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

    Ironside Sports MediaBy No Comments37 Mins Read


    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 about, and all 12 four-team teams are locked in. However which groups would be the severe 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 subject by putting all of the groups into distinct tiers and breaking down why you must control them.

    JUMP TO: Co-Hosts | Sleeper Picks | Capable of Deep Run | Get Into Knockouts | Could Make It Interesting | Early Exit? | Debut Teams! 

    ARGENTINA

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

     (Picture by Daniel Jayo/Getty Photos)

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

    BRAZIL

    (Picture by Wealthy Storry/Getty Photos)

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

    The final two instances 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 virtually 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 means 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 anticipated to supply 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

    (Picture by Alex Pantling/Getty Photos)

    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 continues to be in search of 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 celebs 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 product of.

    FRANCE

    (Picture by FRANCK FIFE / AFP through Getty Photos)

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

    Les Bleus gained 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

     (Picture by ANP through Getty Photos)

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

    Portugal has by no means gained 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 staff 4 years in the past when former supervisor Fernando Santos benched famous person Cristiano Ronaldo in Qatar. Now the staff is coached by Spaniard Roberto Martinez, who led it to the 2024 Euro quarterfinal and 2025 Nations League championship, the place his aspect 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 

    (Picture by NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV/AFP through Getty Photos)

    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 total within the nation’s historical past. 4 years in the past, La Roja had 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. This can be 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:

     (Picture by Michael Owens/Getty Photos)

    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 Biggest Present on Earth for the primary time since 1986. And Canada performed effectively 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 boys’s aspect 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 way in which.

    MEXICO

    (Picture by Omar Vega/Getty Photos)

    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 could be disastrous, particularly given their favorable draw. The reigning Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup champions have had a latest rash of accidents that has allowed even keeper Guillermo Ochoa to return to the squad for latest 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 resembling star striker Raul Jimenez and captain Edson Alvarez (who can also be battling an damage). 

    USA

    (Picture by Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Photos)

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

    Enjoying at a World Cup on residence soil for the primary time since 1994, america 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 successful 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 legit European membership stars resembling 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 objective for AC Milan got here on Dec. 28, 2025, whereas his final objective 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 could possibly be one of many greatest sleepers to make some severe 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 stable assist 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 could possibly 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 likely one of the world’s greatest defensive midfielders. The sport towards Germany within the group finale is probably going for who’ll end on prime. 

    MOROCCO

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

    The Cinderella staff of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco was practically 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 staff however had been in a position to promote Mohamed Ouahbi, who led Morocco’s U-20 staff to a Youth World Cup title in 2025, because the successor. Morocco was drawn into Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti and Scotland, which is able to make for some early intrigue. PSG’s famous person right-back Achraf Hakimi ought to as soon as once more shine in the summertime. 

    NORWAY

    (Picture by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Photos/DeFodi through Getty Photos)

    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 barely 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 could possibly 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, once 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 one more probability on the most important stage this summer season, with a succesful supporting forged led by electrical Manchester Metropolis winger Jeremy Doku. 

    CROATIA

    (Picture by Eston Parker/ISI Photographs/ISI Photographs through Getty Photos)

    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 latest historical past, this nation was the runner-up on the 2018 World Cup and completed in third place on the 2022 World Cup. You’ll be able to by no means rely this aspect out of a significant match, particularly given the squad’s expertise stage and the truth that it is led by famous person 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 successful all of it. However Die Mannschaft has a lot 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 successful the German title two seasons in the past earlier than being named Bundesliga Participant of the 12 months in 2025 after which making a giant transfer to Liverpool. In March, the 22-year-old Wirtz scored his tenth objective in simply 39 video games for his nation.   

    NETHERLANDS

     (Picture by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Photos)

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

    In all probability the perfect soccer-loving nation by no means to have gained a World Cup and the followers are hungry for a trophy. Simply take a look at latest main tournaments like the boys’s and ladies’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 suitable 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 way in which to the semifinals in Korea/Japan in 2002 earlier than shedding to eventual champ Brazil by a single objective. With gamers littered throughout Europe’s prime 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 most likely the favorites to win a gaggle that features Australia, Paraguay and the match co-hosts United States. 

    URUGUAY

     (Picture by Marc Atkins/Getty Photos)

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

    Who gained the primary World Cup in 1930? It’s a stable trivia query. And the reply, which frequently stumps folks, is Uruguay. And never solely did it win that inaugural match, nevertheless it hosted as effectively. This can be a nation with a wealthy footballing custom, although it hasn’t been again to the highest since successful 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 will likely 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 staff that likes to assault and has a robust core of veterans on the staff, like Actual Madrid defender David Alaba and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer. It is coached by Ralf Rangnick, who has had an in depth teaching profession in Germany. Earlier than taking on the Austrian nationwide staff, 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 in the end misplaced to Türkiye). Does it have one other upset brewing for this summer season?

    EGYPT

    (Picture by ANP through Getty Photos)

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

    Africa’s oldest and most profitable nationwide staff 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 objective is evident: Get out of group play for the primary time of their lengthy and adorned historical past. It might be the final time we see Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah on this huge of a stage as effectively. 

