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World Cup Title Favorites, Sleepers, Debut Groups? All 48 Groups By Tiers

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By Editorial Team
World Cup Title Favorites, Sleepers, Debut Groups? All 48 Groups By Tiers
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Ready for the biggest edition of soccer’s marquee event? With 48 teams spread across three countries, this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be epic. 

[2026 FIFA WORLD CUP: Full Game-by-Game Schedule]

The sector is ready, and all 12 four-team teams are locked in. However which groups would be the critical match contenders? Who’ll punch above their weight? The primary-timers? And what about co-hosts USA, Mexico and Canada? 

We’re diving into the World Cup discipline by inserting all of the groups into distinct tiers and breaking down why you need to control them.

JUMP TO: Co-Hosts | Sleeper Picks | Able to Deep Run | Get Into Knockouts | Might Make It Fascinating | Early Exit? | Debut Groups! 

ARGENTINA

World Cup Odds: +850
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

 (Photograph by Daniel Jayo/Getty Photographs)

The defending World Cup champs need to turn into the primary nation to win consecutive titles since Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962. Can La Albiceleste do it? Nicely, they’ve the identical supervisor in Lionel Scaloni, and you may by no means rely out a crew that’s led by legendary ahead Lionel Messi (who will flip 39 through the match). It is a deep, skilled group brimming with expertise that is aware of the best way to win main tournaments (and likewise received back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024).

BRAZIL

(Photograph by Wealthy Storry/Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +850
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

The final two occasions Brazil went to a World Cup held in North America, it left with the trophy in hand. But probably the most profitable nation in World Cup historical past has now gone nearly a quarter-century with out including a sixth star to its iconic yellow jerseys; the Seleção final sat on the summit of the planet’s hottest sport approach again in 2022. This present 24-year drought matches the longest Brazil has ever gone with out hoisting a World Cup. 

In different phrases, it is due. Brazil all the time has sufficient expertise to win all of it. Now it additionally has legendary Italian supervisor Carlo Ancelotti on the helm; the previous Actual Madrid boss is predicted to offer a construction for 25-year-old ahead Vinícius Jr. & Co. that helps their presents shine vivid on the most important stage. If that occurs, Brazil might be a troublesome out for any opponent this summer season. 
 

ENGLAND

(Photograph by Alex Pantling/Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +600
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

  • June 17: England vs. Croatia – Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas (4 p.m. ET)
  • June 23: England vs. Ghana – Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts (4 p.m. ET)
  • June 27: Panama vs. England — New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (5 p.m. ET)

England remains to be searching for its first World Cup title since 1966. It appears to have the proper of expertise, depth and expertise to make a run this summer season. And now the Three Lions even have a Champions League-winning supervisor in Thomas Tuchel to information them. 

The celebrities might be out with gamers like captain striker Harry Kane, the attacking Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and his versatility, and the well-rounded Cole Palmer on the pitch, all of whom are bored with all the time developing brief in main tournaments. England was drawn into a tough Group L with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, so we’ll get an early take a look at what this squad is manufactured from.

FRANCE

(Photograph by FRANCK FIFE / AFP by way of Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +600
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

Les Bleus received the World Cup in 2018 and misplaced the 2022 remaining – on penalties – to Lionel Messi and Argentina. What can France do for an encore this summer season? With Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and fellow star ahead Kylian Mbappé (who was a breakout star within the 2018 title run) main supervisor Didier Deschamps’ assault, no surprise France is among the many bookies’ favorites to win the match outright this summer season, alongside European rivals England and Spain. 

PORTUGAL

 (Photograph by ANP by way of Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +1100
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

Portugal has by no means received a World Cup, a lot much less reached a World Cup remaining. Might this be the 12 months? There was a lot drama across the crew 4 years in the past when former supervisor Fernando Santos benched celebrity Cristiano Ronaldo in Qatar. Now the crew is coached by Spaniard Roberto Martinez, who led it to the 2024 Euro quarterfinal and 2025 Nations League championship, the place his facet defeated Spain in a penalty shootout. His relationship with the 41-year-old Ronaldo may dictate how issues go for Portugal this summer season.

