The Championship
Expected August 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 — Odds, Facts & Betting Guide
11 June – 19 July 2026 · USA, Canada & Mexico, North America
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest tournament in the competition's history: the first edition with 48 teams, the first hosted by three nations, and at 104 matches the longest World Cup ever staged. The United States, Canada and Mexico share hosting duties across 16 cities, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July 2026.
For bettors, the expanded format changes the maths. A 48-team field means more group games, more mismatches in the early rounds, and a new round of 32 before the knockout stages settle into a familiar rhythm. Outright markets, group winners and golden boot betting all carry deeper fields than any previous World Cup.
Where to find the latest odds
All odds are indicative only and subject to change. New customers only. T&Cs apply. 18+.
FIFA World Cup: fast facts
- The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams, expanded from the 32-team format used since 1998.
- A record 104 matches will be played, up from 64 at Qatar 2022.
- It is the first World Cup hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- The final takes place at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on 19 July 2026.
- Sixteen host cities are used: eleven in the USA, three in Mexico and two in Canada.
- Mexico City's Estadio Azteca becomes the first stadium to host matches at three different World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026).
- Argentina arrive as holders after beating France on penalties in the 2022 final in Qatar.
Past winners
| Year | Winner | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Argentina | Beat France on penalties after a 3-3 final; Messi's crowning triumph |
| 2018 | France | Beat Croatia 4-2 in Moscow |
| 2014 | Germany | Beat Argentina 1-0; thrashed hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-final |
| 2010 | Spain | Beat the Netherlands 1-0; Iniesta's extra-time winner |
| 2006 | Italy | Beat France on penalties in Berlin |
| 2002 | Brazil | Record fifth title; Ronaldo scored both in the final |
| 1998 | France | Beat Brazil 3-0 as hosts; Zidane scored twice |
| 1994 | Brazil | First final decided on penalties, against Italy |
| 1990 | West Germany | Beat Argentina 1-0 in Rome |
| 1986 | Argentina | Maradona's tournament, the last time Mexico hosted |
How to bet on FIFA World Cup
The outright winner market is the headline bet at any World Cup, but with 48 teams the value often lies elsewhere. Group-winner and to-qualify markets reward tournament knowledge, since the expanded format includes more sides with limited pedigree at this level.
Match betting follows the standard football markets: result (1X2), both teams to score, over/under goals and correct score. Knockout-stage matches can end in penalties, so check whether your bet settles on 90 minutes or the tie outcome — most match-result bets settle on 90 minutes plus stoppage time.
Golden Boot betting is a tournament-long market on the top scorer. Players from strong teams expected to go deep play more games, which is why favourites cluster among the leading nations' strikers. As with all betting, odds shift constantly through a tournament — and no bet, however short-priced, is ever guaranteed.
Popular markets
- Outright winner
- Group winner
- To reach the final
- Top goalscorer (Golden Boot)
- Match result (1X2)
- Both teams to score
- Correct score
FIFA World Cup 2026: your questions answered
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is on Sunday 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
48 teams — the first expansion since the 32-team format was introduced in 1998. They play 104 matches across the tournament.
Which countries are hosting the 2026 World Cup?
The United States, Canada and Mexico are co-hosting, the first three-nation World Cup. Matches are played in 16 cities.
Who won the last World Cup?
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, beating France on penalties after a 3-3 draw in one of the greatest finals ever played.
Is there a round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. With 48 teams, a new round of 32 precedes the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.