As the anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in North America for the first time since 1994, the stage is being perfectly set for what promises to be a historic event. With a record 48-team field nearly confirmed, the soccer world is abuzz, and the excitement is palpable, particularly for fans and bettors alike.
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, is expected to draw record amounts of money wagered, primarily due to the U.S.’s strong performance and a favorable time frame for viewing. Las Vegas sportsbooks are particularly optimistic, with Caesars Sportsbook’s head of soccer, Mark Bickerdike, projecting a handle that could surpass any previous soccer event in U.S. history. “When it comes to betting, expectations are extremely high,” he noted, highlighting the tournament’s viewer-friendly schedule.
A Thrilling Six Weeks Ahead
With only five rest days during the tournament’s six-week duration, fans can expect a whirlwind of activity, with 104 matches lined up for viewing. Westgate SuperBook vice president of risk, Jeff Sherman, emphasized how the World Cup would invigorate sportsbooks during a traditionally slow period dominated by baseball. “This will bring some energy and life into the book,” he explained. The sheer volume of matches makes this World Cup an exceptional opportunity for engagement among sports fans and bettors.
USA’s Optimistic Outlook
As the tournament approaches, the focus turns to the United States men’s national soccer team, which has been tagged as a betting favorite to win its group. The opening match against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium finds the U.S. as a +110 favorite. This optimism is rooted in a favorable draw and solid recent performances, particularly under new coach Mauricio Pochettino, including an impressive 5-1 victory against Uruguay.
With odds of +125 to win Group D over Paraguay and Australia, it’s no surprise that bettors are showing increasing interest. “We expect the USA to be a popular selection across all betting markets,” Bickerdike added, stating that the national team is already attracting significant wagers for their expected progression in the tournament.
The Competition Heats Up: Favorites and Odds
While excitement swirls around the U.S., other international powerhouses are also in the mix. Spain, fresh off winning the 2024 European Championship, emerges as a solid 4-1 favorite to clinch the World Cup. Sherman noted that Spain leads in both ticket counts and the total money wagered, showcasing their strong backing among bettors.
Following closely, England is noted as a 6-1 second choice, supported by consistent performances over recent years. France, with odds of +750, is a formidable competitor, showcasing deep talent across Europe’s top leagues. Defending champions Argentina and Brazil both sit at 8-1, although the significance of this tournament looms larger for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who may be participating in their final World Cups.
Betting lines for teams like Germany (13-1), the Netherlands (22-1), and Norway (25-1) reflect the competitive landscape, emphasizing that the top eight teams on the odds board traditionally hold the strongest chances of victory. This context is crucial for bettors looking to make informed decisions in this thrilling and unpredictable tournament.
In Summary
As excitement builds leading up to the 2026 World Cup, both bettors and fans can look forward to an unforgettable tournament. With the U.S. team positioned favorably and global favorites like Spain and England in the running, the upcoming summer promises to be filled with thrilling matches and an electrifying atmosphere that unites soccer enthusiasts across North America and beyond.