SPAIN 

(Photograph by NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +450
World Cup Group Stage Opponents: 

The reigning European champions are striving to win their first World Cup since 2010 and simply second general within the nation’s historical past. 4 years in the past, La Roja have been knocked out within the spherical of 16 by Cinderella squad Morocco. This time they’ll be a more durable out with all of the younger attacking expertise that litters this roster from wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams to Pedri (midfielder) and extra. It is a group that can preserve getting higher as these gamers grow old, however they need to win now.

CANADA

World Cup Odds: +20000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

 (Photograph by Michael Owens/Getty Photographs)

4 years in the past, the Reds snapped a 3 decade-plus World Cup drought by topping Concacaf’s qualifying match and returning to the Best Present on Earth for the primary time since 1986. And Canada performed nicely in Qatar regardless of shedding all three of its video games, together with defeats towards eventual 2022 semifinalists Croatia and Morocco. Now, it is internet hosting World Cup video games on the lads’s facet for the primary time, and the stress to carry out is completely different. Led by American coach Jesse Marsch, Canada might be wanting not simply to win a World Cup recreation for the primary time however to advance to the knockout stage. And it has the gamers to do it, too, with captain Alphonso Davies and Juventus striker Jonathan David main the best way.

MEXICO

(Photograph by Omar Vega/Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +7000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents: 

4 years in the past, Mexico did not make it out of its group. To have the identical outcome this time round on residence soil can be disastrous, particularly given their favorable draw. The reigning Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup champions have had a current rash of accidents that has allowed even keeper Guillermo Ochoa to return to the squad for current friendlies – however may he make an unprecedented sixth World Cup? Loads of buzz round younger midfielders Gilerto Mora and Obed Vargas, however this squad will depend on veterans equivalent to star striker Raul Jimenez and captain Edson Alvarez (who can be battling an harm). 

USA

(Photograph by Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +6500
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

Enjoying at a World Cup on residence soil for the primary time since 1994, the US is hoping for a deep run this summer season underneath extremely regarded Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino. The Individuals’ greatest World Cup exhibiting because the inaugural 1930 occasion – the place the U.S. completed fourth – was a quarterfinal journey in 2002. With the 2026 version expanded to 48 nations, simply equaling that feat would require profitable an additional knockout stage match. That’s no simple feat. 

Nonetheless, this U.S. squad is broadly thought-about probably the most proficient ever, with reliable European membership stars equivalent to AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic and Juventus’ Weston McKennie. The core that gained invaluable expertise at Qatar 2022 is simply now hitting its prime. However losses in March to Belgium and Portugal have tempered expectations, and Pulisic has been caught in a scoring drought for each membership and nation. His final purpose for AC Milan got here on Dec. 28, 2025, whereas his final purpose for the Stars and Stripes was in November 2024.  

COLOMBIA

World Cup Odds: +4000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents: 

So what if Los Cafeteros didn’t even go to the final World Cup in Qatar? 4 years later, Colombia may very well be one of many greatest sleepers to make some critical noise this summer season. Behind Bayern Munich playmaker Luis Diaz, the Colombians completed South America’s World Cup qualifying match in third place, behind solely Ecuador and defending world champions Argentina and forward of five-time winner Brazil. 

Los Cafeteros ought to get strong help for his or her first two group video games, which happen in Mexico. Meantime, the primary spherical finale in Miami, the place they’ll meet Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal, may really feel like a house recreation given the large ex-pat group in South Florida and Colombian followers’ willingness to journey in droves. 

ECUADOR

World Cup Odds: +8000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

Regardless of beating host Qatar and tying the two-time runner-up Netherlands in its first two video games in 2022, Ecuador did not advance when it dropped its decisive group section contest to Senegal. La Tri may very well be poised for a deep run this summer season, although, having completed second in South America’s qualifying match forward of Brazil and behind solely defending World Cup champs Argentina. Moises Caicedo, who performs at Chelsea, is among the world’s greatest defensive midfielders. The sport towards Germany within the group finale is probably going for who’ll end on high. 

