2026 World Cup Odds: Will the Three Lions end 60 Years of Hurt?

2026 World Cup Odds: Will the Three Lions end 60 Years of Hurt?

World Cup 2026: The Hunt for Football’s Holy Grail

Odds Correct as of Thursday, May 22, 2025, 3:15 PM 

The World Cup is football’s equivalent of scaling Everest in flip-flops—epic, slightly mad, and the ultimate badge of honour. As the 2026 tournament looms on the horizon, set to dazzle across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the global game’s finest are already jostling for position like overeager shoppers at a Black Friday sale. With qualifying campaigns in full swing, some nations have already nabbed their golden tickets, while others are still navigating the treacherous road to glory, dodging banana skins and dreaming of lifting that iconic trophy.

In 2022, Argentina’s Lionel Messi finally ticked the World Cup off his bucket list, leading La Albiceleste to glory in Qatar’s desert heat. But will they defend their crown, or is a new champion ready to elbow their way to the top? The bookmakers, including the fine folks at Betrino with their cheeky Bet £25 Get £50 in Free Bets offer for new punters, have crunched the numbers and served up their odds. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s take a wander through the 20 teams tipped to shine—or at least not trip over their own laces—in 2026. Expect drama and dark horses as we explore the favourites.

The Long Shots: Teams 20 to 11—Plucky Underdogs and Hopeful Hosts

The World Cup always has room for dreamers, and this bunch is no exception. The host nations—USA, Canada, and Mexico—have their spots secured, no questions asked, like VIPs skipping the queue at a swanky nightclub. But let’s be honest: none of them are exactly footballing royalty. They’re more like the mates who turn up to the party with enthusiasm but questionable dance moves. Still, the bookies, including Betrino with their generous free bet bonuses, reckon these underdogs could stir up some mischief.

Take Morocco, for instance. In 2022, they gatecrashed the Qatar party, storming to the semi-finals with a swagger that left jaws on the floor. Their fearless, high-energy style proved they’re no one-hit wonder, and at 66/1, they’re a tempting flutter for those who love a long shot. Denmark, too, have a knack for sneaking up on the big boys. Their Euro 1992 triumph is the stuff of fairy tales, and their Euro 2020 semi-final run showed they’ve still got a bit of magic in their boots. At 50/1, they’re worth a cheeky punt.

Croatia, meanwhile, are like that mate who’s been brilliant at karaoke for years but might be nearing their final encore. Their golden generation—think Luka Modric weaving spells in midfield—has dazzled for over a decade, but Father Time is tapping his watch. At 50/1, they’re still in the mix, but it’ll take something special to relive their 2018 heroics. Japan and Switzerland, both at 66/1, are the quiet overachievers of the group. Japan’s slick, disciplined play has seen them climb the global ranks, while Switzerland’s knack for grinding out results makes them a headache for any opponent.

Then there’s the South American duo of Colombia and Uruguay, priced at 40/1 and 28/1 respectively. They may not boast the galacticos of yesteryear, but their passion is unmatched. For these nations, football isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life, a religion with shin pads. Colombia’s flair and Uruguay’s sheer grit ensure they’ll scrap for every ball, making them dangerous floaters in any knockout draw. The USA (33/1) and Mexico (50/1) will lean on home support, while Canada, at a hefty 80/1, might just hope for a miracle or two.

The Midfield Maestros: Numbers 10 to 9

Italy: The Sleeping Giants (25/1)

Picture this: it’s 2006, Zinedine Zidane is still headbutting his way into infamy, and Italy are world champions. Fast forward nearly two decades, and the Azzurri haven’t won a World Cup knockout match since. It’s like they’ve been stuck in a footballing time warp, sipping espresso and wondering where it all went wrong. Yet, at 25/1, the bookmakers reckon Italy could stir from their slumber.