    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 will play co-host Mexico, South Africa and a European playoff staff. 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

     (Picture by Koji Watanabe/Getty Photos)

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

    Japan has performed in each World Cup since its debut in 1998, nevertheless 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. This can be a staff that traditionally performs shortly, likes to press and is harmful in transition. The perfect half concerning the Samurai Blue, although, might be their followers, who went viral and had been admired all over the world on the final World Cup for cleansing up stadiums after matches.

    SCOTLAND

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

    As soon as an everyday World Cup qualifier, the Tartan Military will quickly be again on the large 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 gaggle 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 way in which. It was his spectacular bicycle kick that opened the scoring in Scotland’s World Cup qualifying clincher over Denmark. 

    SENEGAL

     (Picture by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto through Getty Photos)

    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 had been eradicated by England within the spherical of 16 in Qatar. Generally 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 certainly one of 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, once 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 aspect Atlanta United to Premier League mainstay Newcastle earlier than a return again to Atlanta. This staff is the USA’s opening match, so anticipate the South Individuals to try to spoil the co-hosts’ social gathering. 

    SWITZERLAND

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

    Switzerland is as reliable because the watches produced within the nation – this staff 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 no less than 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, once they traditionally reached the spherical of 16. They had been in a position to guide their ticket to this summer season’s match by ending atop their group in African qualifying. On the World Cup, they had 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 could possibly 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

    (Picture by Picture Picture Company/Getty Photos)

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

    What is the greatest story of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unimaginable 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 referred to 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 a lot extra assist in a gaggle that features co-hosts Mexico. 

    DR CONGO

    (Picture by Luis Cano/Jam Media/Getty Photos)

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

    Merely put, this staff wasn’t presupposed 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 referred to 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 guide their spot in the primary 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 prime of their qualifying group with eight wins, one draw and one loss. Sadly, they had 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’ll 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 prime scorer who retired in 2018) are lengthy gone, however that will not deter the brand new era of those Elephants. The staff debuted on the world stage in 2006 after which certified for every of the subsequent two tournaments earlier than lacking the final two editions. Now, it is again with life like ambitions of advancing for the primary time of their historical past, regardless of occupying a gaggle with Ecuador and four-time winners Germany: In March, it thumped World Cup-bound South Korea 4-0, which ought to give the staff momentum in the summertime. 

    SWEDEN

     (Picture by Sebastian Frej/Getty Photos)

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

    How about attending to the World Cup with out really successful 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 way in which is a pair of prime 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:

    (Picture by Geoff Robins / AFP through Getty Photos)

    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 gained a qualifying group that contained latest World Cup individuals Costa Rica and Honduras. However the process might be means greater this summer season with these group-stage groups.

    IRAN

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

    Workforce Melli gained’t be a pushover as this staff 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 staff.

    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 staff to really guide a spot for the World Cup by successful the second intercontinental playoff. It is the second World Cup look for the squad (after its 1986 debut), however with a gaggle that features three very stout sides, it might be a brief match for the Lions of Mesopotamia. 

    NEW ZEALAND

    (Picture by Hannah Peters – FIFA/FIFA through Getty Photos)

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

    The staff is again on the large 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 fundamental 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 most likely going to be a troublesome project 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 robust qualifying marketing campaign, which was aided by the truth that it didn’t should play america, Canada or Mexico, all of whom routinely certified for the match as co-hosts. This might be a troublesome group, however the Panamanians can stun their opponents when the whole lot is clicking. Simply ask the U.S. males’s nationwide staff, which misplaced to Panama on the 2024 Copa América and within the 2025 Concacaf Nations League semifinals.

    SAUDI ARABIA

    (Picture by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Photos)

    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 staff to the 2023 World Cup. He little question will need to assist the staff go additional than it did final time, and possibly that’s potential in a gaggle with Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde.

    SOUTH AFRICA

    (Picture by Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Photos/Getty Photos)

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

    South Africa will get the glory 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. Generally 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 may 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 routinely as hosts. This time, the Maroons did it on the sphere. 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

    (Picture by FRANCK FIFE/AFP through Getty Photos)

    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 technique 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 outstanding 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 fervour 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 large dance earlier than, it practically certified for the 2014 match by making it to the intercontinental playoffs. It didn’t work out then, however the staff was rewarded for making the expanded 48-team subject this time round by being drawn into a gaggle with Argentina.

    UZBEKISTAN

    (Picture by Anvar Ilyasov/Getty Photos)

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

    One other World Cup debutant! Uzbekistan could also be a staff largely unknown to the world at this level, nevertheless it’s coached by Favio Cannavaro, who is thought to be one of many best defenders of all time. Cannavaro captained Italy to the World Cup in 2006, so he is aware of what this staff is getting itself into this summer season. He’s had an unlimited teaching profession up up to now and solely took over the nationwide staff 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 nations, the match will culminate with the ultimate on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air dwell throughout FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with each match streaming dwell and on-demand inside each the FOX One and the FOX Sports activities apps. A report 40 matches, greater than one-third of the match, will air in prime time throughout FOX (21) and FS1 (19).



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