MOROCCO

World Cup Odds: +6000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

The Cinderella crew of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco was almost everybody’s favourite story from 4 years in the past, when it grew to become the primary African and Arab nation to achieve a World Cup semifinal earlier than shedding to France. The Atlas Lions misplaced to Senegal in a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations remaining in January (solely to be subsequently rewarded the title) and might be motivated to show themselves this summer season that the semifinals run in 2022 was no fluke.

They’ve a brand new supervisor after Walid Regragui abruptly left the crew however have been in a position to promote Mohamed Ouahbi, who led Morocco’s U-20 crew to a Youth World Cup title in 2025, because the successor. Morocco was drawn into Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti and Scotland, which can make for some early intrigue. PSG’s celebrity right-back Achraf Hakimi ought to as soon as once more shine in the summertime. 

NORWAY

(Photograph by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Photographs/DeFodi by way of Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +2800
World Cup Stage Opponents: 

  • June 16: Norway vs. Iraq — Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts (6 p.m. ET)
  • June 22: Norway vs. Senegal — New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (8 p.m. ET)
  • June 26: Norway vs. France — Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts (3 p.m. ET)

Norway’s World Cup return was a very long time coming. It was additionally inevitable. Led by Premier League standouts Erling Haaland of Manchester Metropolis and captain Martin Ødegaard of Arsenal, it is headed again to the planet’s greatest sporting occasion for the primary time since 1998. Haaland is just 25, and already has 55 objectives in 48 video games for his nation. No participant in worldwide soccer historical past surpassed the half-century mark in fewer matches it took the 6-foot-5 striker. In what may very well be the hardest group on the match, Norway has the expertise to make some noise.

BELGIUM

World Cup Odds: +3500
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

The Crimson Devils’ golden era hasn’t fairly lived as much as the hype, having did not advance from group play in 2022 following deep runs in each 2014 and 2018, after they completed third after narrowly shedding their semifinal to eventual champ France. Now of their 30s, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and striker Romelu Lukaku have yet another likelihood on the most important stage this summer season, with a succesful supporting solid led by electrical Manchester Metropolis winger Jeremy Doku. 

CROATIA

(Photograph by Eston Parker/ISI Photographs/ISI Photographs by way of Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +9000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

It’s fairly magical what Croatia, with a inhabitants fewer than 4 million folks, has been in a position to do within the World Cup. In current historical past, this nation was the runner-up on the 2018 World Cup and completed in third place on the 2022 World Cup. You possibly can by no means rely this facet out of a significant match, particularly given the squad’s expertise stage and the truth that it is led by celebrity Luka Modrić. Plus, it has arguably probably the most magnificent kits in all of soccer.

GERMANY

World Cup Odds: +1400
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

The four-time World Cup champions are all the time able to making a deep run, if not profitable all of it. However Die Mannschaft has lots to show this summer season underneath coach Julian Nagelsmann; since hoisting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, Germany has not superior out of group play. Florian Wirtz (midfielder) helped Bayer Leverkusen go undefeated en path to profitable the German title two seasons in the past earlier than being named Bundesliga Participant of the Yr in 2025 after which making an enormous transfer to Liverpool. In March, the 22-year-old Wirtz scored his tenth purpose in simply 39 video games for his nation.   

NETHERLANDS

 (Photograph by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +2000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

In all probability the very best soccer-loving nation by no means to have received a World Cup and the followers are hungry for a trophy. Simply take a look at current main tournaments like the lads’s and girls’s Euros and the way the followers litter the streets in vivid orange. The Dutch have loads of particular person expertise to make some noise, from former Lyon star Memphis Depay (striker) to Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to Liverpool duo Cody Gakpo (winger) and defender Virgil van Dijk. 

4 years in the past, the Oranje took eventual champion Argentina to an exciting penalty shootout within the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal. The sport itself was dramatic, with 18 yellow playing cards and one yellow. How far can this group go in 2026? Supervisor Ronald Koeman has a bodily squad, quick wingers and a ton of gamers with big-game expertise. The Dutch might want to get off on the appropriate foot as its first recreation is towards a succesful Japan squad. 