Under Luciano Spalletti, Italy are showing signs of a renaissance. Young stars like Destiny Udogie, Matteo Ruggeri, and Daniel Maldini (yes, that Maldini) are injecting fresh blood into a squad anchored by veterans like Gianluigi Donnarumma and Alessandro Bastoni. Nicolo Barella’s midfield wizardry adds a touch of class, and with four World Cup titles in their trophy cabinet, Italy know how to handle the big stage. They’re like the uncle who’s been quiet at the family reunion but suddenly pulls out a killer dance move. Don’t count them out—and maybe have a flutter with Betrino’s free bet offer to back their revival.

Belgium: The Golden Generation’s Last Hurrah (25/1)

Belgium’s so-called golden generation has been hyped up longer than a Hollywood blockbuster that never quite delivers. For years, pundits have tipped the Red Devils to conquer the world, only for them to trip over the commentator’s curse. With Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Thibaut Courtois all on the wrong side of 30, the clock is ticking louder than a cuckoo clock on steroids. At 25/1, 2026 feels like their final shot at glory.

There’s no denying the talent. De Bruyne’s pinpoint passes could thread a needle, and Courtois remains a brick wall in goal. But Belgium’s knack for fluffing their lines in crucial moments—think World Cup quarter-finals or Euro exits—has left fans with more sighs than celebrations. If they can finally sync their superstars, they might just make the bookies nervous. A cheeky bet with Betrino’s free bet bonuses could be the way to go for the optimistic punter.

The Contenders: Numbers 8 to 6

Netherlands: Can the Orange past the Big Test? (20/1)

The Dutch are like a fine wine—better with age and always a bit classy. Fresh off a Euro 2024 semi-final run, where they were pipped by England in a nail-biter, the Netherlands are buzzing with optimism. Ronald Koeman, a disciple of total football, has a spine of world-class talent: Virgil van Dijk anchoring the defence, Frenkie de Jong pulling strings in midfield, and Cody Gakpo terrorising defenders. At 20/1, they’re a solid bet for a deep run.

The only question is whether they can finally pass the big test. The Dutch have flattered to deceive in recent tournaments, often falling just short against the heavyweights. But with a squad this talented and Koeman’s tactical nous, they’re ready to paint North America orange. Grab a free bet from Betrino and join the Clockwork Orange party.

Portugal: Ronaldo’s Last Rodeo (16/1)

When you’ve got Cristiano Ronaldo, anything’s possible—even at 40. The man’s a walking highlight reel, and he’s got his eyes on one last World Cup hurrah to match Messi’s 2022 heroics. Portugal’s squad is stacked with flair: Bruno Fernandes dictating play, Rafael Leao darting down the wing, and young gun Joao Neves adding energy. At 16/1, Roberto Martinez’s men are a serious threat.

Their Euro 2024 quarter-final exit stung, especially against rivals Spain, but it’s only fuelled their fire. Ronaldo’s got a point to prove, and with a supporting cast this good, Portugal could go far. It’s like watching a blockbuster where the ageing star still steals the show. Fancy a punt? Betrino’s Bet £25 Get £50 in Free Bets offer is your ticket to back CR7’s swan song.

Germany: The Machine Reboots (10/1)

As Gary Lineker once quipped, “Football is a simple game… and at the end, the Germans always win.” Well, not quite lately, but the signs are there that Germany’s ruthless efficiency is making a comeback. At Euro 2024, they started like a Panzer tank, with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala slicing through defences like hot knives through butter. A quarter-final loss to Spain was a bump in the road, but under Julian Nagelsmann, this team is finding its groove.

With four World Cups and three European Championships in their locker, Germany know how to win. At 10/1, they’re a tempting bet to reclaim their spot at the top. Wirtz and Musiala are the future, but veterans like Joshua Kimmich add steel. If they can fine-tune their game, expect Die Mannschaft to march deep into the tournament. A free bet from Betrino could be your chance to cash in on Germany’s resurgence.

