Bookmakers Favourites for the 2026 World Cup
As of this writing, the 2026 World Cup is now a matter of weeks away. Temperatures are rising, and so is anticipation surrounding arguably the biggest spectacle in all of football.
While Ireland unfortunately narrowly missed out on a place at this year’s tournament, there’s still plenty to be excited about, especially if you’re into your sports betting and are excited at the prospect of hopefully winning some money in the process.
So, who will Irish punters be backing at this year’s tournament, and what do the bookies think? Here’s a look at several of the bookmaker’s favourites for the 2026 World Cup, along with a couple of fan favourites and outsiders.
Spain
Whilst there’s currently not much in it between Spain and France, it’s currently Spain whom many of the bookmakers are backing to bring home the trophy at the 2026 World Cup.
Spain will have momentum on their side following their victory over England in the Euro 2024 final. They also have one of the strongest squads in recent memory, so it’s easy to see why the bookies, and punters, believe they have what it takes to lift the trophy. Interestingly, their squad includes not a single Real Madrid player this year. Interesting.
The only real potential dark cloud hovering over their World Cup prospects, is the fitness of Lamine Yamal. Yamal, who has been nursing a torn hamstring since April, is included in the squad, but there will of course be doubts over his fitness.
Ladbrokes have Spain at 9/2, while BOYLE Sports are offering odds of 5/1.
France
Spain may be favourites (just) to lift the World Cup, but there are plenty of bookies across Ireland who believe it will be France that emerge victorious in the summer.
France are no strangers to World Cup finals, having won the trophy twice and narrowly missed out in 2022. With players such as Dembele and Olise also firing on all cylinders, the depth is most certainly there. Of course, many expect Kylian Mbappe to be the difference maker, particularly as he could go down as the all-time World Cup goalscorer with just five more goals.
Ladbrokes and BOYLE Sports both have France at 9/2.
England
While a lot of Irish fans would probably not be thrilled to see the Three Lions lift their second ever World Cup trophy, Thomas Tuchel’s men are currently third favs for the tournament.
Though there are questions over Tuchel’s final squad selection, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka will all likely feature heavily, though should it go to penalties, Pickford has also more than proved his worth in previous tournaments.
Ladbrokes currently have England at 13/2, while BOYLE Sports have them at 6/1 to emerge victorious.
Scotland
Scotland may not be favourites to win the trophy, but many Irish betting fans will be backing them, especially as Ladbrokes and BOYLE Sports are currently offering 250/1 odds.
This will be Scotland’s first World Cup in almost three decades, and despite being clear underdogs, at the end of the day it’s just football. If they can play better than their opponents, they win, it’s that simple.
Haiti
Finally, if there’s one thing the Irish love, it’s an underdog. If you thought Scotland were underdogs, just wait until you learn the odds for Haiti.
Both Ladbrokes and BOYLE Sports have Haiti at 1000/1, so surely for the sake of a Euro, it’s worth a shot, right?
With Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor named in the squad, he’ll be buzzing after securing European football for the Black Cats, one year after being promoted, and will almost certainly want to impress on the grandest stage of them all. Of course, there’s the small matter of being in the same group as Brazil. Still, stranger things can happen in football, and should they reach the knockout stages, the atmosphere will be electric.