TÜRKIYE

World Cup Odds: +6500
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

The final time the Turks certified for a World Cup, they went all the best way to the semifinals in Korea/Japan in 2002 earlier than shedding to eventual champ Brazil by a single purpose. With gamers littered throughout Europe’s high leagues (together with Juventus’ attacking midfielder Kenan Yıldız and Actual Madrid’s Arda Güler), they’re greater than able to making one other deep run this summer season and are actually in all probability the favorites to win a bunch that features Australia, Paraguay and the match co-hosts United States. 

URUGUAY

 (Photograph by Marc Atkins/Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +6500
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

Who received the primary World Cup in 1930? It’s a strong trivia query. And the reply, which regularly stumps folks, is Uruguay. And never solely did it win that inaugural match, however it hosted as nicely. It is a nation with a wealthy footballing custom, although it hasn’t been again to the highest since profitable a second time in 1950. It didn’t make it out of the group in 2022 – going through Portugal, South Korea and Ghana – and is anxious to make a push this summer season. It is going to be robust, although, as it’ll face match favourite Spain and Saudi Arabia within the group. Fortunately, it has gamers like Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo and Actual Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde. 

AUSTRIA

World Cup Odds: +10000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

This might be Austria’s first World Cup look since 1998. It is a crew that likes to assault and has a powerful core of veterans on the crew, like Actual Madrid defender David Alaba and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer. It is coached by Ralf Rangnick, who has had an intensive teaching profession in Germany. Earlier than taking on the Austrian nationwide crew, although, he was the interim supervisor of Manchester United from 2021-22. Within the Euros two years in the past, Austria shocked the Netherlands within the group stage to advance to the knockout spherical (the place it finally misplaced to Türkiye). Does it have one other upset brewing for this summer season?

EGYPT

(Photograph by ANP by way of Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +30000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

Africa’s oldest and most profitable nationwide crew went 28 years between World Cups earlier than returning in 2018, solely to overlook out once more 4 years later. Now they’re again once more, and the purpose is obvious: Get out of group play for the primary time of their lengthy and adorned historical past. It could be the final time we see Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah on this huge of a stage as nicely. 

SOUTH KOREA

World Cup Odds: +35000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

South Korea has certified for 11 straight World Cups, not lacking one since 1986. Its greatest end got here in 2002 when, as match co-hosts, the Tigers of Asia reached the semifinals however misplaced to Germany, 1-0. 4 years in the past, the squad superior to the spherical of 16 the place it was ousted by Brazil. How far can South Korea go this summer season? It is honest to anticipate to make it out of Group A, the place it’s going to play co-host Mexico, South Africa and a European playoff crew. Plus, it has a proficient squad which options captain winger Son Heung-min, who stars for LAFC, in addition to European-based stars like midfielder Lee Kang-in (PSG), defender Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) and winger Lee Jae-sung (Mainz 05).

JAPAN

 (Photograph by Koji Watanabe/Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +5000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

Japan has performed in each World Cup since its debut in 1998, however it has by no means made it previous the spherical of 16. Might this be the 12 months? It was shut 4 years in the past, beating Germany and Spain within the Group of Loss of life and taking Croatia to a penalty shootout within the spherical of 16. It is a crew that traditionally performs shortly, likes to press and is harmful in transition. The very best half concerning the Samurai Blue, although, might be their followers, who went viral and have been admired world wide on the final World Cup for cleansing up stadiums after matches.

SCOTLAND

World Cup Odds: +20000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

As soon as a daily World Cup qualifier, the Tartan Military will quickly be again on the massive stage for the primary time since 1998. The Scots didn’t even want a playoff to get there. In November, Scott McTominay (striker) & Co. beat former European champs Denmark in Glasgow to win a bunch that additionally included Euro 2004 winners Greece. The 6-foot-3 McTominay, a former Manchester United alum, led Napoli to the Italian title final season, incomes a Ballon d’Or nomination alongside the best way. It was his spectacular bicycle kick that opened the scoring in Scotland’s World Cup qualifying clincher over Denmark. 

