking midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise and offers energy, flair and intelligence in possession. Surrounded by experienced internationals, he could thrive in a supporting role and become one of the breakout players of the competition.

• Abdukodir Khusanov (Uzbekistan)

Defenders rarely feature in players-to-watch lists, but Khusanov is difficult to ignore. The commanding centre-back has already demonstrated maturity beyond his years and will be central to Uzbekistan's hopes of causing a surprise. Strong performances against elite opposition could significantly enhance his growing reputation.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.

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