The Heavyweights: Numbers 5 to 1

Argentina: Messi’s Magic Still Sparkles (8/1)

Argentina’s recent run—two Copa Americas and a World Cup since 2020—has been nothing short of majestic. Lionel Messi, the maestro with a wand for a left foot, led them to glory in Qatar, and at 8/1, they’re still a force to be reckoned with. Under Lionel Scaloni, La Albiceleste don’t dazzle with flair but win with the quiet confidence of champions, grinding out results by the slimmest of margins.

Messi, now in the twilight of his career, remains the heartbeat of this team, supported by the likes of Angel Di Maria and young guns like Julian Alvarez. They’re not the outright favourites this time, but write them off at your peril. Argentina’s knack for getting the job done makes them a solid pick for a deep run. With Betrino’s free bet bonuses, you could back Messi to sprinkle a bit more stardust in 2026.

England: Can Tuchel End the Heartbreak? (7/1)

Oh, England. Sixty years of “it’s coming home” chants, and still no major trophy since 1966. At 7/1, the bookies think Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions have a real shot in 2026. After back-to-back Euro final heartaches, England’s squad is bursting with talent: Jude Bellingham’s midfield mastery, Bukayo Saka’s wing wizardry, and Cole Palmer’s cool-headed finishing. The challenge? Getting all these stars to gel without tripping over each other.

Tuchel’s tactical nous could be the key to unlocking England’s potential. The nation’s long-suffering fans are daring to dream, but it’ll take more than hope to end the drought. A flutter on England with any one of the many bookmaker free bet offers might just soften the blow if it all goes pear-shaped. Again.

France: Depth, Drama, and Mbappe’s Moment (7/1)

France’s squad is so deep, their bench players could probably win a tournament on their own. At 7/1, they’re joint-second favourites, and it’s easy to see why. Kylian Mbappe, a one-man wrecking ball, scored a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final and still came up short. With wingmen like Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann, plus a rock-solid defence led by Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba, France are built to dominate.

Their recent near-misses—World Cup final in 2022, Euro semi-final in 2024—only add fuel to their fire. If Mbappe can channel his inner superhero, France could finally climb the mountain. A cheeky bet with Betrino’s free bet bonuses might just pay off handsomely.

Brazil: Samba Stars Ready to Shine (7/1)

Brazil, with five World Cup titles, are football’s gold standard, but their last triumph feels like ancient history. At 7/1, they’re joint-second favourites, despite a wobbly qualifying campaign that included a 4-1 thrashing by Argentina. Still, with Vinicius Junior and Raphinha vying for Ballon d’Or glory, Brazil’s attack is as lethal as a samba drumbeat.

The Selecao’s star power is undeniable, but their defence needs tightening if they’re to reclaim their crown. If they can rediscover their rhythm, Brazil could dance their way to glory. Why not back them with Betrino’s generous free bet offer and hope for some South American magic?

Spain: La Roja’s Golden Era 2.0? (6/1)

Spain are the bookies’ darlings at 6/1, and it’s not hard to see why. Their Euro 2024 triumph, securing a record fourth European title, echoed the dominance of their 2008-2012 golden era. With Ballon d’Or winner Rodri anchoring the midfield, and young stars like Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Pau Cubarsi lighting up the pitch, La Roja are a force to be reckoned with.

Their blend of experience and youth makes them a nightmare for opponents. The question is whether they can sustain their dominance or if their success will breed complacency. For now, Spain look like the team to beat, and a punt with any of our featured bookies’ UK free bets could be a smart move for those backing La Roja’s resurgence.

Final Thoughts: A Tournament of Twists Awaits

As the countdown to 2026 ticks on, the World Cup promises a carnival of footballing drama. From Spain’s silky passing to Morocco’s fearless underdog spirit, every team brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re backing the favourites or fancy a long shot, the bookmakers have plenty of options to keep your heart racing, as well as a wealth of great free betting offers. So, as the USA, Canada, and Mexico prepare to host the greatest show on Earth, grab your free bet bonuses, pick your team, and get ready for a tournament that’s sure to serve up shocks, stunners, and maybe even a few tears. After all, in football, anything can happen—and it usually does.