SENEGAL

 (Photograph by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto by way of Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +10000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

  • June 16: Senegal vs. France — New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (3 p.m. ET)
  • June 22: Senegal vs. Norway — New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (8 p.m. ET)
  • June 26: Senegal vs. Iraq — Toronto Stadium (3 p.m. ET)

Collaborating of their third World Cup in a row this summer season, the previous quarterfinalists and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winners have been eradicated by England within the spherical of 16 in Qatar. Often known as the Lions of Teranga, Senegal famously upset then-World Cup holders France in its debut look in 2002. Can historical past repeat itself this summer season, when it as soon as once more faces Les Bleus in its opening match? Sadio Mané (winger) is one among this era’s greatest attackers, and the ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich star may make some magic. 

PARAGUAY

World Cup Odds: +20000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

There’s no query that La Albirroja’s golden age was between 1998 and 2010, after they reached 4 consecutive tournaments, culminating in a quarterfinal look in South Africa. Now Paraguay is again on the World Cup for the primary time since, having did not make the final three editions. MIdfielder Miguel Almirón is acquainted to followers on three continents, having moved from Cerro Porteño in Asunción to Argentine membership Lanús to MLS facet Atlanta United to Premier League mainstay Newcastle earlier than a return again to Atlanta. This crew is the USA’s opening match, so anticipate the South Individuals to attempt to spoil the co-hosts’ celebration. 

SWITZERLAND

World Cup Odds: +10000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

Switzerland is as reliable because the watches produced within the nation – this crew is headed to its sixth consecutive World Cup. It has reached the spherical of 16 in every of the final three editions. Led by Premier League veterans Manuel Akanji (defender) and captain Granit Xhaka (midfielder), the Swiss will attempt to make a minimum of the quarterfinals this summer season – one thing they haven’t managed since 1954. 

ALGERIA

World Cup Odds: +35000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

That is Algeria’s first journey to the World Cup since 2014, after they traditionally reached the spherical of 16. They have been in a position to e-book their ticket to this summer season’s match by ending atop their group in African qualifying. On the World Cup, they have been alongside defending World Cup champion Argentina, in addition to Austria and Jordan. Whereas Argentina will definitely win the group – Algeria will face La Albiceleste in its first match on June 16 in Kansas Metropolis – the second spot may very well be up for grabs. Former Manchester Metropolis and Leicester Metropolis winger Riyad Mahrez might be a catalyst for this squad. 

AUSTRALIA

World Cup Odds: +45000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

The Socceroos gave Lionel Messi and eventual champs Argentina a scare within the spherical of 16 in Qatar earlier than shedding, 2-1, and the 2026 occasion marks their sixth straight World Cup journey. Organized and bodily underneath coach Tony Popovic, they’ll be a troublesome out for the co-host United States, which they’ll face in Seattle of their second group stage match.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

(Photograph by Picture Photograph Company/Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +25000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

What is the greatest story of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unbelievable run into the World Cup? Defeating Italy within the World Cup playoff remaining to make sure the four-time champions would miss a 3rd straight match? Seeing talisman striker Edin Džeko, now 41, assist his nation attain the most important stage? Or witnessing American-born Esmir Bajraktarević (aka, the “Milwaukee Messi”) coolly take the decisive penalty within the win over Italy? Put together for this squad to seize neutrals’ hearts and a focus – particularly within the opening match towards co-hosts Canada. 

CZECHIA 

World Cup Odds: +15000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

It is a return to the World Cup for the primary time since 2006 for Czechia, when the nation was often known as the Czech Republic. Czechia booked its ticket to the 2026 World Cup after outlasting Denmark, 3-1, on penalty kicks within the UEFA following a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes. The squad might be led by towering Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick, however it’ll want lots extra assist in a bunch that features co-hosts Mexico. 

DR CONGO

(Photograph by Luis Cano/Jam Media/Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +70000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

Merely put, this crew wasn’t speculated to make it. With conventional African powers Nigeria and Cameroon standing between the Democratic Republic of Congo and its first World Cup look since 1974 (when often known as Zaire), subsequent to no person gave it an opportunity. However that message did not get to the Leopards, who promptly shocked each to achieve the intercontinental playoffs after which beat Jamaica to e-book their spot in the principle occasion. Veteran Premier League right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka (now at West Ham after a stint at Manchester United) headlines a listing of gamers with loads of European expertise. 

GHANA

World Cup Odds: +35000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

Ghana has certified for 4 of the final 5 World Cups, with its greatest end coming in 2010 when it reached the quarterfinals. The Black Stars booked their spot for 2026 by ending on the high of their qualifying group with eight wins, one draw and one loss. Sadly, they have been drawn right into a more durable group with favorites England and Croatia, and Panama all the time good for an upset. Getting out of this group goes to be a problem, however they will lean on veteran expertise from the attacking Mohammed Kudus.  

IVORY COAST

World Cup Odds: +25000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

The times of Didier Drogba (the all-time Ivory Coast high scorer who retired in 2018) are lengthy gone, however that will not deter the brand new era of those Elephants. The crew debuted on the world stage in 2006 after which certified for every of the following two tournaments earlier than lacking the final two editions. Now, it is again with practical ambitions of advancing for the primary time of their historical past, regardless of occupying a bunch with Ecuador and four-time winners Germany: In March, it thumped World Cup-bound South Korea 4-0, which ought to give the crew momentum in the summertime. 

SWEDEN

 (Photograph by Sebastian Frej/Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +8000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

How about attending to the World Cup with out really profitable a recreation through the preliminary qualifying marketing campaign? Sweden completed final in its qualifying group however made the playoff spherical due to its UEFA Nations League efficiency. Main the best way is a pair of high strikers in Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, with the latter scoring 4 objectives in March’s playoff video games. The Swedes have turned the nook underneath Graham Potter, the previous Chelsea and Brighton supervisor who beforehand spent seven years teaching in Sweden.

HAITI

World Cup Odds: +150000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

(Photograph by Geoff Robins / AFP by way of Getty Photographs)

One of many nice tales of World Cup qualifying, the Haitians will return to the worldwide stage this summer season for the second time ever and first since 1974. Les Grenadiers punched their ticket to the competitors regardless of not enjoying a single match at residence due to safety worries. Defensively stout, they nonetheless received a qualifying group that contained current World Cup members Costa Rica and Honduras. However the process might be approach larger this summer season with these group-stage groups.

IRAN

World Cup Odds: +30000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

Staff Melli received’t be a pushover as this crew has participated in 5 of the final seven World Cups. Whereas it is by no means but made it to the knockout rounds, it beat Gareth Bale-led Wales in Qatar earlier than narrowly shedding to the U.S. in each groups’ first spherical finale. Star striker and captain Mehdi Taremi would be the focus for the crew.

IRAQ

World Cup Odds: +100000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

  • June 16: Iraq vs. Norway — Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts (6 p.m. ET)
  • June 22: France vs. Iraq — Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (5 p.m. ET)
  • June 26: Senegal vs. Iraq —BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario (3 p.m. ET)

The ultimate crew to really e-book a spot for the World Cup by profitable the second intercontinental playoff. It is the second World Cup look for the squad (after its 1986 debut), however with a bunch that features three very stout sides, it might be a brief match for the Lions of Mesopotamia. 

NEW ZEALAND

(Photograph by Hannah Peters – FIFA/FIFA by way of Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +100000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

The crew is again on the massive stage for the primary time since 2010, when it had the fascinating distinction of going undefeated with three ties, together with one towards then-defending champions Italy. New Zealand clinched its spot greater than a 12 months in the past by topping New Caledonia, 3-0, in Auckland. However issues may get ugly on the primary occasion; it went on an 0-7-1 run earlier than lastly beating Chile in March. 

TUNISIA

World Cup Odds: +50000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

This might be Tunisia’s seventh World Cup look, and one it hopes might be its greatest. You see, the Eagles of Carthage have by no means made it out of the group in all these tournaments. That’s in all probability going to be a troublesome task this summer season in Group F, given they’re joined by the Netherlands and Japan, who’re anticipated to advance. Even so, Tunisia has some enjoyable World Cup historical past, like the truth that it was the primary African nation ever to win a World Cup match in 1978 when it beat Mexico, 3-1.

PANAMA

World Cup Odds: +100000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

It will solely be Panama’s second journey to the World Cup. The squad had a powerful qualifying marketing campaign, which was aided by the truth that it didn’t should play the US, Canada or Mexico, all of whom robotically certified for the match as co-hosts. This might be a troublesome group, however the Panamanians can stun their opponents when every little thing is clicking. Simply ask the U.S. males’s nationwide crew, which misplaced to Panama on the 2024 Copa América and within the 2025 Concacaf Nations League semifinals.

SAUDI ARABIA

(Photograph by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +100000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

Saudi Arabia has certified for the final seven of 9 World Cups. Maybe its most notable match was 4 years in the past in Qatar, when the squad shocked eventual champion Argentina within the group stage with a 2-1 victory. The Arabian Falcons then proceeded to lose to each Poland and Mexico and completed on the backside of their group. They’re led by French supervisor Herve Renard, who has loads of worldwide expertise, together with teaching the squad in 2022 earlier than taking the French ladies’s nationwide crew to the 2023 World Cup. He little doubt will need to assist the crew go additional than it did final time, and perhaps that’s potential in a bunch with Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde.

SOUTH AFRICA

(Photograph by Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Photographs/Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +80000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

South Africa will get the dignity of opening the World Cup when it faces co-host Mexico within the first match of the match on June 11 at Mexico Metropolis Stadium. Often known as Bafana Bafana, South Africa has solely performed in 4 World Cups however hasn’t competed in a single since internet hosting in 2010. It is by no means made it out of the group stage, and that could be robust this time round with Mexico and South Korea in its group.

QATAR

World Cup Odds: +100000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

The 2022 World Cup was the tiny gulf state’s first World Cup, which they certified for robotically as hosts. This time, the Maroons did it on the sector. After shedding all three video games on residence soil, Qatar – now led by former West Ham, Spain and Actual Madrid supervisor Julen Lopetegui – is aiming for its first level on the most important stage.

CURAÇAO

World Cup Odds: +150000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

How can neutrals not love the Blue Wave’s Cinderella story? In November, the Dutch territory grew to become the smallest nation by each inhabitants (155,000) and geographic space to ever qualify for a World Cup. Simply being there’s a triumph for Curaçao, although the video games may get ugly: Ecuador and four-time world champs Germany loom within the first spherical, and Dick Advocaat (who managed the Netherlands at USA ’94) resigned as coach in March to look after his unwell daughter.  

CAPE VERDE

(Photograph by FRANCK FIFE/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +100000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

We love a World Cup first timer! Cabo Verde will make its very first World Cup look this summer season, and what higher method to welcome it to the worldwide stage than by enjoying match favourite Spain within the first match? Whereas that recreation on June 15 at Atlanta Stadium may find yourself being fairly lopsided, it’s exceptional that this nation of simply greater than 500,000 folks certified for the World Cup within the first place. Whereas it might not make it out of the group, it has the form of resilience, spirit and keenness that we like to see on this match.

JORDAN

World Cup Odds: +150000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

  • June 17: Jordan vs. Austria — San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California (12 a.m. ET)
  • June 22: Jordan vs. Algeria — San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California (11 p.m. ET)
  • June 27: Jordan vs. Argentina — Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas (10 p.m. ET)

Jordan might be making its World Cup debut. Whereas it is by no means been to the massive dance earlier than, it almost certified for the 2014 match by making it to the intercontinental playoffs. It didn’t work out then, however the crew was rewarded for making the expanded 48-team discipline this time round by being drawn into a bunch with Argentina.

UZBEKISTAN

(Photograph by Anvar Ilyasov/Getty Photographs)

World Cup Odds: +150000
World Cup Group Stage Opponents:

One other World Cup debutant! Uzbekistan could also be a crew largely unknown to the world at this level, however it’s coached by Favio Cannavaro, who is understood to be one of many biggest defenders of all time. Cannavaro captained Italy to the World Cup in 2006, so he is aware of what this crew is getting itself into this summer season. He’s had an enormous teaching profession up thus far and solely took over the nationwide crew in October, so we’ll see how the squad gels underneath him with lower than a 12 months collectively.

2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch

The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Unfold throughout three international locations, the match will culminate with the ultimate on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 match matches will air stay throughout FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with each match streaming stay and on-demand inside each the FOX One and the FOX Sports activities apps. A document 40 matches, greater than one-third of the match, will air in prime time throughout FOX (21) and FS1 (19).

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